What Is FAQ Software?

This type of FAQ solution is presented as a static FAQ page whereby users can type a question into a search bar and if there is an exact match, an answer that has been configured will show.

Whilst this might appear to be the best-for-value option, in the long run, it is likely to end up costing you more.

The content that is included on an FAQ page is based off opinion opposed to fact as a lack of data surrounding knowledge article popularity results in simple guesswork. What this means is that your FAQs aren’t FAQs, rather what someone believes them to be – which of course is problematic, creating a gap between you and your customers.

FAQ pages include a simple interface that is usually built with basic code, this means that making even a small edit involves many developer hours and before this, a long chain of command. The management of an FAQ page is therefore cumbersome, and often an inefficient use of many employees’ time.

Further, its basic setup restricts knowledge sharing and can increase the likelihood of errors occurring. Because an FAQ page is not the centralised source of knowledge, nor can it integrate with one, edits and changes cannot occur automatically. This results in many little updates that increase the chances of information inconsistencies and inaccuracies across the company.

Read more on why an FAQ page is no substitute for a knowledge base, here.

Basic FAQ tools have a similar structure to the FAQ page discussed – the only difference is that they can be presented in a variety of ways. Unlike the basic FAQ page solution, which is restricted to a static HTML page, basic FAQ tool solutions can take the form of a widget or pop-up. This is usually configured to show on certain pages and pop-up after a given amount of time.

Whilst this solution offers some flexibility in terms of presentation, its setup is basic and search functionality is limited. Its lack of AI and NLP utilisation removes any human-like understanding from the tool, so unless an exact keyword match is entered, results will not be triggered or therefore displayed to the customer. The effect of which takes a toll on CX as customers cannot find answers to their simple questions, often being told: “No results found.”

Poor FAQ Tools 

Effective FAQ Tool 

For these customers, their journey is cut short with no follow-up questions asked or channel escalation offered.

The solution for companies who want to:

• Provide optimal CX
• Ensure excellent customer service
• Enhance CSAT
• Have greater control over knowledge sharing, data and integrations

Far more advanced than the basic FAQ solutions previously discussed, intelligent FAQ software is the core of all company knowledge. Its role is fundamental, playing a key part in the overall customer service ecosystem and enhancing operations beyond the capabilities of other solutions.

Intelligent FAQ software  is built on AI and stores all company information – from internal documents suitable for employees only to FAQs and product information, fit for customer consumption.

Knowledge base FAQ systems fundamentally instruct your FAQs. They track what customers actually ask most frequently; not relying on what you assume to be your top FAQs as other tools or static HTML FAQs do. You can’t improve what you can’t measure, so knowledge base analytics unlock a completely new dimension of CX delivery.

It is your centralised hub of knowledge, feeding any tool that relies on company information. It means that the answers your chatbot or self-service widget deliver to your customers are using the same source as the agent who is operating live chat is also referring to. This ensures complete consistency across all channels and reduces the risk associated with serving inaccurate information.

Your intelligent FAQ knowledge base can seamlessly integrate with:

• Internal tools such as agent knowledge that assists in answering customers’ questions
• Customer-facing tools that facilitate online self-service
• 3rd party applications such as CRM or email management tools

An FAQ knowledge base utilises NLP to better ‘understand’ customer queries, taking into consideration the many ways in which a question can be asked. NLP breaks down each query into keywords, intent, grammar and popularity, analysing each component to produce the most relevant results, encouraging CSAT. If the query is non-routine and complex by nature, escalation to an agent-assisted channel is offered where a human can intervene.

Unlike the basic FAQ software options, an FAQ knowledge base turns knowledge into an asset for your company. By collecting and organising useful data, teams can learn from customer behaviour patterns, companies can optimise articles and operations can become more efficient. 

Because knowledge bases utilise Machine Learning (ML) principles they can even recognise patterns in customer preferences, language and grammar, storing such intel and using it for improved future interactions.

To find out more about knowledge base software, click here.

Every business and its requirements for FAQ software is different, but before beginning your software selection process, ensure you have outlined exactly what you need from it. For small start-ups with very basic needs, a simple FAQ page may suffice. But for companies that are focused on maximising customer service, they should consider intelligent FAQ software that supports customers and empowers employees.