# Let customers message you from your website, and reply from your phone

> A chat box on your site that sends messages to your phone, with an out-of-hours reply so nobody is left waiting. Built on request. Built on request.

- Source: https://nerdsharks.com/features/live-chat
- Publisher: Nerdsharks (Exeter, Devon, UK)
- Updated: 2026-09-27

Live chat is a small chat box on your website where visitors can type a question and get an answer while they are still on the page. It works well for businesses where people have quick questions before booking: do you cover my area, can you fit a Saturday, do you do this type of job. We can add it on request, with messages arriving on your phone so you can reply between jobs, and an automatic out-of-hours message that takes their number so nobody is ignored. Be honest with yourself first: a chat box nobody answers is worse than none. For many businesses, a WhatsApp button, which we can add on any plan, does the same job, and we will say so if it suits you better.

## How it works

1. **We check it suits you** - We talk through how quickly you could realistically reply. If a WhatsApp button would work better for you, we tell you and save you the cost.
2. **A chat box on your pages** - A small, unobtrusive button opens a chat window. It is designed to fit your site and not cover content on a phone screen.
3. **Messages reach your phone** - New chats notify you on your phone, and you reply from there. Each conversation is saved alongside your other enquiries.
4. **Covered out of hours** - When you are unavailable, visitors get a friendly automatic reply and are asked for their number or email so you can get back to them.

## Why it matters

- **Questions answered before they leave** - A visitor with one quick question may not ring or fill in a form. A chat box catches them while they are still deciding.
- **Easier than a phone call** - Some people, especially younger customers, would much rather type than talk. Chat gives them a way in.
- **Nobody ignored** - The out-of-hours reply means a chat at midnight becomes an enquiry you can pick up in the morning, not a message into the void.

## Questions

### Do I need live chat on my website?

Most small businesses do not need live chat unless they can reply quickly during working hours. Tap-to-call, included on every plan, and a WhatsApp button, which we can add on any plan, often do the same job with less to manage.

### Can I answer website chats from my phone?

Yes, chat messages come through to your phone so you can reply between jobs. Conversations are also saved with your other enquiries.

### What happens if someone chats when I am busy?

When you are unavailable, the visitor gets an automatic reply saying when you will get back to them and is asked for their contact details, so the enquiry is not lost.

### How much does live chat cost?

Live chat is built on request and priced individually, depending on how it needs to work for you. We give you a written price before starting, and suggest a cheaper option if one would do.