AI Chat

The AI Chat feature in the Service Finder Theme provides an intelligent, conversational way for users to discover services and providers. Instead of manually browsing categories or applying filters, users can simply ask questions and receive accurate, ranked service results.

AI Chat improves user engagement, speeds up service discovery, and offers a modern search experience across the Service Finder platform.

How AI Chat Works

The AI Chat system uses indexed Service Finder data such as services, providers, categories, pricing, and locations. It understands natural language queries and returns the most relevant services or providers in real time.

The AI engine processes user intent such as service type, location, price range, or provider expertise, and responds with the best possible matches.

Admin Configuration

AI Chat settings are managed from the WordPress admin dashboard:

Service Finder → AI Chat Settings

The configuration panel is divided into multiple sections for easy setup and control.

General Settings

This section contains the core configuration required to enable and run the AI Chat feature.

AI Chat General Settings

  • Enable AI Chat: Enable or disable the AI Chat feature globally.
  • OpenAI API Key: Enter your OpenAI API key to enable AI-powered responses.
  • Shortcode Usage: Use the provided shortcode to display AI Chat on any page.

Shortcode Example:

[service_finder_ai_chat]

The shortcode can be added to pages such as the homepage, service listing page, or a dedicated AI search page.

Chat Appearance & Behavior

This section controls the visual appearance and interaction behavior of the AI chatbot on the frontend.

AI Chat Appearance Settings

  • Chatbot Avatar: Upload a custom avatar for the AI assistant.
  • Chatbot Name: Set the display name shown in the chat header.
  • Welcome Message: Customize the initial greeting shown to users.

These options allow the AI assistant to match your website branding and tone.

Data Training

The Data Training section determines which Service Finder content is indexed for AI-powered search.

AI Chat Data Training

  1. Select the content types to include (Services, Providers).
  2. Click Start Training to begin indexing data.
  3. Monitor progress in the training log.
  4. Once completed, AI Chat can respond using indexed Service Finder data.

Frontend AI Chat Experience

On the frontend, users interact with AI Chat through a modern, user-friendly chat interface.

Frontend AI Chat Interface

Users can ask questions such as:

  • "Find a plumber near me"
  • "Best electrician in New York"
  • "Affordable home cleaning services"
  • "Car repair services under $100"

The AI responds with relevant services or provider profiles, including pricing, location, and direct profile links.

Key Features

  • Conversational AI-based service discovery
  • No need for manual filters or forms
  • Uses real Service Finder listing data
  • Customizable chatbot appearance
  • Fast and accurate results
  • Improves conversions and user engagement

Recommended Usage

  • Place AI Chat on the homepage or service listing pages
  • Keep services and provider data updated
  • Re-run data training after major content updates
  • Use AI Chat as a premium or highlighted feature

Result: AI Chat transforms the traditional Service Finder search experience into a smart, conversational system that helps users find the right services and providers faster and more efficiently.