Selecting a Target Population for Launch

As you frame your overall goals for using Mainstay, it is helpful to define a set of goals related just to your initial launch. For our newest partners, we recommend narrowing your focus by contact population.

With new chatbots, we recommend starting with a target population. Typically, we recommend that you start by launching to a more traditional contact population. For example, if you are launching to a group of traditional students, we will want to set up your bot's knowledge base around a fairly standard admissions or enrollment process that will apply to the majority of your students. 

Beyond that, we also recommend starting with students who have some level of commitment to the school. We find that students are more likely to be engaged with the bot if they already feel a sense of connection to the school. For example, you might want to start with already admitted students that you’re supporting through enrollment. Alternatively, depending on the time of year, it may make more sense for you to work with students who have already started applications but could use some extra support completing applications and getting excited about your school.

When considering the population for launch, keep in mind that: ultimately, a higher engagement at launch will lead to a smarter chatbot.