What is Hostly?
Hostly acts as a virtual AI receptionist and chat tool tailored for business websites. To set it up, businesses simply need to embed a straightforward script and provide essential information regarding their services, hours of operation, and pricing structures. Website visitors can interact through chat, posing questions that the assistant responds to based on the established business profile. When the appointment booking feature is enabled, it can propose available time slots from Hostly’s scheduling calendar or a connected Beauty Calendar. Furthermore, businesses have the option to accept either partial deposits or full payments via Stripe. The platform features an inbox that enables staff to oversee conversations, manage chat threads, or return them to the AI as necessary. Designed with small businesses in mind, such as salons, clinics, restaurants, and retail outlets, Hostly significantly improves customer engagement. Moreover, an optional WhatsApp button facilitates direct communication through the business’s WhatsApp for human responses, while Hostly’s AI does not participate in WhatsApp chats or answer phone calls. This balanced strategy guarantees that customers receive timely assistance while allowing human staff to step in when required, enhancing the overall customer service experience. By blending automated and personal interactions, Hostly aims to create a seamless communication channel for businesses and their clientele.