You’re doubtless aware of the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, at least in the popular program ChatGPT. In truth, this program is just one of countless ways in which AI has permeated modern life, revolutionizing one industry after another. It's hard to find an industry that's an exception. 

Don’t worry: AI bots aren’t going to be putting first-response contractors out of the job, at least not anytime soon. On the contrary, when leveraged strategically, AI technology can actually empower companies to work more productively and more efficiently. 

Using AI to Upgrade Customer Service

To understand how AI might be useful in the industry, it may first be helpful to know a bit more about how AI functions.

The movies often portray AI as life-like, sentient robots, but that’s not really what we’re talking about here. For our purposes, AI can be defined as an advanced computer program that can process and synthesize massive volumes of data in a split second. AI can then “learn” from that data to make well-informed predictions, which can in turn guide the decision-making.

One of the most obvious ways this can benefit your business is through heightened customer service. Imagine being able to process a volume of information about each customer’s home and using that information to let them know exactly when preventative service is required. AI-powered recommendations may allow you to provide a truly custom-tailored service package to each homeowner or utility, allowing them to save money and eliminate hassle from their home maintenance needs.

What’s more, using AI to analyze your own customer histories can help you to identify those who are most likely to be interested in specific offereins or services. In other words, AI can laser-focus your sales and marketing efforts. 

Additional Uses for AI in the Home Service Industry 

That’s all just for starters. There are a number of other ways in which AI can empower a business. For example: 

●      Installing AI-powered chatbots on your business website can guide visitors in the appointment-setting process, helping you to score more business while easing some of the burden on your front office team.

●      You may also be able to use AI to automate messaging to your customers, providing them with status updates about their service call.

●      AI technology can even provide some simple troubleshooting solutions to homeowners, eliminating the need for your team members to field so many time- or labor-intensive calls. 

These are just a few of the ways in which AI and machine learning can contribute to a much more streamlined operation for you and your team. 

AI is Here to Stay

Like it or not, AI is here with us, and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Rather than fearing AI, businesses can embrace its most useful features. For a next step, consider talking with your web design or digital marketing agency about ways you can take advantage of this disruptive new technology.