How to set up an AI chatbot for the first launch
After creating an AI chatbot, open its card and prepare its basic settings, connections, and knowledge sources. The current chatbot card has the General, Skills, Connections, Knowledge base, and Costs tabs.
Step 1. Complete the “General” tab
This tab contains the chatbot's basic properties:
- Chatbot enabled — when disabled, the chatbot does not reply in channels or the widget.
- Name — an internal name used to distinguish chatbots in the dashboard.
- Description — an internal explanation of the chatbot's purpose; customers do not see it.
- Language — the main language used in customer replies.
- Communication style — the general response style across all channels.
- Instructions — additional behavior rules and restrictions.
Keep instructions short and unambiguous. Store facts about your company, services, and policies in a knowledge base instead of a long instruction.
Step 2. Configure the required skills
The Skills tab enables the chatbot's working scenarios. Connect only the skills you need, such as collecting contact details, online booking, or product-related work. Each skill is configured separately.
Step 3. Add a connection
The Connections tab contains the channels through which the chatbot receives requests. This can be a website, Telegram, or VK. Creating a chatbot alone does not allow it to receive new messages: a suitable connection must also be configured and enabled.
Enter channel secrets only in the designated secret fields. Do not place them in the chatbot's name, description, or instructions.
Step 4. Connect a knowledge base
In the Knowledge base tab, select the bases whose materials the chatbot may use in its replies. A knowledge base does not replace a skill: the base provides facts, while a skill enables a working scenario.
Step 5. Review costs
The Costs tab shows estimated message costs, the selected model's rates, chatbot spending, and the daily limit. When an enabled daily limit is reached, the chatbot temporarily stops paid replies until the next day.
The model is not selected on this tab. It shows the rates for the model that is already selected.
Minimum pre-launch check
- Make sure the chatbot is enabled.
- Check its name, language, style, and instructions.
- Enable and configure the required skills.
- Add and enable at least one connection.
- Connect a knowledge base if replies should use your own materials.
- Check the daily limit and available AI balance on the “Costs” tab.
- After launch, review the first real dialogs and adjust knowledge or settings if necessary.
Common points of confusion
- Instructions and knowledge base: instructions define behavior; the knowledge base contains facts.
- Connection and skill: a connection determines where a request comes from; a skill determines what the chatbot can do.
- Style and accuracy: style changes the form of a reply but does not add missing knowledge.
- Chatbot and connection status: both the chatbot and the required channel must be enabled to receive requests.