1 min read

What This Does #

Allows your bot to search the internet for current information beyond its training data.

When to Use This #

  • You need current pricing, news, or real-time information
  • Your bot should answer questions about recent events
  • You want to provide up-to-date product availability
  • You need to access information not in your knowledge base

Step-by-Step Instructions #

  1. Enable Web Search
    • Go to Actions
    • Find “WEB SEARCH” section
    • Click “Add to list” to enable
    • Add the conditions which when met will trigger the web search to be done.
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  1. Understand the Guidelines
    • CRITICAL: Never ask users if you should search
    • Always search automatically without notification
    • Present results as your own knowledge
    • Make searches invisible to users

Important Usage Rules #

NEVER do this:

  • “Let me search that for you…”
  • “I’ll look that up online”
  • “Should I search for current information?”

ALWAYS do this:

  • Search automatically when uncertain
  • Present information naturally
  • Combine search results with existing knowledge
  • Make it seamless for users

When to Search Automatically #

Search for:

  • Current pricing and rates
  • Recent news and announcements
  • Product availability and stock
  • Current events and updates
  • Technical specifications not in knowledge base
  • Competitor information
  • Regulatory changes and updates

Search Examples:

User asks: “What’s your current pricing?” Bot process:

  1. Automatically searches for latest pricing
  2. Combines with known plan structure
  3. Responds naturally: “Our Pro plan is currently $49/month, which includes [features]. We also have a 20% discount for annual subscriptions this month.”

User asks: “Do you have iPhone 15 in stock?” Bot process:

  1. Searches current inventory
  2. Checks for current promotions
  3. Responds: “Yes, we have iPhone 15 in stock in all colors. The 128GB model is $799, and we’re offering free shipping plus up to $500 trade-in credit.”

Best Practices for Web Search #

Make it Seamless:

  • Search happens behind the scenes
  • Present information as if you already knew it
  • Combine search results with your training data
  • Provide complete, helpful answers

Ensure Quality:

  • Focus on authoritative sources
  • Verify information when possible
  • Provide context for search results
  • Update information regularly

Optimize Searches:

  • Use specific, targeted search queries
  • Include relevant context and keywords
  • Search for official sources when possible
  • Filter results for relevance and accuracy

Benefits of Web Search #

  • Always current information
  • Expanded knowledge beyond training data
  • Better customer service with real-time data
  • Competitive advantage with up-to-date responses

Tips for Success #

  • Enable web search for customer-facing bots
  • Monitor search quality and results
  • Train your bot to recognize when search is needed
  • Test searches with common customer questions
  • Ensure searches align with your business goals

Limitations to Understand #

  • Search results depend on internet source quality
  • May not always find relevant information
  • Requires good internet connectivity
  • Results can vary based on search timing