Make your AI Chatbot Proactive to Boost Visitor Engagement

CivicAi chatbot doesn’t just wait to be clicked — it can actively engage visitors at the right moments. By using proactive triggers, your chatbot can automatically start conversations, send messages, or open the chat window based on how users interact with your website.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up proactive triggers and actions that help boost engagement, reduce bounce, and guide visitors toward meaningful actions.

Why Make Your Chatbot Proactive?

Most visitors don’t initiate chat unless prompted. With proactive engagement, CivicAi chatbot can:

• Greet first-time visitors on high-value pages

• Offer help when a user clicks a specific element

• Re-engage users who switch away from your website window

These actions can be set up using Triggers.

What Are Triggers?

Triggers are predefined events tied to visitor behavior. They help your chatbot act when a user:

• Visits a specific page

• Clicks on a certain element

• Switches away from your website tab (simulating exit intent)

⚠️ Note: The “Leave website” trigger is activated when a visitor switches browser tabs or windows — not when they close the site or browser.

When triggered, your chatbot can:

• Send custom messages

• Open the chatbot widget

• Play a sound for added visibility

How to Set Up Triggers in CivicAi

Follow these steps to configure proactive behavior in your chatbot:

1. Go to Trigger Settings

• From your chatbot dashboard, open Widget Settings in the sidebar.

• Select the Triggers option.

2. Create a New Trigger

• Click Add Trigger.

• Enter a clear name for the trigger.

3. Choose the Event Type

• Visit on website – Triggers when a user visits specific pages.

• Click Element – Triggers when a user clicks a button or link.

• Leave website – Triggers when the user switches away from your site window/tab.

4. Add Conditions

You can fine-tune when the trigger activates:

• URL contains /pricing

• First-time vs. returning visitor

• Time spent on page

• Scroll depth percentage

5. Set the Actions

You can choose one or more actions:

• Send a message / Add Quick questions: Add helpful, inviting, or persuasive action text (e.g., “Need help choosing a plan?”)

• Open chatbot: Forces the chat window to open

• Play sound: Draws attention with an alert tone

6. Save and Test

Once configured:

• Click Create Trigger

• Visit your website and test if the trigger behaves as expected

Example: Trigger for the Pricing Page

Let’s say you want to proactively engage users on the pricing page:

• Event: Visit on website

• Condition: URL contains pricing

• Action: Default Buttons “Need help understanding the plans?” + open chatbot

This can prompt undecided users to chat before bouncing.

Bonus Tip: Enhance with Widget Styling

Beyond triggers, you can improve engagement by customizing your widget:

• Add default questions (e.g., “Need help?”, “Compare plans”)

• Use cards for a richer experience

Final Thoughts

Using proactive chatbot triggers in CivicAi helps your bot act more like a smart assistant — one that anticipates the user's needs and offers timely help. Whether it’s nudging on the pricing page or reconnecting when users switch tabs, these actions can lead to better conversations and more conversions.