How to add a chatbot to your website without guessing at the answers
A website chatbot needs four things: accurate business information, an installed chat widget, clear handoff rules and a tested conversation. Start with one website, check the answers, then connect your social messaging channels.
Use this checklist for the $99.99/month DIY chatbot plan. If you prefer someone to configure it for you, choose the separate setup service at checkout or discuss a broader plan. The subscription and setup are different purchases.
1. Write the information your bot is allowed to use
Make a short source document with your business name, services, hours, service area, contact method, booking link and current prices you want published. Add the ten questions customers ask most often. For each answer, name the source and the date you checked it.
For example, a visitor might ask, “Do you cover my ZIP code?” Your source should list the actual service area. If you do not have the answer, teach the bot to ask a person rather than inventing coverage. For real estate, provide approved property information and a process for checking availability; installing a widget does not create an MLS integration.
2. Decide how the conversation should end
Choose one primary next step: request a quote, book an appointment or leave contact details for a reply. Then define the handoff situations: a complaint, a price exception, a question outside the knowledge base or a request to speak to someone. Keep the first interaction simple and ask one useful question at a time.
You can see that approach in the live real-estate chatbot demo. The demo has no real listings, so it should explain that limitation when asked about a specific property.
3. Configure the website chat widget
In the customer workspace, go to Sites → Chat Widget. Create or edit the widget, choose website live chat, set your brand colours and welcome message, and select the agent where the widget supports AI. Confirm that the channel sends messages to the conversations inbox.
HighLevel labels website messaging as “Live Chat” in its widget setup. Its official chat widget guide explains the available chat types and installation steps. Use that guide for current menu names; optional voice, SMS and email channels are separate from basic web chat.
4. Install the supplied widget code
Copy the code from your own widget and add it to the website using your builder's custom code area or tag manager. Ask your website builder to place it across the pages where visitors need help. Use your own widget ID; copying the demo website's code would connect visitors to the wrong business.
Open the published site in a private window and on a phone. Check that the chat button is visible, readable and does not cover checkout or appointment buttons. If the website builder strips scripts, use its supported integration or ask the builder to install the code.
5. Test useful and awkward questions
- Can you answer a normal FAQ using the approved source?
- What happens when a visitor asks about a service you do not offer?
- Does the booking link reach the right calendar?
- Can a person read and take over the conversation?
- What happens when the AI allowance or configured limit is reached?
Do not send real customer details while testing. A chatbot that politely says it needs help is more useful than one that invents a price or booking. Save the test questions so you can repeat them after changing the knowledge base.
6. Connect social messaging after web chat passes
Facebook Messenger and Instagram require their own approved account connections. Test each channel independently. A working website widget does not prove that Instagram DMs or Messenger are connected. See the Instagram chatbot guide for how social messages fit into the same inbox.
7. Review conversations each week
Look for unanswered questions, inaccurate information and visitors who stop before the next step. Update the source material first, then retest. Keep a person responsible for changing hours, prices and availability.
Try the demo before you buyGet help with setup
For help choosing a plan, read the pricing and setup breakdown. More examples are in the chatbot guides.