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In today’s world, businesses that are looking to improve customer experience and establish better relationships with their customers ought to integrate powerful communication tools. Business communication is beneficial for both owners and customers, and it plays a vital role in building brand reputation and customer satisfaction. One such tool that businesses can use is Livechat.
Livechat is a popular software that provides real-time chat and messaging support. It enables you to communicate with your customers instantly and with ease. Livechat creates a direct channel of communication and helps businesses deliver better support and customer service. However, Livechat may not fit everyone’s budget or specific requirements. Many alternatives offer similar features, and some of them can even be considered better. In this article, we’ll provide top 6 alternatives to Livechat and compare their features, pricing, ease-of-use, and value for money.
Video Tutorial:
What is Livechat?
Livechat is a business communication tool that enables users to chat with their customers in real-time on their website. It allows businesses to offer exceptional customer service by responding quickly to queries and resolving issues efficiently. With Livechat, users can also showcase the various products and services they offer, making it a perfect tool for sales and marketing.
The software comes with various features such as chat ratings, chat history, and availability of canned responses. Livechat integrates with other business tools such as Salesforce, Shopify, and many other CMS and CRM platforms. Livechat provides an all in one solution for businesses looking to improve customer engagement, support, and sales.
Top Alternatives to Livechat
Top 1: Intercom
Intercom is a popular customer communication platform that provides live chat, email marketing, and help desk services. The software offers customizable chat widgets, automated messaging bots, and personalized messaging. Intercom integrates with various tools such as Salesforce, Slack, and Shopify.
Pros:
- The software is user-friendly and customizable, making it easy to use
- Intercom provides a personalized experience for your customers by sending targeted messages to individual users
- It offers an all in one platform, making it an ideal solution for both support and marketing
Cons:
- Intercom is costly compared to other alternatives
- It requires some training before you can use it to its full potential
- The user interface can be overwhelming for new users
Top 2: Olark
Olark is a live chat application that provides businesses with an easy-to-use platform for real-time customer support. The software is easy to set up and use, offering various integrations, and provides detailed visitor insights. Users can also track customer behavior and chat analytics, making it a perfect solution for sales and marketing.
Pros:
- Olark is user-friendly, and it’s easy to set up and use
- The software provides detailed visitor information, making it a perfect solution for sales and marketing
- Olark integrates with various platforms, including WordPress, Shopify, and many more
Cons:
- Olark lacks some advanced features, such as automated messages and chatbots
- The chat window layout isn’t customizable
- The software’s pricing is based on the number of chat agent seats, which can be costly for large teams
Top 3: Freshchat
Freshchat is an all-in-one customer messaging software that enables businesses to have real-time conversations with their customers. The software offers various features such as team collaboration, canned responses, and personalized messaging. Freshchat integrates with other business tools such as Slack, Salesforce, and Shopify.
Pros:
- Freshchat is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface
- The software offers various customization options allowing you to match your branding and personality
- Freshchat offers a free plan, making it a perfect solution for small businesses
Cons:
- Freshchat doesn’t provide a dedicated help desk solution
- The software lacks some advanced features, such as AI integration and chatbots
- The free version only provides five chat widget seats
Top 4: Tawk.to
Tawk.to is a free live chat software that can be used on your website and mobile app. The software offers multiple agent seats, canned responses, and automated messaging. Tawk.to also provides various customization options and integrates with various third-party apps, including Shopify, Salesforce, and many more.
Pros:
- Tawk.to is free, making it an ideal solution for small businesses
- The software offers multiple agent seats, which makes it an ideal solution for larger teams.
- Tawk.to provides various customization options and integrates with various third-party apps.
Cons:
- The software doesn’t provide a dedicated help desk solution
- The user interface is outdated and can be challenging to navigate
- The software lacks some advanced features, such as automated chatbots and AI integrations
Top 5: Sendinblue
Sendinblue is an all-in-one marketing automation software that provides email marketing, live chat, SMS, and CRM functionalities. The software allows businesses to streamline their sales and marketing processes and automate customer interactions. Sendinblue integrates with various platforms like Shopify, Salesforce, and several other third-party apps.
Pros:
- Sendinblue provides a wide range of functionalities such as live chat, email marketing, SMS, and CRM
- The software is user-friendly, making it easy to use
- Sendinblue integrates with various platforms like Shopify, Salesforce, and many more
Cons:
- The chat window layout isn’t customizable
- The chat widget requires improvement, making it appear less polished
- The software may not be sufficient for businesses with more advanced requirements
Top 6: Zoho Desk
Zoho Desk is an omnichannel help desk software that offers customers an exceptional support experience. The software provides a customizable chat widget and canned responses. Zoho Desk also provides other features like ticket automation, team collaboration, and analytics. The software integrates with various platforms like Slack, Salesforce, and Shopify.
Pros:
- Zoho Desk offers a customizable chat widget with a user-friendly interface for efficient communication with customers
- The software provides various features like ticket automation, team collaboration, and analytics to enhance user experience
- Zoho Desk integrates with various platforms like Slack, Salesforce, and Shopify
Cons:
- The software’s pricing is based on the number of agents, which can be costly for larger teams
- Zoho Desk may not be accessible for businesses without a dedicated helpdesk requirement
- The software’s customer service isn’t satisfactory
Comprehensive Comparison of Each Software
| Software Name | Free Trial | Price | Ease-of-Use | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intercom | 14-day free trial | Custom pricing | Easy-to-use | Good |
| Olark | 14-day free trial | $17 per agent per month | Easy-to-use | Fair |
| Freshchat | Forever Free | $15 per agent per month | Easy-to-use | Good |
| Tawk.to | Forever free | Custom pricing | Easy-to-use | Excellent |
| Sendinblue | Free up to 300 emails/day | $25 per month | Easy-to-use | Good |
| Zoho Desk | 15-day free trial | $14 per agent per month | Easy-to-use | Fair |
Our Thoughts on Livechat Alternatives
All the above-mentioned alternatives to Livechat offer different features that can cater to various user requirements. Your choice depends on the specific needs of your business, budget, and the level of support you require.
If you’re looking for a user-friendly and all-in-one solution, go for Intercom. If affordability is your major concern, then Tawk.to is your best bet. However, if you’re looking for a more comprehensive solution that can cater to both sales and support, Freshchat is an excellent choice.
FAQs About Livechat Alternatives
Q1: Is it essential to use a Livechat alternative?
A: Livechat alternatives provide businesses with various options that can cater to their unique requirements. So, depending on the specific needs of your business, a Livechat alternative may be a better or more affordable option than Livechat.
Q2: Which software is the best for small businesses on a tight budget?
A: Tawk.to offers a forever free plan with multiple agent seats, making it a perfect option for small businesses.
Q3: Does Freshchat offer a free plan?
A: Yes, Freshchat offers a forever free plan with limited functionalities.
Q4: Is Zoho Desk suitable for larger teams?
A: Zoho Desk’s pricing is based on the number of agents. This may make it difficult for larger teams who need a more cost-effective option.
Q5: Can I customize the chat window of Intercom?
A: Yes, Intercom allows you to customize its chat widget to match your brand.
In Conclusion
Livechat is a great tool for communicating with your customers in real-time. However, alternatives to Livechat offer unique features, user-friendliness, and affordability that may be suitable for businesses with specific requirements. Before settling on one, evaluate your business’ specific needs, budget, and level of support you require.