UpSellIt's Chatty Ads Could Increase ROI

New technology could allow your targeted consumer base to interact on a personal level with ads placed online. UpSellIt's SmartAgent equips online ad campaigns with a live chat feature which can answer consumer's questions about the product.

by Kristina Knight

The technology was actually developed two years ago to use in chat rooms; it was then altered to make it work through an advertising interface. SmartAgent works by breaking down what consumers say into a language that the computer can understand; the computer then answers consumers' questions.

SmartAgent will also give offers (percentages off, coupons or free shipping) to consumers who abandon their online shopping carts.

"If a consumer holds the mouse over the ad for a few seconds, a chat will launch from that ad," said Glenn Russell, CEO and co-founder of UpSellIt. "[From there] the consumer can gain more information about the product or service, engaging them and getting feedback for the company. The ads convert better and [marketers] get feedback from the customer."

Currently, about 80% of consumers' questions are answered through traditional FAQ pages. The SmartAgent option will answer between 90% and 95% of consumers' questions. It can be customized to be friendly, professional or playful, depending upon a businesses needs. And, while it doesn't take the place of live customer service, it is a good alternative to an static FAQ page.