If you've been running a small business for any length of time, you know the frustration: a potential customer visits your website at 9pm, has a question about your services, and... leaves. By the time you see their enquiry the next morning, they've already called your competitor.
This is exactly the problem AI chatbots solve. And in 2026, they're no longer just for big corporations with massive budgets.
What Is an AI Chatbot, Really?
An AI chatbot is a piece of software that can have conversations with your website visitors – answering questions, collecting information, and even booking appointments – without you lifting a finger.
Unlike the clunky chatbots of a few years ago (remember those frustrating "I didn't understand that" responses?), modern AI chatbots use the same technology that powers ChatGPT. They actually understand what people are asking and respond intelligently.
What Can an AI Chatbot Do for Your Business?
Answer common questions 24/7 – "What are your hours?", "How much does X cost?", "Do you cover my area?" – the questions you answer dozens of times each week, handled automatically.
Capture leads while you sleep – Instead of a potential customer bouncing from your site, the chatbot engages them, collects their details, and sends you a qualified lead to follow up on.
Book appointments – Connect it to your calendar and let customers book directly, without the back-and-forth of phone tag.
Qualify enquiries – The chatbot can ask the right questions upfront, so you know exactly what someone needs before you call them back.
Is an AI Chatbot Right for Your Business?
An AI chatbot makes sense if:
- You get enquiries outside business hours
- You answer the same questions repeatedly
- You're often too busy (on a job, with a customer) to respond quickly
- You want to capture more leads from your website traffic
It's especially powerful for tradespeople and service businesses – electricians, plumbers, builders, cleaners, consultants – anyone who can't be at their computer all day.
What Does It Cost?
Pricing varies, but you can expect to pay anywhere from £50-200/month for a properly configured AI chatbot. Some providers charge per conversation, others a flat monthly fee.
At Zero Stress Websites, we offer chatbot setup and hosting from £99/month – including the initial configuration, training on your business, and ongoing support.
Getting Started
Adding a chatbot to your website is surprisingly straightforward. The key is proper setup and training – the bot needs to know your business, your services, your pricing, and how you want conversations handled.
If you're curious whether a chatbot would work for your business, get in touch for a free consultation. We'll give you an honest assessment – no pressure, no sales pitch.