Fixed-flow vs AI chatbots: which should you use?
QiLinChat lets you build both scripted, fixed-flow chatbots and AI-powered ones. Here's how to decide which fits the job you're hiring it for.
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The QiLinChat TeamTwo ways to build
QiLinChat gives you two engines under one builder. A fixed-flow chatbot follows a script you design step by step. An AI chatbot answers freely using a knowledge base you provide. Neither is better — they're suited to different jobs.
When fixed-flow wins
Reach for a fixed flow whenever you need structured, predictable data. It shines for:
- Surveys and feedback forms
- Lead capture and waitlists
- Bookings, intake, and onboarding
Because every answer maps to a known field, responses drop cleanly into Notion or Google Sheets with no parsing required.
When AI wins
Choose an AI chatbot when questions are open-ended and you can't script every path — support triage, product Q&A, or helping visitors find the right page. Feed it your docs and it answers in context.
A good rule of thumb: if you know the exact questions to ask, use fixed-flow. If your visitors bring the questions, use AI. And nothing stops you from running both across different pages.