Wondering how to create a chat assistant for your website for easier customer support?
Using WPChat, you can create a chat assistant, set up automatic messages, and connect it to trusted messaging platforms to let visitors reach you.
Many beginners worry that setting one up requires complex code or expensive software. I understand that hesitation because I used to feel the same way.
Fortunately, setting up a chat assistant was actually much easier than expected; all you need is the right tool to help you out.
I will walk you through exactly how to create a chat assistant for your website in 5 steps with the help of WPChat.
What Is a Chat Assistant for Your Website (And Why You Need One)
A chat assistant is an automated tool that engages visitors through conversational messages on your website.
Think of it as a friendly greeter at the entrance of your digital store—always available to help visitors find what they need.
Unlike a live chat operator, a chat assistant works 24/7 without breaks or time off. It automatically responds to visitor questions, guides them through your content, and helps capture leads even when you’re asleep.
Key Benefits of Adding a Chat Assistant
Adding a chat assistant to your website delivers several important advantages for your business:
- Engage Visitors 24/7: Your chat assistant never sleeps, so visitors get instant responses any time of day or night.
- Capture Leads Automatically: Interactive conversations encourage visitors to share contact information in exchange for help or resources.
- Provide Instant Answers: Visitors get responses to frequently asked questions without waiting for email replies.
- Reduce Support Workload: Automated responses handle repetitive questions for complex customer issues.
- Increase Conversions: Personalized message flows direct visitors toward your products, services, or most valuable content.
According to research, websites with chat features see up to 82% higher conversion rates compared to sites without chat functionality.
For more ways to communicate with your visitors, check out this list of the best click-to-chat solutions for businesses.
How to Create a Chat Assistant for Your Website (Quick Answer)
To create a chat assistant for your website, you’ll use WPChat, a beginner-friendly WordPress plugin.
This tool lets you create chat assistants that can provide instant answers and interactive messages.
On top of that, you can connect your assistant to the biggest messaging platforms out there: WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Telegram.
As a result, your visitors can receive automatic messages and choose to contact you directly on a messaging app they prefer.
The process involves five main steps:
- Installing and activating WPChat
- Configuring your contact details and display settings
- Creating an interactive chat funnel with custom messages
- Linking those messages into a conversation flow
- Choosing where to display your chat assistant
Ready to go ahead and create chat assistants with ease? Get WPChat for your website here.
I remember feeling intimidated by the idea of adding automation to my site, but this process is very straightforward — let me show you.
How to Create a Chat Assistant for Your Website
You just need to free up 5 minutes of your time, and it requires zero coding. Below, I’ll walk you through each step with clear instructions and screenshots.
Step 1: Install and Activate WPChat
First, you’ll need to get a copy of WPChat and install it on your WordPress website.
This process is straightforward and follows the same pattern as installing any other WordPress plugin.
For help with the basics, see this beginner’s guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Step 2: Configure Your WPChat Settings
Now that WPChat is installed, you need to configure your settings before creating any chat funnels.
Think of this step as laying the foundation — you’re telling WPChat who you are and how you want your chat assistant to appear on your site.
Enter Your Contact Information
To begin the setup, click on the WPChat menu in your WordPress dashboard. Then, select the Set Up option to start the configuration wizard.
On the first screen, you’ll need to enter your WhatsApp number so visitors can directly reach you.
Make sure to include your country code when entering your phone number.
Once you’ve entered your contact information, click on Next.
Select Your Chat Assistant Theme
The next screen shows you different theme options for your chat assistant.
Themes control the visual appearance of the chat assistant, including colors, button styles the chat window displays on your site.
Use the dropdown menu to check out the 3 theme options available and select one you prefer.
After selecting your theme, click on Next to move forward.
You can always change this later if you want to try a different style.
Set Up Display Rules
Now you’ll choose where your chat assistant appears on your website.
You have two main options: show on all pages or display only on specific pages.
For most websites, I recommend showing the chat assistant on high-traffic pages like your homepage and blog posts to maximize engagement.
This gives you the best chance to connect with visitors who are actively interested in your content.
Use the filter options to include or exclude specific pages, tags, categories, and custom post types.
Once you’ve configured your display rules, click on the Next button.
For example, you might want to exclude your thank-you pages or checkout pages to avoid distracting visitors during important actions.
Activate Your License
The final configuration step requires you to enter your WPChat license key.
Paste the key into the license field and click on the Complete Setup button to finish up here.
Now, you’re ready to add automated messages for your chat assistant with the help of the chat funnels feature.
Step 3: Add a Chat Funnel to Your Assistant
A chat funnel is simply the series of messages and responses your chat assistant will use to guide visitors toward a specific goal, like answering a question or collecting contact information.
Think of it like a chat recipe — you’re planning out what to say and how to respond based on what visitors choose.
Each message leads naturally to the next, creating a helpful conversation flow.
Set Up Your Welcome Message
To create your first chat funnel, go to WPChat » Chat Funnels in your WordPress dashboard.
Then, click the New Funnel button at the top of the page.
You’ll see a field asking for a funnel name.
Enter something descriptive like “Homepage Greeting” or “Product Support” so you can easily identify this funnel later.
Below the funnel name, you’ll see a text field for your first message.
This is your welcome message — the first thing visitors will see when they start the interaction.
Keep your first message friendly and open-ended. You want visitors to feel comfortable engaging with your chat assistant right away.
Add Follow-Up Messages
Once you’ve created your welcome message, click the Add Message button below it.
This lets you create a second message that will appear based on how visitors respond.
In the text field for your second message, type a response that acknowledges their choice and offers specific options.
You can also make your messages more engaging by adding visual elements.
Click the Image icon to upload screenshots, product photos, or helpful diagrams.
Why This Matters: Multiple messages create an interactive experience rather than a static popup. This is what makes chat assistants more engaging than basic contact forms—visitors feel like they’re having a real conversation that adapts to their needs.
Step 4: Connect Your Messages into a Conversation Flow
Now we’re connecting the dots—telling your assistant what to do when a visitor clicks each response option.
This step transforms your individual messages into a smooth, guided conversation.
You’re simply saying, “When someone clicks this button, show them this message next.” It’s that straightforward.
Create Response Options for Your First Message
Look at your first message in the funnel builder and click the Edit icon on the first reply option.
A settings panel will open where you can customize this response button.
In the Label field, enter what you want the button to say.
Below the text field, you’ll see a dropdown menu that lets you pick which message to connect.
Click this dropdown and select where you want visitors to go when they click this button.
You can also select the To Customer Support option to send them to your customer support agent instead.
Finally, click on Save to confirm your changes.
Just repeat this process for each response option in your funnel. Each button needs to know where it leads.
This creates multiple conversation paths that adapt based on what your visitor is interested in.
Preview Your Chat Assistant
Before you publish anything, click the live preview button to test your conversation flow as if you were a visitor.
The preview panel shows exactly how your chat assistant will appear on your website.
Click through each response option to make sure everything links correctly—this is your safety check.
I recommend testing every possible conversation path to catch any broken links or confusing jumps.
Once you’re satisfied with how everything works, click on Save Changes to store your chat funnel.
Step 5: Choose Where to Display Your Chat Assistant
You’ve built a great chat assistant, but now you need to decide where it appears on your website.
WPChat also lets you show different chat funnels on different pages, allowing you to customize the experience based on context.
Someone on your pricing page might see different options than someone reading a blog post.
Set Page-Level Display Rules
Once you create your funnel, you’ll see a page where you can set the visibility options.
Use the filters to select specific pages, categories, tags, or custom post types where this funnel should appear.
For a lead generation funnel, show it on your highest-traffic blog posts where visitors are already engaged with your content.
For a support funnel, show it on your documentation or FAQ pages where people are actively looking for help.
Once you’ve made your selections, click Save Changes to apply your display rules.
Best Practices for Chat Assistant Placement
- Don’t show the same funnel on every page — tailor the message to the page context so visitors get relevant help based on what they’re viewing.
- Avoid showing chat assistants on checkout or cart pages — they can distract visitors from completing their purchase at a critical moment.
- Test different welcome messages on high-traffic pages — see which opening lines and questions resonate best with your audience.
- Monitor your messaging platform — check which funnels generate the most engagement and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Conclusion
Setting up a chat assistant for your website doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The five steps we covered give you everything you need to start meaningful conversations with your audience.
You can have your chat assistant up and running in less than 5 minutes, and it will work for your business 24/7.
Get your copy of WPChat today and get started with creating powerful chat assistants.
You may also want to see our beginner’s guide on how to customize your chat assistant to match your brand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need coding skills to set up WPChat?
No, WPChat is designed for beginners and requires zero coding. The entire setup uses a visual interface with click-and-type fields.
Can I use WPChat with messaging platforms other than WhatsApp?
Yes, WPChat supports other major messaging platforms like Instagram, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram.
As a result, visitors can reach you on whichever platform they prefer.
Will adding a chat assistant slow down my website?
No, you just need to find a tool that’s designed to be lightweight and fast. Since WPChat is optimized for performance, it makes sure your site loads as fast as ever.
Can I customize the appearance of the chat assistant?
Yes, WPChat includes multiple theme options and customization settings. You can change colors, assistant avatar, visible sections, and more.
