How to create a chatbot with ChatGPT

Chatbots are everywhere: on websites, in apps, even texting you about your pizza order. And they’re not just annoying pop-ups anymore. Thanks to tools like ChatGPT, these bots can actually hold conversations that solve problems and answer questions.

That’s a huge advantage for businesses, especially those still relying on outdated customer service setups. With long wait times, repetitive questions, and overworked support teams, it’s frustrating for everyone involved. But a chatbot can handle all the basic stuff (and a lot of the more complex stuff, too), so your human team can focus on the things only humans can do.

This guide details two ways to make that happen:

• The technical route: Creating a chatbot with ChatGPT using OpenAI’s application programming interface (API) and some code
• An easier path: Building a chatbot with Jotform AI Agents, a no-code alternative you can set up in minutes

We’ll walk you through both methods, so you can decide which works best for your business.

What is ChatGPT and why use it for chatbots?

Before jumping into how to make a chatbot with ChatGPT, let’s take a second to look at what this AI powerhouse actually is. Built by OpenAI, ChatGPT is a large language model (LLM). This means that by providing the model with vast amounts of data, developers have trained it to understand queries in natural language and generate human-like responses. ChatGPT can perform a wide variety of tasks, including writing code, drafting emails, generating images, and building chatbots.

What is a chatbot? In short, a chatbot is a tool that provides responses to queries automatically. You’ve probably chatted with one when asking for store hours, checking on a package, or trying to reset your password for the fifth time. They’re designed to mimic real conversation and handle tasks that would normally take up a support rep’s time.

ChatGPT steps that up a notch. Unlike older bots that rely on stiff, rules-based scripts, ChatGPT conducts flexible conversations by generating context-based responses in real time. It understands nuance, context, and tone, which makes the experience feel a lot less robotic — and a lot more helpful. By learning how to build a chatbot with ChatGPT, you’ll be well on your way to teaching an LLM to respond the way an actual person would.

ChatGPT capabilities and architecture

ChatGPT is what’s known as a transformer model. This kind of AI model learns from language patterns to predict what comes next in a sentence and adapt to prompts on the fly. You can fine-tune its responses, give it specific rules to follow, and even train it with example conversations. You’re not locked into a single personality or set of answers — you can create a chatbot with ChatGPT that fits your brand’s voice and goals.

Because of ChatGPT’s flexibility, individuals and businesses use ChatGPT for all kinds of tasks, including building chatbots, AI agents, and other tools that respond to users in real time.

And what are AI agents? They’re a type of AI software that can communicate, make decisions, and use human-like reasoning to solve problems. You could consider AI agents the next generation of chatbots.

Benefits for businesses

Unlike a traditional customer service setup, a ChatGPT-powered chatbot can be available 24-7: no lunch breaks, no sick days, no canned “Sorry, we’re closed” messages. That alone makes it a great asset for handling customer questions, especially outside of regular business hours. By handling repetitive everyday inquiries, it can also reduce the load on your human support team, letting them focus on bigger issues.

Beyond support, you can also use a chatbot to generate leads, onboard customers, collect feedback, or guide people through your site or product.

Common use cases

Here are some of the most popular uses for ChatGPT-based bots:

• Customer support: Answering frequently asked questions, tracking orders, or walking users through troubleshooting steps
• Lead qualification: Asking a few smart questions to sort casual browsers from serious prospects
• Internal help desks: Assisting employees with HR- or IT-related questions
• E-commerce: Recommending products based on someone’s search terms or shopping history
• Forms and surveys: Gathering structured feedback in a more conversational, less intimidating way

These are just a handful of ways to use ChatGPT chatbots. If there’s an area in which people ask the same questions over and over, chances are you can deploy a bot to handle those inquiries — or at least take the first pass.

Step-by-step guide: How to create a chatbot with ChatGPT

So you’re ready to build a chatbot with ChatGPT — now what? Whether you’re tech-savvy or just curious about chatbots, this section walks you through the entire setup process. You’ll go from zero to functional bot with a clear look at what tools you need, how the system works, and where to watch out for the tricky parts.

Step 1: Setting up an OpenAI account and API access

First, head over to OpenAI’s website and create an account. If you already have one, log in and go straight to the API dashboard. This is where you’ll generate your API key, which is a unique code that serves as your pass to connect your project to ChatGPT.

Treat your API key like a password. Don’t share it, and never paste it into public code repositories. You’ll use this key anytime your chatbot sends or receives a message from the ChatGPT model.

Step 2: Understanding token-based pricing

Instead of charging by the month or by the message, OpenAI uses a token system. Every word your chatbot sends or receives eats up a certain number of tokens, and that usage can add up quickly.

Generally speaking, one token is approximately three quarters of a word. The longer your chatbot’s messages are (or the more back-and-forth it has), the more tokens you’ll use. OpenAI provides detailed pricing info on its website, so you can estimate how much your chatbot will cost based on how chatty it is.

This is one of the reasons many people prefer using no-code platforms or alternatives like Jotform AI Agents, which offer predictable pricing that’s easier to plan around.

Step 3: Technical requirements

To keep things simple, we’ll focus on using Python for this setup, as it’s one of the most widely supported options for building a chatbot with ChatGPT.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Python installed on your system (version 3.7 or later)
• A code editor like VS Code or PyCharm
• OpenAI’s Python library
• A basic understanding of HTTP requests and JSON formatting

You’ll write a script that sends user input to ChatGPT’s API and returns a response. You can host this locally or use a cloud service (like Heroku, AWS, or Replit) to deploy it more widely.

If you’re not comfortable with code, you may want to skip to the Jotform AI Agents section [link]. It’s a much simpler, less technical way to create a chatbot without all the developer tools.

Step 4: Building basic conversation flow

Once your system is set up, it’s time to make your chatbot conversational. At its core, your script will send a prompt (what the user says) to the ChatGPT API and receive a generated response.

Here’s a stripped-down example of what that code looks like in Python:

python
 
import openai
 
openai.api_key = 'your-api-key-here'
response = openai.ChatCompletion.create(
  model="gpt-4",
  messages=[
    {"role": "system", "content": "You are a helpful customer service chatbot."},
    {"role": "user", "content": "What are your business hours?"}
  ]
)
 
print(response['choices'][0]['message']['content'])

This basic format gives ChatGPT a role and context, then sends it user input. From there, you can add logic to handle multiple turns, save chat history, and branch out into more specific flows. That’s the core of how to make a chatbot with ChatGPT: sending prompts, receiving replies, and shaping the interaction.

Step 5: Training and customization

You don’t have to train ChatGPT from scratch. In fact, OpenAI doesn’t give you direct access to the raw training pipeline. Instead, you provide custom instructions to the model using what’s called “prompt engineering.” This essentially means you’re guiding it with smart input and carefully written system messages.

You can also fine-tune the model with your own dataset, although this requires more technical setup and additional cost. For most small to medium-sized use cases, prompt customization is more than enough.

You may want your bot to have a particular “personality” or communication style, such as upbeat, professional, or quirky. To accomplish this, you can adjust the system message or provide a few example conversations it can mimic. This step is key to creating a chatbot that reflects your brand.

Step 6: Deployment considerations

Once the chatbot behaves the way you want it to, it’s ready to deploy. If you’re keeping things simple, you can run your chatbot from your local machine or a personal server. Most companies, however, want a chatbot on their website, app, or messaging platform, and that takes a bit more setup.

Here are a few deployment options:

• Web-based chatbot: Embed the chatbot in a webpage using JavaScript and connect it to a backend script that calls the OpenAI API.
• Messenger platforms: Build a wrapper for Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or Slack using their APIs.
• Standalone chat app: Use tools like Flask or Django (for Python) to build a custom interface.

Make sure you account for user privacy, data security, and uptime. Even though ChatGPT does the heavy lifting, your system still needs to deliver a smooth experience.

Challenges and limitations of ChatGPT chatbots

Learning how to build an agent with ChatGPT can result in a powerful tool, but it’s not always easy, cheap, or fast. The technology has a lot going for it, but it also comes with a few trade-offs. Here’s what you need to know before you commit any major time or budget to taking this route.

Technical complexity and coding requirements

Let’s be blunt: This is no plug-and-play setup. You need to know how to write code, understand APIs, manage environment variables, and debug scripts when things break (and they will break). If you’re not comfortable with Python or JSON, you’ll spend a lot of time searching error messages and chasing down odd formatting issues.

Even if you’re an experienced programmer, building and maintaining a custom chatbot takes ongoing effort. Every system change or feature tweak requires additional development time, and if you’re working with a team, that means syncing your changes across multiple contributors.

Ongoing costs and token consumption

Remember the tokens we went over earlier in this guide? Those add up fast, especially if your chatbot tends to have long conversations, handles a lot of traffic, or uses advanced models like GPT-4.

OpenAI charges by the number of tokens used per request, and the price depends on which GPT model you’re using. You might start by paying a few dollars per month, but if your bot gets popular (or wordy), you could be looking at unpredictable and sometimes steep monthly costs.

There’s no flat-rate option with ChatGPT — every conversation your chatbot has is essentially a metered expense.

Development time and maintenance needs

Building the first version of your bot is just the beginning. You’ll need to test edge cases, refine prompts, adjust for tone, and employ fixes when the chatbot misunderstands a request, which will inevitably happen.

Over time, you’ll likely add features or introduce new scenarios, which means revisiting your code and conversation flows. You’ll also want to keep up with OpenAI’s updates, pricing changes, and version rollouts, all of which mean more ongoing work, even after your bot is live.

Integration challenges with existing systems

To connect your chatbot with your customer relationship management (CRM) system, email platform, or database, you’ll probably need to write or configure additional code to make those integrations work. Some platforms have built-in APIs that make this easier, but they still add another layer of complexity.

Without the right setup, you could end up with a chatbot that chats just fine but doesn’t actually do anything. That defeats the purpose of having a chatbot in the first place, especially if you built it to automate repetitive business tasks and reduce manual effort.

Jotform AI Agents: The better alternative

If coding, tokens, and error logs aren’t your thing, I’ve got good news: There’s another way to build a smart chatbot without ever touching a line of code. Jotform AI Agents give you the flexibility of ChatGPT-style conversations but wrap it in a clean, no-code interface.

It’s fast, approachable, and best of all, it works.

No-code simplicity

You don’t need to install anything, open a code editor, or learn Python. You simply open Jotform, click through a few prompts, and start building. Most people can create a fully functioning agent in just a few minutes. That includes training it, customizing responses, and setting rules, all through an intuitive visual builder.

If you’re looking to create a chatbot without learning backend development, this is the ideal solution.

Cost-effective pricing

Jotform offers a free tier, and even our paid plans have straightforward, predictable pricing. You won’t need to keep a running tally of token usage or worry about how much an especially busy day will cost. Everything is rolled into a monthly plan, so you can set your chatbot budget and stick to it.

Pre-built templates

You don’t have to start from scratch. Jotform AI Agents come with more than 7,000 pre-built chatbot templates for multiple industries. You’ll find agent templates for customer or HR support, lead capture, e-commerce, healthcare, education, and more. Pick one, make the necessary specifications, and launch. It really is that simple.

Easy share and embed options

Once your agent’s ready, you can embed it directly on your website or share it with a link, no custom code or developer needed. Whether you want it hovering in the corner of your homepage or front and center on your contact page, you’ve got options.

Multichannel deployment

Jotform AI Agents don’t just work on websites; they work across multiple platforms. You can connect your AI agent to WhatsApp, SMS, or even set it up for phone-based interactions. Wherever your audience is, your chatbot can be there.

Advanced features

This is more than just a chat bubble. You can connect your AI agent to Jotform’s powerful forms, set up workflows, automate tasks, and even turn on voice capabilities. That means your chatbot can do more than answer questions — it can help users complete actions in real time.

If you need HIPAA compliance features or secure data handling for sensitive industries, not to worry: That’s baked right in, too.

Easy customization

With Jotform, you’re not stuck with a generic, one-size-fits-all bot. You can adjust the agent’s tone, name, greeting, and visual style, all to match your brand. Whether you want friendly and casual or formal and efficient, the agent will sound like an extension of your brand voice.

Comparison table: ChatGPT vs Jotform AI Agents

	Jotform AI Agents	ChatGPT
Technical skills required	None	High
Setup time	Minutes	Hours or days
Ongoing Costs	Predictable monthly charges	Variable (token-based)
Customization	Drag-and-drop interface	Complex coding
Deployment channels	Multichannel	Limited
Maintenance	Self-service	Developer required
	Try It Now	Learn More

Getting started with Jotform AI Agents

You don’t need a tech background or a long chunk of time to get started with Jotform AI Agents. If you’ve used any drag-and-drop builder before, you’re already overqualified. Here’s how the setup process works and how to make it your own.

Step-by-step setup process

1. Start by heading to Jotform’s AI Agents platform.
2. Click on Create Your AI Agent and follow the prompts.
3. The agent builder tool walks you through the next steps: Choose a name, set the agent’s tone, and upload sample content if needed.
4. Assign specific goals to guide the AI agent’s real-time responses, as needed.

There’s no coding, no downloading, and no platform hoops to jump through. You build it all right inside your browser.

Template selection and customization

Once you’re in the builder, you’ll have access to thousands of templates designed for various industries and tasks. Pick one that fits your use case, such as customer support, appointment scheduling, or product FAQs, and customize it from there.

You can edit the greeting, update the instructions, and guide how the agent responds to common questions. You’re not locked into a generic set of choices; you can fine-tune your agent’s voice and logic until it fits your needs.

Integration with existing systems

Jotform AI Agents play nicely with other tools. You can connect your chatbot to forms, CRMs, calendars, and more. It can collect user info and send it straight to your database or follow up after someone submits a form. All you need to do is set up the workflow to make it happen.

Performance monitoring and optimization

Once your agent is live, you can track its performance using Jotform’s built-in analytics. See which questions come up most often, where users drop off, and the kinds of conversations that convert best. This feedback loop makes it easy to refine your chatbot over time without having to rebuild it from scratch.

Start building smarter conversations with Jotform AI Agents

Now that you know how to create a chatbot with ChatGPT and can set up a Jotform AI agent, you’re well on your way. Building an AI chatbot doesn’t have to be complicated, and with Jotform AI Agents, it isn’t. From helping customers find answers quickly to shepherding new leads through a sales process, an AI-powered assistant can take that weight off your team’s shoulders.

Jotform’s AI Agents give you full control over your chatbot’s tone, purpose, and behavior. You decide what it knows, how it responds, and what happens after the conversation ends. And because it’s built on the same platform as your forms, approvals, and automations, it fits right into your workflows from the start.

You don’t need any extra tools, third-party plug-ins, or programming knowledge. Your Jotform AI Agent is just a smarter way to manage incoming questions and turn them into useful data.

And you don’t have to stop at one chatbot. You can create multiple AI agents for different departments or tasks, all managed from the same dashboard. You can have one for customer service, one for event registrations, and one that knows your product catalog inside and out.

With Jotform AI Agents, you’re building a better experience for the people who interact with your business. 

It’s never been easier to create an AI chatbot that works the way you want it to. Try Jotform AI Agents free today.