> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://sitegpt.ai/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Conversation starters

> Add quick prompts to help users start conversations with your chatbot.

Conversation starters (also called quick prompts) are pre-written questions or topics that appear in your chatbot interface, helping users understand what they can ask and encouraging engagement.

## Why use conversation starters?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Reducing friction" icon="hand-pointer">
    Users don't need to think about what to ask
  </Card>

  <Card title="Showcasing capabilities" icon="sparkles">
    Demonstrate what your chatbot can help with
  </Card>

  <Card title="Guiding conversations" icon="compass">
    Direct users to your most important information
  </Card>

  <Card title="Increasing engagement" icon="chart-line">
    Make it easier for visitors to start chatting
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Types of conversation starters

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Text Prompts" icon="message">
    Text prompts send a pre-written message to your chatbot when clicked. The chatbot responds as if the user typed the question.

    **Example prompts:**

    * "What are your pricing plans?"
    * "How do I get started?"
    * "Tell me about your enterprise features"
    * "How does the free trial work?"
    * "Can I integrate with my CRM?"

    <Tip>Use text prompts for questions your chatbot can answer directly from your training data.</Tip>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Link Prompts" icon="link">
    Link prompts open a URL when clicked, useful for directing users to specific pages or resources.

    **Example uses:**

    * Contact support page
    * Pricing calculator
    * Demo booking page
    * Documentation
    * Product tour

    <Info>Link prompts are perfect for actions that require leaving the chat, like booking demos or accessing external tools.</Info>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Adding conversation starters

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to settings">
    Navigate to **Conversation Starters** under **Customizations** in your chatbot dashboard
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add new prompt">
    Click **Add Quick Prompt**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose type">
    Choose the prompt type (Text or Link)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter title">
    Enter the title that users will see
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add content">
    Add the prompt text or URL
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Save your conversation starter
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Best practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Optimal number of prompts" icon="list">
    Create 3-5 conversation starters that cover your most common user questions or important topics.

    **Why 3-5?**

    * Too few: Users may not find what they need
    * Too many: Overwhelming and cluttered interface
    * Just right: Clear options without decision paralysis
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Writing effective prompts" icon="pen">
    **Keep titles short and clear (3-7 words)**

    * ✅ "Check order status"
    * ❌ "I would like to check the current status of my order"

    **Focus on user benefits**

    * ✅ "Check my order status"
    * ❌ "Order tracking"

    **Use action-oriented language**

    * ✅ "Get pricing details"
    * ❌ "Pricing information"
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Continuous improvement" icon="arrows-rotate">
    **Update prompts based on data:**

    * Review chat history for common questions
    * Identify topics users struggle to ask about
    * Test new prompts and measure engagement
    * Remove underperforming prompts

    <Tip>Check your chat history monthly to identify trending questions that should become conversation starters.</Tip>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Testing prompts" icon="flask">
    Before publishing new conversation starters:

    1. Test each prompt yourself
    2. Verify the chatbot provides helpful responses
    3. Check that link prompts open correctly
    4. Ensure prompts work on mobile devices
    5. Get feedback from team members
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Follow-up prompts

In addition to conversation starters, you can configure follow-up prompts that appear after the chatbot responds. These help guide users to related topics and keep conversations flowing.

<Card title="Conversation followups" icon="message-arrow-up" href="/features/conversation-followups">
  Learn how to configure prompts that appear after specific responses to guide users through multi-step conversations.
</Card>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Conversation followups" icon="message-arrow-up" href="/features/conversation-followups">
    Add follow-up prompts after chatbot responses
  </Card>

  <Card title="Custom responses" icon="message-text" href="/features/custom-responses">
    Create exact answers for specific questions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Appearance" icon="palette" href="/features/appearance">
    Customize how prompts appear in your chat
  </Card>

  <Card title="Chat history" icon="messages" href="/navigating-your-chatbot/chat-history">
    Analyze conversations to improve prompts
  </Card>
</CardGroup>