SimpleBot — AI Mode Overview
What is AI Mode?
AI Mode allows your bot to respond intelligently using artificial intelligence rather than following a fixed script. Instead of relying on pre-built conversation flows, the bot draws on its training data and context to generate natural, relevant replies in real time.
How AI-Powered Responses Work
When a visitor sends a message, the bot processes the input through an AI model and generates a response based on:
- The training data and business context you've provided
- The conversation history within the current session
- Any specific instructions or guidelines set in the bot's prompt configuration
The result is a conversational experience that feels natural and can handle a wide range of questions without requiring every possible path to be mapped out in advance.
AI Mode vs. Flow-Based Bots
| AI Mode | Flow-Based | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Open-ended Q&A, support, general inquiries | Structured data collection, lead capture, step-by-step processes |
| Conversation style | Free-form, dynamic | Guided, sequential |
| Setup effort | Provide training context and prompt instructions | Build each step and decision point manually |
| Data collection | Can gather info conversationally | Collects data through specific form-like blocks |
| Integrations | Requires a Flow Builder wrapper to trigger integrations | Natively triggers integrations at defined points |
When to use AI Mode: Your bot needs to answer a broad range of questions, provide support, or have natural conversations where you can't predict every possible user input.
When to use Flow-Based: You need to collect specific information in a specific order (name, email, phone), qualify leads through a defined process, or trigger integrations at precise points.
Combining both: You can use AI within a Flow Builder bot by adding an AI Block as a step in your flow. This gives you the structure of a flow-based bot with the flexibility of AI responses at key points.
Configuring AI Behavior
You can shape how your AI bot responds by adjusting these settings:
- Business Context / Training: Provide background information about your business, services, common questions, and anything the bot should know. The more relevant context you provide, the better the responses.
- Prompt Instructions: Set the tone, personality, and boundaries for the bot. For example, you can instruct it to keep responses short, stay on topic, or avoid discussing certain subjects.
- Reply Length: Control the maximum length of AI responses. This affects both the quality of responses and credit usage.
- URL and PDF Training (Advanced): Train the bot on specific web pages or documents so it can reference that content in its answers.
Need more help?
If you've worked through this and still need a hand, contact support — we'll dig in with you.