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Setting up AI features

11/11/2025
IntegrationAdvanced Features

Smart FAQs offers three powerful AI features:


AI Search: Intelligent semantic search that understands the meaning behind queries, not just keywords.

AI Write: Automatically generate FAQ content based on your questions and requirements.

AI Chatbot: An interactive AI assistant that answers customer questions using your FAQ knowledge base.


All these features require a Groq API key to function. Groq provides fast, affordable AI inference that powers these features.

Step 1: Sign Up for a Groq Account

  1. Visit the Groq Console

    • Go to console.groq.com

    • Click "Sign Up" or "Get Started"

  2. Create Your Account

    • You can sign up using your email address or connect with Google

    • Complete the registration process

  3. Verify Your Email (if required)

    • Check your email inbox for a verification message

    • Click the verification link to activate your account

  4. Log In

    • Once verified, log in to your Groq account

    • You'll be taken to the Groq Console dashboard

Step 2: Create a Groq API Key

  1. Navigate to API Keys

    • In the Groq Console, look for the "API Keys" section in the sidebar or navigation menu

    • Click on "API Keys"

  2. Create a New API Key

    • Click the "Create API Key" button

    • You may be prompted to give your key a name (e.g., "Smart FAQs Production")

    • Click "Create" or "Generate"

  3. Copy Your API Key

    • Important: Your API key will be displayed only once

    • Copy the entire API key (it will start with gsk_)

    • Store it securely – you won't be able to see it again after closing this window

    • If you lose your key, you'll need to create a new one

  4. Secure Your API Key

    • Treat your API key like a password

    • Never share it publicly or commit it to version control

    • Groq provides free tier access with generous limits, but you're responsible for usage

Step 3: Add Your API Key in Smart FAQs

  1. Navigate to AI Settings

    • Log in to your Smart FAQs account

    • Go to Dashboard → AI (or navigate directly to /dashboard/ai)

    • This is where you'll configure all your AI features

  2. Enter Your Groq API Key

    • In the "General AI Configuration" section, find the "Groq API Key" field

    • Paste your API key (the one that starts with gsk_)

    • The field will be masked for security

  3. Add Support Email (Optional)

    • In the "Support Email" field, enter an email address where customers can reach you

    • This email will be used in AI responses when the chatbot can't find an answer

    • Example: support@yourcompany.com

  4. Validate and Save Your Key

    • Click the "Submit Groq Key" button

    • Smart FAQs will test your API key to ensure it's valid

    • You'll see a success message if the key is valid and saved

    • If there's an error, check that you copied the entire key correctly

  5. Verify Your Setup

    • Once saved, you should see additional AI feature sections appear (if you have the required plan)

    • The page will confirm that your API key is configured

Using AI Features

Once your API key is configured, you can start using Smart FAQs' AI features. Note that different features require different subscription plans.

AI Search
 Required Plan: Plus or Premium

AI Search provides intelligent semantic search that understands the meaning and context of queries, not just exact keyword matches.

How it works:

  • Users can search your FAQs using natural language

  • The AI understands synonyms, related concepts, and context

  • Returns the most relevant FAQs even if they don't contain the exact search terms

Access:

  • AI Search is automatically enabled in your FAQ widget once configured

  • No additional setup required – it works with your existing FAQs

AI Write
 Required Plan: Premium

AI Write helps you generate FAQ content automatically, saving time and ensuring consistency.

How to use AI Write:

  1. Navigate to AI Write

    • Go to Dashboard → FAQs → AI Write (or /dashboard/ai-write)

  2. Enter Your Question

    • Type the question you want to create an FAQ for

    • Example: "What is your return policy?"

  3. Add Details (Optional)

    • Provide additional context or requirements

    • Example: "Include information about the 30-day return window and how to initiate a return"

  4. Generate Content

    • Click "Generate FAQ"

    • The AI will create both a question and answer based on your input

    • You can regenerate if you're not satisfied with the result

  5. Review and Edit

    • Review the generated content

    • Edit as needed using the rich text editor

    • Add tags to categorize your FAQ

  6. Save Your FAQ

    • Click "Save FAQ" when you're ready

    • The FAQ will be added to your knowledge base

AI Write Settings:

  • Model: Choose between fast (Llama 3.1 8B) or high-quality (Llama 3.3 70B) models

  • Tone: Select professional, casual, friendly, technical, or creative

  • Max Length: Set the maximum length for generated answers

AI Chatbot
 Required Plan: Premium

The AI Chatbot is an interactive assistant that answers customer questions using your FAQ knowledge base.

How it works:

  • Embedded in your FAQ widget

  • Customers can ask questions in natural language

  • The chatbot searches your FAQs and provides accurate answers

  • Maintains conversation context for follow-up questions

Chatbot Configuration:

  • Name: Customize your chatbot's name (default: "Smart Assistant")

  • Greeting: Set the initial message users see

  • Personality: Choose helpful, professional, friendly, or casual

  • Theme: Select light, dark, or auto (follows system theme)

  • Fallback Message: Message shown when the chatbot can't find an answer

Access:

  • The chatbot appears automatically in your FAQ widget when enabled

  • No additional embedding code required

Example: Creating Your First AI-Generated FAQ

Let's walk through creating an FAQ using AI Write:

  1. Navigate to AI Write
     Dashboard → FAQs → AI Write

  2. Enter a Question
     Question: "How do I track my order?"

  3. Add Details
     Details: "Customers receive a tracking number via email after shipping. They can use this number on our website or the carrier's website."

  4. Generate

    • Click "Generate FAQ"

    • Wait a few seconds for the AI to create content

  5. Review Generated Content
     Question: "How do I track my order?"
     Answer:
     Once your order has been shipped, you'll receive a tracking number via email. You can use this tracking number to monitor your package's progress in two ways:

    • Visit our website's order tracking page and enter your tracking number

    • Go directly to the carrier's website (UPS, FedEx, or USPS) and enter your tracking number there
       The tracking information will show you the current location of your package and an estimated delivery date.

  6. Customize

    • Edit the answer if needed

    • Select relevant tags (e.g., "Shipping", "Orders")

    • Set visibility options

  7. Save

    • Click "Save FAQ"

    • Your FAQ is now live and searchable!

Troubleshooting

API Key Not Working
 Problem: "Connection failed" or "Invalid API key" error
 Solutions:

  • Verify you copied the entire API key (it should start with gsk_)

  • Check that there are no extra spaces before or after the key

  • Ensure your Groq account is active and has available quota

  • Try creating a new API key in the Groq Console

AI Features Not Appearing
 Problem: AI Write or AI Chatbot sections don't show up
 Solutions:

  • Verify your subscription plan includes the feature:

    • AI Search: Requires Plus or Premium plan

    • AI Write: Requires Premium plan

    • AI Chatbot: Requires Premium plan

  • Check that your API key is saved and validated

  • Refresh the page after saving your API key

AI Responses Are Slow
 Problem: AI features take too long to respond
 Solutions:

  • Switch to a faster model (Llama 3.1 8B Instant) in your AI settings

  • Check your internet connection

  • Review your Groq account status and quotas

Chatbot Not Answering Questions
 Problem: Chatbot says it can't find answers even when FAQs exist
 Solutions:

  • Ensure you have FAQs in your knowledge base

  • Check that your FAQs are published and visible

  • Verify your API key is still valid

  • Try rephrasing the question – the AI works best with clear, specific queries

Getting "Plan Required" Errors
 Problem: Feature access denied even after setting up API key
 Solutions:

  • Upgrade your subscription plan:

    • Plus plan: Access to AI Search

    • Premium plan: Access to all AI features (Search, Write, Chatbot)

  • Check your account's current plan in Dashboard → Account → Plan

Additional Resources

  • Groq Documentation: docs.groq.com

  • Groq Console: console.groq.com

  • Smart FAQs Support: Contact support through your dashboard

Best Practices

  1. Keep Your API Key Secure

    • Never share your API key publicly

    • Rotate keys periodically if you suspect a security issue

  2. Monitor Usage

    • Check your Groq usage in the Groq Console

    • Smart FAQs tracks token usage in your dashboard

  3. Optimize Your Content

    • Write clear, concise FAQs for better AI understanding

    • Use relevant tags to help categorize content

    • Regularly review and update your FAQs

  4. Test Your Setup

    • After configuration, test each AI feature

    • Try the AI Write feature with a simple question first

    • Test the chatbot with various customer questions

  5. Customize AI Settings

    • Adjust model selection based on your needs (speed vs. quality)

    • Customize chatbot personality to match your brand

    • Set appropriate tone for AI-generated content

Need Help?
 If you encounter any issues not covered in this guide, please contact Smart FAQs support through your dashboard or visit our support documentation.


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