Guide
Questions a website chatbot should ask to qualify leads. Filter before the handoff.
Short answer: a chatbot that only answers FAQs leaves you with a pile of "just looking" chats. One that asks a few clear questions first — who they are, what they need, when they need it, and how to reach them — sends you leads you can act on. Here's which questions to ask, in what order, and how to set that up on WordPress, Webflow or any other site. ChatBouncer emails those leads to you; it isn't a CRM.
By Chris Gilliland · · For any business of any size · Plans from $29/month (USD)
Why should a chatbot qualify leads at all?
Not every visitor is ready to buy. Some are price shopping. Some are in the wrong service area. Some just want a free tip. If your chat box treats every message the same, you spend time on chats that never close.
Qualification is simple: before the bot hands someone to you, it asks a few questions that tell you whether the person is a fit, what they need, and how urgent it is. You still talk to real people. You just know who to call first. That pairs well with catching people who would otherwise leave unanswered — see how to reduce missed leads with a chatbot.
What questions should a chatbot ask to qualify leads?
Keep it short. Four to six questions is enough. Ask them in plain words, one at a time, after you've answered anything quick you already know.
| Ask | Why it matters | Example wording |
|---|---|---|
| What they need | Separates browsers from buyers | "What are you looking for help with today?" |
| Location / service area | Stops leads outside your area | "Which city or zip are you in?" |
| Timing | Shows urgency | "When do you need this done — this week, this month, or just researching?" |
| Budget band (optional) | Filters tire-kickers without scaring people | "Do you have a rough budget in mind, or would you like options first?" |
| Name | So you can reply like a person | "What's your name?" |
| Email or phone | So you can follow up | "Best email or phone so the owner can confirm?" |
Skip anything that feels like a long form. If the visitor already said "I need a roof quote in Fort Pierce this week," don't re-ask the same things. Use what they typed.
In what order should the chatbot ask?
Start helpful, then qualify, then capture contact details.
- Answer the easy stuff first. Hours, pricing ranges you've published, whether you serve their area. People stick around when they get something useful right away. More on that in how to answer website visitors automatically.
- Ask what they need and when. One or two short questions. Don't dump a checklist.
- Ask for name and contact only when you can't finish the job in chat. If the bot already answered and the person is done, don't force a form. If they want a quote, booking or a human, then ask.
- Say what happens next. "I'll pass this to the owner — they usually reply the same day." Clear expectations beat silence.
Tone matters. Sound like a helpful front desk, not a gatekeeper. "So we send the right person" works better than "You must qualify."
Does this work on WordPress and Webflow?
Yes. ChatBouncer is one line of code (or a free WordPress plugin), so the same qualification flow works wherever your site runs:
- WordPress: install the free plugin, connect your account, and the chat box appears site-wide. Good for service businesses and blogs that get enquiry traffic. See the WordPress install guide.
- Webflow: paste the script in Site settings → Custom code → Footer code, then publish. Common for agencies and product sites. See the Webflow guide.
- Wix, Shopify, Squarespace and others: same idea — one script, your allowed domains only. See all install guides.
Train the bot on your services, areas and FAQs first. Then add the qualification questions as the path it takes when someone asks for a quote, booking or callback. After-hours visitors still get the same flow — see answering questions after hours.
How to set up lead qualification in the chat box
- Create your account. Sign up and give it your website. It reads your public pages for hours, services and FAQs.
- Write the qualification questions in plain words. Use the table above as a starting list. Cut anything you don't need.
- Decide when to ask for contact details. Usually after need + timing (and area, if that matters). Not as the very first message.
- Set the email you actually read. When the chat can't finish the job, ChatBouncer emails you the answers plus the visitor's name and contact. That is the handoff.
- Test like a customer. Ask for a quote. Confirm it asks the right questions, then requests contact details, then says the owner will confirm.
- Paste one line of code (or install the WordPress plugin) and go live.
- Reply the same day. A qualified lead still goes cold if nobody follows up.
Want a quick preview first? Paste your site into the free demo on the homepage. No card required.
What can't lead qualification in chat do?
Be honest with yourself about the limits. ChatBouncer answers from the info you save, asks the questions you set up, and emails you the lead. It does not score leads in a CRM, sync to HubSpot or Salesforce, call people back, or book the job for you. It also won't fix a site with no traffic. If people never visit, start with search and ads. If they visit and chat but you get vague "just looking" messages, that's where better questions help.
What does it cost?
Starter is $29 a month (USD) for one website and 1,500 customer messages a month. Pro is $59 for up to 3 websites and 5,000 messages. Business is $119 for up to 10 websites and 15,000 messages. Every plan includes a 14-day free trial. See full pricing.
If one extra qualified lead a month is worth more than $29, the math is straightforward. Building and previewing the chat box is free.
Questions
What questions should a chatbot ask to qualify leads?
Ask what they need, where they are (if you have a service area), when they need it, optionally a rough budget, then their name and email or phone. Keep it to a few short questions, not a long form.
Should the chatbot ask for contact details first?
Usually no. Answer something useful first, then ask need and timing, then ask for name and contact when they want a quote, booking or a human reply.
How do I get the qualified leads?
By email. ChatBouncer sends you the visitor's answers plus their contact details. It isn't a CRM — you follow up from your inbox or whatever tools you already use.
Does this work on WordPress and Webflow?
Yes. Use the free WordPress plugin, or paste one line of code into Webflow's footer custom code. The same flow works on Wix, Shopify, Squarespace and most other sites.
Will the chatbot make up answers while qualifying?
No. It answers only from the info you save. If it isn't sure, it says the owner will confirm instead of guessing, then asks for contact details.
What does it cost?
Plans start at $29 a month (USD), with a 14-day free trial. Previewing your chat box on the homepage is free and doesn't need a card.
Something else? Email [email protected]. A real person answers.