How to Integrate a Free Live Chat in WordPress with 3CX

A Free Live Chat in WordPress can be a powerful tool for enhancing user engagement and providing real-time support to your website visitors. Web Squadron will walk you through the process of adding a live chat feature to your WordPress website using the 3CX plugin. This free plugin not only enables live chat but also allows you to manage calls, making it an all-in-one communication solution for your website.

Steps to Set Up a Free Live Chat in WordPress

1. Search for the 3CX Plugin
   Navigate to your WordPress dashboard, go to the plugins section, and search for “3CX”. Install and activate the plugin.
2. Connect an Account
   After activating the plugin, you will need to connect an account. You can either use a Google account or sign up with an email.
3. Customize the Live Chat
   Once the account is connected, you can customize the live chat feature. You can decide whether to enable the chat on every page or only on specific ones. You can also choose whether to show that the chat is powered by 3CX.
4. Enter an Extension Number
   You will be asked to enter an extension number. This number will be emailed to you upon signing up. If you lose it, you can find it in your 3CX account.
5. Install the 3CX App on Your Phone
   By installing the 3CX app on your phone, you can respond to chat messages even when you’re on the go. To do this, scan the QR code provided in the plugin settings.
6. Customize User Settings
   In the 3CX dashboard, you can customize user settings. You can add more users (up to 10 for the free version), refine user details, and set your status (e.g., available, on lunch, etc.).
7. Enable Phone and Chat
   In the “Voice and Chat” tab, you can choose to enable both phone and chat or chat only. You can also decide what visitor information you want to collect (e.g., name and email address).
8. Customize Chat Appearance
   In the “Styling” tab, you can choose from five themes for the chat icon and select an animation for when the chat is clicked.
9. Set Up Office Hours
   In the “Office Hours” section, you can set your working schedule and lunch hours.
10. Test the Live Chat
    Finally, go to a page where you enabled the live chat and test it out. You should see the chat icon at the bottom of the page. Click it to start a chat.

Benefits of a Live Chat on Your Website

Live chat is more than just a modern, trendy feature on your website. It’s a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your online business in several ways:

• Real-Time Customer Support
  Live chat allows you to provide immediate assistance to your customers. This real-time support can help resolve issues quickly, improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Increased Engagement
  Live chat encourages visitors to interact with your website. This increased engagement can lead to longer visit durations and lower bounce rates.
• Improved Conversion Rates
  By answering queries instantly and assisting customers in real-time, live chat can help guide visitors through the conversion funnel, leading to higher conversion rates.
• Competitive Advantage
  Despite its benefits, many businesses still don’t offer live chat. By integrating live chat into your website, you can gain a competitive edge and stand out in your industry.
• Cost-Effective
  Compared to traditional customer support channels like phone and email, live chat is more cost-effective. It allows customer support representatives to handle multiple chats simultaneously, reducing the need for a large support team.
• Gathering Customer Feedback
  Live chat is a great way to gather feedback from your customers. You can use this feedback to improve your products, services, and overall customer experience.

By integrating a free live chat in WordPress with the 3CX plugin, you can enjoy all these benefits without incurring any costs. It’s a win-win solution for enhancing your online business.

Common Issues

1. Unable to Find the 3CX Plugin
   Ensure that you are searching for “3CX” in the plugins section of your WordPress dashboard. If you still can’t find it, try updating your WordPress version.
2. Issues with Connecting an Account
   If you’re having trouble connecting an account, make sure you’re entering the correct details. If you’re using a Google account, ensure that it’s connected to your WordPress website.
3. Chat Icon Not Appearing on the Website
   If the chat icon is not appearing on your website, check the settings in the 3CX plugin. Make sure you have enabled the chat on the pages where you want it to appear.
4. Problems with the 3CX App
   If the 3CX app is not working on your phone, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. If the issue persists, contact 3CX support.