Articles on: AI Setup & Follow-Ups

How to train your AI Lead Qualifier in LeadTruffle

📝 Set up your AI agent to text website leads 24/7: build its knowledge base, write instructions, test it, and choose how it closes.



Table of contents




Overview



Your AI agent works like a 24/7 team member. It texts leads who come in from your website. This guide shows you how to set up what the AI knows and how it behaves, so it fits your business.



Step 1: Set up your AI knowledge base


  1. Go to Settings > Company Settings.
  2. Add your website URL. LeadTruffle scans your site for company info.
  3. When the scan finishes, review what the AI generated:
    • Company description
    • Products and services
    • Pricing (add this yourself if it's not on your website)
  5. Click Save and Continue to finish your knowledge base.


Your knowledge base lives under AI Knowledge in the left menu. Both website texting and phone features use it.


Tip: Include the services you don't offer, and say whether you want the AI to share pricing. You can paste summaries from emails or spreadsheets, or use ChatGPT to shorten the info before you add it.



Step 2: Define your service area (optional)


  1. Go to Service Area under AI Knowledge.
  2. Enter your ZIP code and set a radius.
  3. Give each area a name.


The AI uses your service areas to tell which leads are inside or outside the zones you serve.



Step 3: Customize company settings


Before you go live, check that:


  • Your company name, phone number, and email are correct
  • Your time zone is set correctly



Step 4: Configure your website lead qualifier


  1. Go to Website Texting > Lead Qualifier.
  2. Turn the lead qualifier ON. The AI will then text new leads from your website widget.


If the lead qualifier is OFF, leads are still captured, but they won't get a text.



Step 5: Add instructions to guide the AI


Use the Instructions box to tell the AI how to talk with leads.


  • Example: "Ask what type of painting work they need. If interior, ask A, B, C. If exterior, ask X, Y, Z."
  • Keep it focused. 3–5 core questions work best.
  • If you want the AI to say something exactly, put it in quotes.



Step 6: Use demo chat to test conversations


  • Click Start Demo Chat to act out a real lead conversation.
  • This is the best way to test how your AI responds.


Don't test with your website widget. It may flag repeat submissions from the same phone number within a 12-hour window.



Step 7: Choose between freeform or structured format


Format

Best for

Freeform

Most users. You write instructions in plain language.

Structured format

Detailed lead qualification, such as services, square footage, or job details. Each field you define is treated as a form question.


More on structured format


Use structured format when you need the AI to collect specific details, like square footage, service type, or budget. It turns the conversation into a guided form, and each field is treated as a required answer. It also helps if you need exact data or field mapping.


Most users start with freeform and switch to structured format later if they need it.



Step 8: Define your call-to-action


Decide how the AI should end the conversation:


  • Simple handoff: "Thanks, we'll be in touch shortly."
  • Advanced follow-up: Give a rough quote and share a link to your calendar.
  • Booking: Add a Calendly or LeadTruffle scheduling link if you want leads to book appointments.


No booking integration connected? Use the simple handoff, and avoid wording that suggests the AI can check or confirm availability.



Recap and best practices


  • AI knowledge base = the brain
  • Instructions box = the script
  • Demo chat = your best testing tool
  • Start simple. Add logic, pricing, and scheduling later.



Need help? Contact us at support@leadtruffle.com or message the team via the chat on this article or in-app.

Updated on: 08/10/2026

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