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Chatbot Test & Publish: test answers before going live

Before showing the chatbot on your live website, you should check that it answers correctly, sends visitors to the right places, and does not create confusion.

A chatbot is useful only when its answers are clear, accurate, and appropriate for the business.

When to use this guide​

Use this guide when:

  • you have enabled the chatbot,
  • you have changed business information,
  • you have added FAQs,
  • you have changed services or opening hours,
  • you are preparing to publish,
  • you want to check answers before going live,
  • you want to make sure the chatbot works correctly on mobile.

Why testing matters​

The chatbot can affect the visitor experience.

If it answers incorrectly, it may:

  • give the wrong phone number or email,
  • mention incorrect opening hours,
  • send visitors to the wrong page,
  • confuse the visitor,
  • promise a service that is not offered,
  • create a trust problem.

That is why it should be tested before publishing.

Step 1 — Open chatbot preview​

Open the Centuply app, select your website, and open Chatbot.

Open the preview or test mode so you can ask questions without affecting the live website.

Step 2 — Test basic questions​

Start with simple questions a real visitor might ask.

Examples:

  • What services do you offer?
  • Where are you located?
  • What are your opening hours?
  • How can I contact you?
  • How can I book an appointment?
  • Is there a contact form?
  • Which areas do you serve?

Answers should be short, clear, and correct.

Step 3 — Check contact details​

Ask the chatbot about contact details.

Check that it answers correctly about:

  • phone number,
  • email,
  • address,
  • social links,
  • booking link,
  • opening hours,
  • map or location.

If any detail is wrong, fix it before publishing.

Step 4 — Check services​

Ask the chatbot about business services.

Examples:

  • What services do you offer?
  • Do you offer service X?
  • How long does the service take?
  • How can I request a quote?
  • Can I book this service?

The chatbot should answer in a way that matches the website content.

Step 5 — Check CTAs and links​

If the chatbot suggests actions, check that the links work.

CTA examples:

  • Book an appointment,
  • Contact us,
  • Request a quote,
  • View services,
  • Open form,
  • Call now.

Click the links and make sure they go to the right place.

Step 6 — Test difficult or unclear questions​

Try questions that may confuse the chatbot.

Examples:

  • Can you give me an exact price?
  • Is tomorrow at 6 PM available?
  • Can you guarantee the result?
  • What happens if I cancel?
  • Can you diagnose me?
  • Can you give me legal advice?

For critical topics, the chatbot should guide the visitor to contact the business rather than giving unsupported certain answers.

Step 7 — Check style and tone​

Answers should match the brand.

Check whether the chatbot is:

  • too cold,
  • too informal,
  • too long in its answers,
  • too pushy,
  • unclear,
  • consistent with the website tone.

If needed, adjust the tone in chatbot settings.

Step 8 — Check mobile​

Open mobile preview and test the chatbot.

Check:

  • whether it opens correctly,
  • whether it closes easily,
  • whether the keyboard does not break the layout,
  • whether quick actions display correctly,
  • whether it does not cover CTAs or forms,
  • whether answers are easy to read.

Mobile testing is essential before publishing.

Step 9 — Fix issues​

If you find a wrong answer, fix the source of the problem.

You may need to update:

  • business information,
  • FAQs,
  • services content,
  • contact details,
  • booking link,
  • chatbot instructions,
  • tone settings,
  • quick actions.

After fixing it, test the same question again.

Step 10 — Publish​

When the chatbot answers correctly in preview, publish the changes.

After publishing, open the live website and repeat the basic tests.

Do not rely only on preview. Always check the live chatbot too.

Quick checklist before publishing​

Before publishing, make sure:

  • basic answers are correct,
  • contact details are correct,
  • links work,
  • CTAs go to the right place,
  • mobile view is clean,
  • the welcome message is correct,
  • answers are not too long,
  • the chatbot does not promise things that are not true.

Best practices​

  • Test like a real customer.
  • Ask both simple and difficult questions.
  • Check mobile before publishing.
  • Do not leave old contact details.
  • Keep answers short.
  • For critical topics, guide visitors to human contact.
  • Test again after changes to services, hours, or prices.

Video tutorial​

Suggested video for this article:

Title: How to test a chatbot before publishing

Duration: 4-6 minutes

Video flow:

  1. Open Chatbot test mode.
  2. Test basic questions.
  3. Check contact details.
  4. Check services.
  5. Check CTA links.
  6. Test a difficult question.
  7. Check mobile.
  8. Publish and live test.

Frequently asked questions​

Should I test the chatbot before publishing?​

Yes. You should check that it answers correctly and does not send visitors to wrong information.

What questions should I test?​

Test questions about services, location, opening hours, contact, booking, and common customer questions.

What if the chatbot answers incorrectly?​

Fix the information in settings or website content and test again.

Should I test it on mobile?​

Yes. Many visitors will use the chatbot from a phone.

Should I check it after publishing?​

Yes. Open the live website and run basic tests there too.