An AI assistant that answers customers 24/7 is no longer a big-company tool. The real question for a Nigerian business in 2026 is where your assistant should live. There are three common options, and they suit different businesses.

1. Website chatbot — a chat bubble on your existing website

A small chat window in the corner of your website that answers visitors from your own prices and FAQs, collects their details and takes orders.

  • Best for: businesses that already get traffic to their website (from Google, ads or links).
  • Setup: one line of code — works on WordPress, Wix, Shopify and plain HTML sites.
  • Price: free plan; paid plans from ?2,900 a month. See the website chatbot.

2. WebBot — your own AI chat page and link

A page with its own link (and optionally your own domain) where customers chat with your AI assistant. You put the link in your Instagram bio, WhatsApp status, flyers and QR codes.

  • Best for: businesses that sell mainly through social media and don't have a website — or don't want to send people to one.
  • Setup: a few minutes, guided step by step. No website, card or password needed to start.
  • Bonus: it comes with App Bot, so customers can install your WebBot on their phone with your logo.
  • Price: free plan; paid plans from ?2,900 a month. Create a free WebBot.

3. WhatsApp bot — the assistant inside WhatsApp

An assistant that replies on your business WhatsApp number. It is the most natural option for Nigerian customers, but it depends on Meta's official WhatsApp Business Platform: the number must be approved, and Meta charges for some types of messages — mainly ones your business starts, such as promotions.

  • Best for: businesses with heavy WhatsApp order volume.
  • Setup: needs Meta approval. Our self-serve WhatsApp sign-up is opening soon; meanwhile our team builds done-for-you WhatsApp bots.

Which one should you choose?

  • You have a website with visitors: start with the website chatbot.
  • You sell on Instagram, TikTok or WhatsApp status: start with a WebBot — it's the fastest to set up and costs nothing to try.
  • Most of your orders already come through WhatsApp chats: plan for a WhatsApp bot, and use a WebBot in the meantime.

You don't have to choose just one. At Friday Technologies you teach the assistant once — your products, prices, delivery and FAQs — and the same assistant can answer on your website, your WebBot, Telegram and, when connected, WhatsApp. Compare all AI assistants.

Frequently asked questions

Can an AI chatbot take payments in Nigeria?

Yes. Our assistants can send Paystack payment links so customers pay by card, bank transfer or USSD. If you don't have your own Paystack account, payments can go into a Friday Technologies wallet that you withdraw to your bank.

Do I need a website to use an AI chatbot?

No. A WebBot gives you your own chat page and link, so you can use an AI assistant without having a website.

Does the chatbot understand Pidgin?

Yes. It understands Pidgin, and Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa too, so customers can write the way they normally do.

What happens when the bot can't answer?

It saves the customer's details and the conversation in your dashboard, so you can follow up yourself.