Put simply, it is the website version of a good shop assistant. It stays quiet while people browse, and steps in only when someone clearly needs a hand or looks ready to leave.
Where the name comes from
The phrase describes three plain ideas:
- Onsite — it works on your website itself, while the visit is happening, not later by email.
- Conversion — its job is the thing your business actually wants: a sale, a booking, a quote, a sign-up.
- Agent — it acts on its own judgement, deciding when to help and when to stay out of the way.
That last part is what sets it apart from older terms like "chatbot" or "virtual assistant," which simply wait to be clicked. An agent pays attention and offers help first.
How is it different from a chatbot?
A chatbot sits in the corner until someone opens it, so most visitors never use it. An onsite conversion agent reads the moment and offers help proactively — but only when there is a real reason, like a shopper comparing options or heading for the exit.
Related terms
- Proactive chat — the broader idea of a site reaching out first
- Behavioral intervention — the underlying approach of responding to what visitors do
- AI sales agent — a related tool that follows up after the visit
See also
- What is an onsite conversion agent? — the full, plain-English guide
- Onsite conversion agent vs chatbot — a side-by-side comparison
- Cart abandonment calculator — model the opportunity on your own store
Last updated May 31, 2026.