
If youâve done any kind of copywriting, youâve probably got a swipe file. (And if you donât have one, get crack-a-lackin! In fact, start here.)
Swipes are collections of hook-worthy copy snippets that make you click, read, act, ponder, laughâŚand most importantly move deeper into a conversation with a brand. Lean on your swipe file when you need inspiration (and a kick in the pants). The whole point of a swipe file is to give you a starting point without reinventing the wheel.
As Iâve jumped into conversational marketing, Iâve started grabbing chatbot swipes too. They help me think about copy as conversation and tap into the rhythm of speech.
How to collect chatbot swipes
(Iâm not taking credit for this method. I found it on CopyHackers: check out the article!)
Sometimes one line is all you need, in which case I copy it into a Google Doc or Notion. But when you need more context, grab a screenshot and pop it in Google Drive or Dropbox:

Chatbot Swipe Categories
While Iâm still evolving my process, I started by organizing chatbot swipes by conversation elements like these:
Greetings: A warm hello to start a conversation. Can be formal or informal depending on the relationship with the visitor (eg. is it a returning or new user).
Informing: For giving information that is either requested or pertinent to the conversation.
Error: When the chatbot doesnât understand or fails to fulfill a request.
Asking: For engaging or seeking information. Bit of help keeps the conversation going.
Checking: For testing the userâs understanding. Restating details and information for clarity.
Apologizing: For politely acknowledging the chatbotâs shortcomings. Should be brief and serve as a bridge to alternative solutions.
Suggesting: For presenting the user with relevant actions or options.
Conclusion: A clear end to the conversation.

Chatbot swipes
And here they are!
Like most of us, I learn fastest when I have examples to follow. Use these phrases and prompts âas isâ or for inspiration.
Greetings
Hey there, friend! Iâm [NAME]. I can help you [DO ALL THE THINGS]. To get started, let me know if you [SOMETHING] by selecting one of the options below.
Welcome to [NAME]! What brings you to our site?
Thanks for reaching out! What brings you to our site today?
Hi Iâm [NAME] and I help [DO ALL THEÂ THINGS]
Hi [NAME]! Iâm BOTNAME, your friendly [BRAND] virtual assistant. You can interact with me by clicking on the buttons
Hi, this is [BOTNAME], the [TYPE OF] assistant bot. How can I help, USERNAME?
Great! Letâs get started. Is this QUESTION.
Welcome. Iâm [NAME], [BRANDâS] digital assistant. Choose from popular topics below or type a short, direct question.
Hey! What are you looking for? I know all about [LIST ALL THEÂ THINGS]
Want to chat about [BRAND] software? Can you tell me what youâre looking for?
Would you like us to send you a free tip sheet to help you [DO THE AMAZING THING]?
Click one of the options below. [LIST CHOICES]
Awesome! Please tell us your email address.
We got it! Thanks for visiting our page đ
Hey [USERNAME], welcome to the [#BOTNAME]! Click âGet Startedâ below âŹ
Hey, there. Can I help point you in the right direction? [OPTION 1] [OPTIONÂ 2]
Welcome to [BRAND, OR BOT]. Are you looking for [LISTÂ CHOICES]
Hey, there. Iâm here to make sure you get the information you need today. Can I help point you in the right direction? [SALES, MARKETING, SUPPORT]
Hey, there. Can I help point you in the right direction? (list 2â4 options to click)
Thanks for reaching out! Weâre not always on Messenger, but we can still help you even when weâre away. What can we do for you today? [I have a question] , [I need community], [OTHER QUESTION, whatâs my size?
[CEO OR COACH] has asked me to keep an eye on her messenger while sheâs out coaching and spreading joy. Scroll through the images below and click a button to let me know how we can support you.
Hiya [USERNAME]!
Thanks for joining us on Messenger. We are super excited to have you!
Our [BOTNAME] will help you when weâre not here in human form. While weâre away doing things only humans can do like finding cool snacks and answer phone calls, please send [BOTNAME] a message.
Until we can get back to you, here are some options: [OPTIONS]
Trending Bot Articles:
2. 4 DOâs and 3 DONâTs for Training a Chatbot NLPÂ Model
3. Concierge Bot: Handle Multiple Chatbots from One Chat Screen
Informing
Sure pick a topic, and Iâll help you [DO SOMETHING]
You can also sign up to get exclusive VIP discounts and offers via text message, starting with $10 off your next order! [SAVE $10? SURE!]
Here are a few ways we can support your journey; whether you need advice, inspiration, or community, weâre here for you! [JOIN XYZ] [READ THE BLOG] [FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM]
This may take a minute. Hereâs a tip while you wait:
Tip: [link to article or tip]
Comparing [PRODUCT A] to [PRODUCT B]? Click the button below to see the differences between Product A and Product B. Check it out
Error
Sorry I didnât get that!
If you asked me to [DO SOME WEIRD THING] I would do it. But I didnât understand this.
Thatâs funny!
Sorry, I donât understand.
Oops, didnât quite get that. Try again?
Sorry, I was trying to charge my phone. What were you trying to say?
Sorry, I didnât understand you. I can only help you with the following. [LIST]
Sorry I didnât understand you. Do you want to directly content [NAME, TECH SUPPORT]?
Is there anything else I can help you with?
Asking
Great! Drop your question here, and one of our Customer Care superstars will get back to you as soon as possible!
Sure thing! This is NAME OF BOT. Reply with your question and HUMAN NAME will be back to answer ASAP
Hey [NAME], are you interested in receiving [NEWS, TIPS, ALERTS] from [BRAND]? We promise to only send you big, breaking stories. We wonât spam you. Typically, this would be 1â2 stories per week.
[Doing something] soon? I can help you dig thru some ideas. Ready?
Questions about Pricing or Sales?
Checking
Looks like you are planning a getaway to [name of location]. Iâll hit you back with some recommendations.
We have this email on file for you right now:
youremail@gmail.com
Is that right? Click below to let me know
Iâll deliver the [TRAINING, LEADMAGNET, OTHER THING] to you there as well for easy access.
Hey there, just checkinâ in so we can get on with it and help you [DO ALL THE THINGS]
Is this the right email for you?
[youremail@gmail.com]
Just click below to let me know
Apologizing
âSo, Iâm good at talking about [TOPIC]. Other stuff, not so good. If you need help just enter âhelp.â
Suggesting
Get notified: Want to get a [FACEBOOK, EMAIL, SMS] notification about our next new product?
By clicking âNotify Meâ, you may receive one message from [BRAND] in the future about this topic.
Our Customer Service team is here for you Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm PST. We are currently experiencing more requests than usual, and apologize in advance for any delays you may encounter with our response times. Rest assured that we are working diligently to support your needs and appreciate your patience during this time.
Letâs get started⌠Choose how youâd like to discover [ALL THE THINGS]
Letâs narrow it down a bit so you only see what you want to see.
Hey there! You can grab a time on [NAMEâS] calendar here
Weâre pumped you want to get a demo! Just a couple of questions to get you over to the right member of the [BRAND]Â TEAM.
Conclusion
Got it. Talk to you soon!
Will not disturb you anymore without a reason, IÂ swear!
Want to return to main menu? Type âSTARTÂ OVERâ
Ah, [USERNAME], I understand that you are busy now⌠Itâs ok
Would you like me to send you a reminder regarding our offers later?
I really donât want you to miss out. â [REMINDER PLEASE] [NOPE UNSUBSCRIBE]
Got any more chatbot swipes to share? Let me know and Iâll add them to the list!
Donât forget to give us your đ !



Building a chatbot swipe file was originally published in Chatbots Life on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.









