In today’s fast-paced digital economy, Australian consumers value immediacy above almost everything else. Installing live chat on your website allows you to greet visitors in real-time, answer questions before they become hurdles, and significantly increase your conversion rates by providing a human touch to your digital storefront.

Whether you are a local plumber in Brisbane or a national e-commerce retailer, live chat bridges the gap between 'just browsing' and 'ready to buy'. This guide will walk you through the process of choosing a platform and getting it live on your site.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following ready:

Website Admin Access: You’ll need login details for your CMS (WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace, etc.).
A Business Email: To register your chat account.
Brand Assets: A high-resolution version of your logo and a professional headshot of yourself or your team members.
Operating Hours: A clear idea of when you will be 'online' to answer queries.

---

Step 1: Choose Your Live Chat Provider

There are dozens of providers available. For Australian small businesses, we recommend platforms like Tidio, HubSpot, or Intercom. These offer great free tiers and mobile apps so you can respond while out on a job. Screenshot Description: You should see a pricing or signup page with options for 'Free', 'Starter', or 'Professional' tiers. Look for features like 'Mobile App' and 'Offline Messages'.

Step 2: Create Your Account

Sign up using your business email. During the setup wizard, most platforms will ask for your website URL and your industry. This helps the software suggest relevant 'chat triggers' later on. You want the chat bubble to look like a natural part of your website, not an annoying pop-up.

Colour Palette: Use your brand’s primary hex code (e.g., #0056b3) for the header.
Position: Usually, the bottom-right corner is the standard expectation for users.
Language: Ensure the default language is set to English (UK/AU) to avoid Americanised spelling (like 'Color' or 'Center').

Step 4: Set Up Your Operator Profile

Trust is everything. Instead of using a generic 'Support' icon, upload a real photo of a team member.

Display Name: Use a first name (e.g., "Sarah from Local Marketing Group").
Job Title: Keep it friendly, like "Customer Success" or "Service Specialist".

Step 5: Configure Your 'Offline' Behaviour

You can't be online 24/7. Configure the widget to show an 'Offline Message Form' when you aren't available. Pro Tip: Set expectations. Use a message like: "G'day! We're currently out of the office. Leave your details and we’ll get back to you within 2 business hours."*

Step 6: Generate the Installation Code

Once you've styled the widget, the platform will provide a snippet of JavaScript code. It usually looks like a long string of text starting with

How to Install Live Chat on Your Website