r/botwatch

Basically OP creates a post on some subreddit asking very newbie-like question. People start answering and then OP starts responding to them, adding some deep-level context which makes no sense considering how low level question was asked to begin with. Meaning the OP should have known the answer from the start.

I keep seeing these type of posts a lot more recently.

Don’t get me wrong I donate selectively but it is a real turnoff to constantly be hounded by campaigns across the US. Every time I hit stop or unsubscribe, new numbers pop up to take their place. I’m contemplating filing a complaint with the FCC but don’t want to be a bad Dem!

Keep getting emails to verify my email address about 50 so far. Any suggestions?

I’ve been a Reddit viewer for a while now. I’d like to know more about bots, why do people bot, how can you tell you’re viewing posts/content by bots?

I’m big on avoiding and spotting misinformation and disinformation, so would love to know more from people who are long time users!

If I bought a local business tomorrow, I wouldn't start by automating everything.

I'd start with the tasks that waste time every single day.

Here's my priority list:

1. Answering phone calls
Every missed call is a potential customer. An AI voice agent can answer instantly, qualify the caller, answer common questions, and book appointments—even after business hours.

2. Responding to website visitors
Most people won't wait hours for a reply. An AI chatbot can answer FAQs, collect lead information, and direct visitors to the right service in seconds.

3. Appointment scheduling
Back-and-forth messages to find a suitable time are unnecessary. Let customers book available slots automatically.

4. Lead follow-up
A surprising number of businesses lose leads simply because nobody follows up. Automated email, SMS, or WhatsApp reminders can keep conversations moving without someone manually checking every inquiry.

5. Repetitive admin work
Things like updating spreadsheets, sending invoices, creating CRM records, or notifying team members don't need human attention every time.

Notice what's not on the list.

I wouldn't automate sales conversations that require trust. I wouldn't replace skilled employees. And I definitely wouldn't automate a broken process just because AI makes it possible.

Good automation removes repetitive work so people can focus on work that actually creates value.

If you owned a local business, what would you automate first and what would you never automate?

I see a lot of businesses saying they "have an AI chatbot", but most of the time it's just a glorified FAQ page.

You ask it something, it gives you an answer, and that's the end of the conversation.

That's a FAQ bot.

A revenue bot behaves differently.

Instead of just answering questions, it tries to move the conversation forward.

Someone asks about pricing? It explains the options and asks what they're looking for.

Someone visits your website at 11 PM? It captures their details instead of letting them disappear.

Someone wants to book a demo? It qualifies them and schedules an appointment.

It remembers context. It asks follow-up questions. It guides people instead of waiting for perfect prompts.

Honestly, most businesses don't have a lead problem.

They have a response problem.

Paying for ads and SEO just to send people to a website that says -Fill out this form and we'll get back to you- feels crazy when visitors expect answers immediately.

A chatbot that only answers questions saves support time.

A chatbot that captures leads and moves prospects through the funnel actually makes money.

Big difference.

Curious how others are using AI chatbots right now. Are they actually generating revenue, or are they just answering FAQs?