If you’ve ever wished you could talk to a website visitor face-to-face while they’re browsing your site, you’re not alone. Most “live chat” tools feel pretty impersonal — canned messages, slow replies, and a lot of back-and-forth. But sometimes, hopping on a quick video call would clear things up fast (for you and your visitor).
This guide is for folks who want to cut through the noise and set up real-time, personalized video calls with website visitors using Servicebell. Whether you run sales, support, or just want to add a human touch to your site, I’ll walk you through setup, what to watch out for, and how to avoid wasting your time on gimmicks.
Why bother with video calls on your website?
Before we get tactical, let’s be honest: video calls aren’t for everyone, and they’re not a silver bullet. But in the right context, they can:
- Build trust fast (people like seeing a real human)
- Fix misunderstandings in seconds instead of emails back and forth
- Help you stand out from competitors still using generic chatbots
Of course, not every visitor wants to jump on a call — so your setup should be respectful, optional, and quick to use. If you’re looking for “set it and forget it” automation, this isn’t it. But if you want to actually talk to people who need help or have questions, read on.
Step 1: Sign up for Servicebell and add it to your website
First things first: head to Servicebell’s website and sign up for an account. The free trial is enough to get started and see if it’s worth it for your business.
Once you’re in:
- You’ll get a snippet of JavaScript code.
- Paste this snippet into your website’s HTML, right before the closing
</body>tag. - If you use something like WordPress, Webflow, or Shopify, there are usually instructions for pasting code into your site’s header or footer sections. Don’t overthink it — you’re just adding one script.
Pro tip: Test it on a staging site or a page with low traffic first. No one likes being surprised by a pop-up video call button on the homepage.
Step 2: Set up your team and customize the “call” button
Out of the box, Servicebell puts a floating widget (think chat bubble, but for video) on your site. You want this to feel like a helpful invitation, not an aggressive sales pitch.
Here’s what to do:
- Invite your team: Add the folks who’ll actually answer calls. Make sure they know this isn’t a random Zoom link — it’s visitors popping in while they’re on your site.
- Customize the widget: Change the colors, greeting text, and placement to match your site. Keep it simple and friendly (“Questions? Let’s chat face-to-face!” works better than “Schedule a demo now.”)
- Set your availability: If you don’t want to take calls 24/7 (and you don’t), set business hours so visitors only see the call option when you’re around.
What to skip: Don’t go overboard with branding or animations. Visitors care about getting help, not your logo doing backflips.
Step 3: Decide when and where to show the video call option
Blanket video calls for every visitor? Not a good idea. You’ll annoy people and waste your time. Be strategic.
Options you can set up:
- Only on certain pages: High-intent pages (pricing, checkout, support) are good candidates. Skip the blog.
- After a visitor spends X seconds/minutes: Don’t show the widget immediately. Give folks a chance to look around.
- For returning visitors or logged-in users: Prioritize people who already know you.
- Via proactive invites: If you see someone stuck on checkout, you can invite them to a call — but don’t be creepy about it.
Honest take: The more targeted you are, the less annoying the experience, and the more likely you’ll actually have good conversations.
Step 4: Train your team to handle live video calls
This part is overlooked. It’s not enough to have the tech — you need people ready to help, not just sit there awkwardly on camera.
What to cover:
- Quick intros: Start every call by saying who you are and why you’re there. It calms nerves.
- Set boundaries: Not every question is a video-call question. If someone wants a demo, great. If they just want your opening hours, maybe send them the info instead.
- Privacy matters: Be mindful of what’s visible on camera and what info you ask for. Don’t get weird.
- Have a backup plan: If the call drops or the visitor prefers chat, switch channels gracefully.
Pro tip: Do a few dry runs with your team. It’s better to iron out awkwardness before going live.
Step 5: Monitor, iterate, and avoid burnout
You’re live. Now what? The real work begins after launch.
What to actually pay attention to:
- How often do people use the call button? If it’s crickets, maybe your widget is too hidden, or people don’t want video. That’s OK — adjust.
- How long do calls last? If every conversation turns into a 30-minute therapy session, set expectations better up front.
- Are you seeing better conversions or support outcomes? Don’t just assume “more video calls = better business.” Check your numbers.
- Team feedback: Are your people overwhelmed, or is this manageable? Burned out staff won’t make good calls.
What to ignore: Vanity metrics like “widget impressions” or “potential reach.” Focus on real conversations and outcomes.
Step 6: Respect privacy and compliance
Let’s get real: video calls mean live audio and (sometimes) screen sharing. This can make people nervous. Don’t brush it off.
Best practices:
- Always ask permission before starting video or screen share.
- Make it clear what data you’re collecting (if any).
- Follow regional privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA, etc.) if you have visitors from affected areas.
- If you record calls, say so up front, and only if absolutely necessary.
People are skittish about privacy these days — be transparent and you’ll avoid headaches.
What works, what doesn’t, and what to skip
What works:
- Quick, human help for high-intent visitors
- Building trust fast (especially for services/products that need explanation)
- Short, focused calls — not long, rambling demos
What doesn’t:
- Forcing video calls on everyone (most people will bounce)
- Leaving the widget up 24/7 and missing calls — it just annoys people
- Using video for basic support that could be handled in chat or email
What to skip:
- Over-customizing the widget — people just want help
- Over-complicating routing rules — start simple, add complexity only if you need it
- Treating Servicebell like a replacement for all other support channels (it’s a supplement, not a silver bullet)
Keep it simple, and improve as you go
Don’t get caught up in the bells and whistles. Start with a basic setup, see how your visitors react, and tweak from there. All the scripts, automations, and integrations in the world won’t help if you’re not actually talking to people who want to talk to you.
Set it up, try it out, and remember — sometimes the fastest way to help someone is to just show up, camera on, and say, “How can I help?”