FAQs

Who is Citibot?

Citibot is a Charleston, South Carolina-based company committed to fostering equitable engagement between residents and local government through accessible chat communications. Citibot builds a custom, turnkey platform that cultivates trust and transparency, empowering residents to effortlessly connect with their local government. Read more about our story.

How much does Citibot cost?

The cost of Citibot varies based on the number of products and the size of your community. For personalized pricing details, please email chat@citibot.io

How long will it take to launch Citibot in my community?

Your Citibot launch is dependent upon the level of integration needed. The implementation phases is from 2-4 months.

Does Citibot work best for a specific sized city or county?

No, Citibot is designed to serve cities, counties, public, and private agencies of any size. We have the capability to adapt our platform to meet your specific needs. Whether you are a large city or a small county, Citibot works seamlessly to enhance communication and engagement. We pride ourselves on providing tailored solutions for diverse communities.

Do citizens need to download an app to use Citibot?

No, citizens do not need to download an app to use Citibot. We offer a variety of products that make our chatbot accessible to your residents via text message, the municipality's website, and through social platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. Citibot ensures convenient and versatile access for residents without the need for additional downloads.

Can Citibot integrate into our existing workflow management systems?

Yes, Citibot can seamlessly integrate into your existing workflow management systems. For a comprehensive list of the CRMs and websites we can work with, please refer to our Integrations section under the Solutions tab on our website. This provides detailed information on the platforms compatible with Citibot to ensure a smooth integration process.

What about the maintenance of the tech?

Citibot takes care of the technology's maintenance throughout the duration of our partnership. If any issues with the bot arise, Citibot will promptly address and resolve them. Our customers are not required to build, manage, or alter the technology of the bot, allowing for a hassle-free experience and ensuring optimal performance at all times

How is my residents data stored?

Citibot is hosted in the Amazon Cloud and your data is maintained until you ask for it to be deleted.

Are there down periods for your AI chatbot technology?

Like any technology platform, occasional outages may occur, but they are infrequent. In the rare event of an outage, our dedicated team swiftly works to resolve the issue, minimizing any disruption in service. At Citibot, we prioritize maintaining a robust and reliable AI chatbot technology for our users.

How is the bot performance tracked?

Your chatbot's data is tracked through monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, accessible via our user-friendly Keen dashboard. We collaborate with clients to determine key metrics, ensuring your bot exceeds expectations and meets important ROI goals through regular engagements with our customer success team.

Do we have to come up with the bot identity and brand?

No! We offer end-to-end solutions. Beyond crafting the chatbot, we take care of creating its unique identity, brand, and appearance. We work hand in hand with customers to determine the name, style and feel of their bot.

Can Citibot assist with promoting our chatbot once it's built?

We go the extra mile by not just building chatbots but also offering robust marketing support. Our team collaborates with clients to implement effective strategies, ensuring the visibility and success of the chatbot. From crafting its identity to promoting its capabilities, we're dedicated to helping your bot thrive.

FAQs: Generative AI

What is Generative AI, and how does it differ from traditional chatbot models?

Generative AI marks a significant transformation in how Citibot functions. Unlike traditional models relying on static FAQ databases, Generative AI actively searches through local government content to derive responses directly from the hosting city's website. This dynamic approach ensures that the chatbot's knowledge is up-to-date and effortlessly addresses resident queries.

How is Citibot's Generative AI chatbot updated?

The Generative AI chatbot's knowledge is kept current by updating the content on the hosting city's website. This streamlined process allows cities to effortlessly address numerous resident queries each day, ensuring access to the most accurate and current information.

In what languages is Citibot's Generative AI chatbot available?

Citibot's Generative AI chatbot is accessible in 71 languages, catering to the diverse linguistic preferences of residents. This inclusive approach ensures equitable connectivity to local governments for all residents.

How does Citibot ensure the ethical and responsible use of Generative AI?

Citibot prioritizes safety, security, and responsible use of AI. The platform adheres to principles such as safety and security of user data, strict data privacy regulations, transparency about the chatbot's capabilities, ongoing bias mitigation efforts, and continuous improvement through user feedback and advancements in AI ethics. Our Citibot AI Ethics Commitment further outlines our unwavering dedication to the ethical and secure use of Generative AI.

How does Citibot address concerns about biases in AI algorithms?

Citibot is committed to minimizing biases in AI algorithms. Regular audits and updates are conducted to identify and rectify any unintentional biases, ensuring fair and equitable interactions.

What are the principles guiding Citibot's AI development and deployment?

Citibot adheres to principles such as safety and security, data privacy, transparency, bias mitigation, and continuous improvement. These principles aim to build trust with customers, assuring them that Citibot's AI is designed and operated with ethics, safety, and user satisfaction at its core.

How does Citibot's multilingual feature enhance resident communication?

Citibot's multilingual feature empowers residents to communicate with their local government in their preferred languages, fostering inclusivity and accessibility. This update allows users to engage with the chatbot for questions, service requests, and messages to city staff in their chosen language.

FAQs: Language Translation

How many languages does Citibot support with its multilingual feature?

Citibot's multilingual feature supports communication in a comprehensive array of 71 distinct languages. This extensive language support ensures consistent and accessible communication for diverse communities.

What technology powers Citibot's multilingual capabilities?

Citibot leverages the power of Amazon Translate technology to seamlessly translate conversations between residents and the chatbot. The chatbot intuitively detects and responds in the language residents are most comfortable with, supporting a discreet and respectful approach for open conversations.

How does Citibot handle service requests or messages submitted in different languages?

Citibot's language translation feature immediately recognizes the language of the inquiry and responds back in the same language. If a service request or message is submitted in a different language, it will be automatically translated into English when it enters city workflow systems.

How does Citibot ensure the accuracy of language comprehension?

Citibot's language translation feature continually evolves and refines, driven by invaluable feedback from residents. This ensures remarkable accuracy in discerning and comprehending user inquiries, providing a reliable and inclusive communication experience.

FAQs: Integration

What types of systems can Citibot integrate with?

Citibot's communication platform seamlessly integrates with a range of government software platforms, including CRMs, public record systems, 311 systems, request and work management platforms, and data management systems. Additionally, Citibot can be integrated into websites, ensuring a comprehensive solution for your communication needs.

How does Citibot contribute to building trust through integrations?

By integrating with your existing systems and websites, Citibot ensures that all communication, whether through Text Chat, Text Alerts, or Web Chat, passes through your established government software platforms. This enhances trust-building efforts between governments and residents by maintaining consistency and reliability in information flow.

Is Citibot's integration limited to specific government functions?

No, Citibot's integration capabilities extend across various government functions, supporting CRMs, public record systems, 311 systems, request and work management platforms, data management systems, and websites. This flexibility allows us to cater to a wide range of government needs.

Does the integration setup require time from our IT department?

No, the integration setup is handled by Citibot. We manage all aspects of building the platform, requiring only access to API keys and other internal information depending on the Citibot products utilized. This ensures a seamless and hassle-free integration process for your organization.

How does the cloud-based nature of Citibot benefit our organization?

Being cloud-based means Citibot offers a highly scalable and accessible solution. It allows for efficient updates, maintenance, and accessibility from anywhere, providing a robust and reliable communication platform for governments.

Is Citibot's Communication Platform cloud-based?

Yes, Citibot's Communication Platform is entirely cloud-based. This means it operates independently of external applications or on-premises software. This cloud-based approach ensures flexibility, scalability, and accessibility for our clients.

FAQs: Web Chat

How does Citibot’s Web Chat work?

Citibot's web chat works by clicking the customized icon to launch a user-friendly chat window. Accessible 24/7 on mobile devices and desktops, it enables self-service, integrates with backend systems for real-time data, and enhances the government's brand with customizable design features.

Is it challenging to implement Citibot Web Chat on our website?

No, the Citibot tech team manages the turnkey implementation, requiring minimal involvement from your tech resources. The web chat widget can be embedded seamlessly into any website, and the data flows seamlessly into your existing data management systems.

FAQs: Text Chat

How does Citibot Text Chat work?

Citibot's Text Chat product provides seamless communication at residents' fingertips. No need to download an app or log into a portal – using Citibot’s Text Chat is as easy as sending a text message. Residents can ask questions, submit service requests, and send direct messages to staff through their native phone text application. The AI-based chatbot automatically answers common questions, ensuring immediate responses to residents 24/7.

What are the key features of Citibot Text Chat?

Citibot Text Chat allows residents to send text messages through a dedicated phone number without the need for app downloads or portal logins. The product enables residents to submit service requests, ask questions, and send direct messages into staff workflow seamlessly. The AI-based chatbot enhances user experience by automatically responding to common queries, making interactions efficient and immediate.

 Is Citibot Text Chat suitable for my city, county, or state?

Citibot Text Chat is an excellent fit if you aim to enhance resident satisfaction, save costs, and create a more accessible and virtual government. If you're struggling to reach certain residents, drowning in vocal minority-majority dynamics, facing challenges with app updates and resident app fatigue, or seeking to promote digital equity and real-time data-driven decision-making, Citibot Text Chat could be the solution for your community.

FAQs: Text Alerts

How does Citibot’s Text Alerts work? 

Citibot's text alerts offer a seamless mass notification system for effective government communication. Residents can opt-in for real-time alerts in English or Spanish, choosing to receive all notifications or select topics of interest. The two-way system facilitates interactive chats, allowing messages to be sent to all citizens or specific groups. Through the portal, messages can be sent from anywhere at any time, ensuring timely communication.

What languages are supported for Citibot's text alerts? 

Citibot understands the importance of inclusive communication. Our text alerts offer bilingual support, allowing residents to receive messages in both English and Spanish. This ensures that language is not a barrier to accessing critical information.

Can I customize the types of text alerts my residents receive?

Absolutely! Citibot's text alerts provide customization options, allowing residents to choose the topics they are most interested in. Whether it's general notifications, emergency updates, or specific community news, residents have the flexibility to tailor their alert preferences.

Can I send targeted messages to specific groups of residents?

Yes, Citibot's text alerts feature a versatile system that enables you to send messages to specific groups of residents. Whether it's a city-wide announcement or information tailored for a specific neighborhood, our platform provides the flexibility to target your messages effectively.

Do you need more clarification or answers?

Please reach out to us at chat@citibot.io with any more questions you have. We recommend booking a demo with us so we can get to know each other better!