In my recent blog travels, sometimes known as checking on the other guys, I came across the topic of bots. These “web robots” are basically software applications that perform automated tasks. Many, in fact, are programmed to act like humans, so when you talk to them it seems as if you’re asking a fellow being for help instead of simply typing a search item into a search engine.
Hurrah. Another [new] realm to explore. Not sure if I should be worried, unhappy and/or stressed, thanks to that technically-challenged [now officially technically-behind] thang of mine, or simply suck it up and gleefully go with the flow.
There are different types of bots—or chatbots as some call them (you say poe-tay-toe, I say poh-tah-toh)—but let’s stick to messaging bots. They ask questions and alert people about new info. And they’re not just little mechanical devices anymore; they’re drivers that prompt action. Some would say they’re similar in concept to email lists—i.e. they notify followers [of something significant].
Use bots to your [blogging] advantage. Launch one of these chatty avatars, or virtual assistants, to inform followers when you’ve posted, are going to provide instruction or advice (lessons, as the case may be), or are about to host an event such as a contest or podcast. Have one connect with your landing page viewers. Invite visitors to subscribe and provide a bit of background as to why they might like to do so. Make sure your bot is relevant (of interest) to your given followers.
There are tons of bot-related tools and sites. Given bots are relatively simple to set-up and manage (so they say), you can transfer content as questions and answers, and allow a no-coding platform to handle the rest. (I’ll leave it to you to do your due diligence and check them out. Please feel free to share your findings.)
We bloggers know how tough—hear, hear—it can be trying to keep ourselves in the public eye and gain more followers. We constantly have to find ways to engage people, be it through blog design or content (as examples). Bots, however, can help simplify things because we don’t have to be available all the time: they can reply on our behalf, share our posts, and provide useful feedback re commencing certain actions.
Like our blogs, bots should reflect who we are, what we’re about, so creating a memorable bot is key. We should ensure our happy l’il fellas/gals prove fetching, providing the right info when asked— and with a bit o’ panache. They’re not perfect yet, but like good wine, they’ll improve with time.
Looks like another “must do” to add to the [growing] list. <LOL>
Happy bot-ing.
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