01 Introduction

SMChatbot is an AI chatbot that helps websites reply to visitors instantly, answer common questions, collect leads and improve customer engagement. This documentation is for website owners, developers and agencies setting it up.

• AI-powered chat assistant for your website
• Instant replies to visitors, 24/7
• Lead capture and support automation
• Easy setup on WordPress and most modern websites

02 Requirements

Before you start, make sure you have:

• An active SMChatbot plan and your license details from your purchase.
• Administrator access to your website (for WordPress: permission to install plugins).
• A website served over HTTPS.
• Your key business information ready: products or services, pricing, policies and common questions.

03 Install on WordPress

On WordPress, SMChatbot is installed as a plugin. No coding or JavaScript is required.

1. Download your SMChatbot plugin ZIP file after purchase.
2. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
3. Go to Plugins→Add New→Upload Plugin.
4. Choose the plugin ZIP file and click Install Now.
5. Click Activate.

After activation, open the SMChatbot settings panel in your dashboard to connect your license.

If you manage your site from the command line, you can confirm the plugin is active with WP-CLI:

# list active plugins and look for SMChatbot
wp plugin list --status=active

04 Connect your license

The chatbot only appears on your website after your license is connected.

1. Open the SMChatbot settings panel in your WordPress dashboard.
2. Connect your account or license using the details from your purchase.
3. Save your settings.

Each plan includes a set number of website licenses. If you need the chatbot on more websites than your plan allows, upgrade to a plan with more licenses.

05 Other platforms

SMChatbot also works on Shopify, custom-built websites and most modern platforms. Follow the setup instructions included with your purchase for your platform.

If your platform isn't covered or you're not sure which method to use, email support@smchatbot.com with your website address and platform name, and we'll guide you through it.

06 Design & position

From the settings panel you can make the chatbot look like part of your website:

• Choose the chatbot design and where it appears on the page (its position).
• Set the chatbot color and branding to match your brand.
• Change the welcome message visitors see first.

On plans that include Remove branding or white-label features, you can also hide SMChatbot branding.

07 Customize replies

Shape how the chatbot talks to your visitors:

• Write a welcome message that tells visitors what the chatbot can help with.
• Add your business FAQs so common questions get consistent answers.
• Adjust the tone so replies sound like your brand.
• Set the support email or contact flow for questions that need a person.

08 AI training

Train SMChatbot with your business information so it gives better, more accurate answers. Start with your website content, then add:

• Product details: what you sell, features and options.
• Pricing information: plans, prices and what's included.
• Refund, support and policy details: what customers are allowed to do and how to contact you.

Keep improving: review the questions customers really ask, and add or correct information where answers are missing or weak.

09 Lead capture

SMChatbot can turn conversations into sales opportunities:

• Capture a visitor's name and email.
• Ask qualifying questions to understand what they need.
• Send visitors to your checkout or contact page.
• Keep collecting leads outside business hours, so you don't miss them.

When you use leads to contact people, follow the privacy and anti-spam laws that apply to you. See our Privacy Policy for how visitor data is handled.

10 Human handoff

Some conversations need a real person. Set a support email or contact flow in the settings so visitors who ask for help beyond the chatbot can reach your team, with the conversation context kept.

11 Performance & caching

SMChatbot loads asynchronously, so it doesn't block your page from rendering. After installing or changing settings:

• Clear your caching plugin, server cache and CDN cache so visitors get the latest version.
• If you use a plugin that combines, delays or minifies JavaScript and the chatbot doesn't appear, exclude the SMChatbot scripts from that optimization.

# clear the WordPress object cache with WP-CLI
wp cache flush

12 Security

• The chatbot loads securely over HTTPS.
• Your chatbot configuration is protected.
• Basic anti-spam protection is built in.
• Customer messages are handled safely.

Keep WordPress, your theme and your plugins updated, and only give administrator access to people you trust.

13 Troubleshooting

The chatbot doesn't appear

• Make sure the plugin is activated and your license is connected.
• Clear your website cache, including CDN cache.
• Check if a security plugin blocks external scripts.
• Test in another browser or a private window.

Answers are wrong or incomplete

• Add the missing product, pricing or policy details to the chatbot's training.
• Remove or update outdated information.

The chatbot is slow or not replying

• Check the System Status page for an active incident.
• Temporarily disable JavaScript optimization plugins to rule out a conflict.

14 Status & support

Check the System Status page for platform incidents, or browse the Knowledge Base for step-by-step guides.

Our team helps with installation, configuration and optimization. Support doesn't include custom development or fixing conflicts caused by your theme, hosting or third-party plugins.