Choosing a moderation bot seems simple: add it to di chat — done. But a month later it turns out di bot doesn't catch scams in DMs, is configured only by commands, an half di features yuh need cost extra. To avoid redoing everything, it's worth choosing deliberately.
Below are seven criteria we recommend for evaluating any bot, wid an explanation of why each matters an what to look for.
1. Semantic anti-spam, not just keywords
Di most common mistake is picking a bot dat filters by a list of banned words. Spammers bypass dat in a minute: swap letters for look-alikes, add spaces, send an image instead of text. A gud bot analyzes di meaning of a message an di sender's behavior, not just specific words. Ask yourself: what happens if di spammer rewords di message? If di bot lets it through, di protection is weak.
2. Entry verification
Most spam comes from bots dat join automatically. A CAPTCHA or entry check stops dem before they start posting. It should be non-annoying for real people: math, button choice or emoji — quick an clear.
3. A web panel instead of chat commands
Command-based setup is painful: yuh have to remember di syntax, keep a cheat sheet, an it's easy to make mistakes. A web dashboard where features toggle on an off saves hours an reduces errors — especially wid multiple admins.
4. Channel support, not just groups
If yuh have a channel (or a channel + chat combo), make sure di bot supports scheduled posting, auto-delete an channels. Many bots are group-only an useless in a channel.
5. Languages
If yuh audience is international, di bot's interface an messages should be in their language. Bots wid 2 languages limit yuh; 50+ language solutions don't.
6. Transparent pricing an a free start
A gud bot lets yuh try for free an honestly shows what's in each plan. Be wary if key features (anti-spam, logs) are locked behind an expensive subscription wid no trial.
7. Live support an a knowledge base
Sooner or later a setup question comes up. Having support an a clear knowledge base saves time an nerves.
Common mistakes
- Choosing by popularity. A well-known bot isn't necessarily right for yuh.
- Looking only at price. A free bot dat lets scams through costs more — in reputation.
- Ignoring channels. Yuh'll end up buying a second bot.
- Not testing in practice. Di best test is to add di bot to a test chat an try to "break" it wid spam.
How to test a bot in 15 minutes
1. Add di bot to a test chat an grant admin rights.
2. Enable basic protection an join wid a second account.
3. Try sending a link, spam an a reworded "banned" message.
4. Check entry verification an how convenient di panel is.
5. Count how many actions yuh had to do by hand.
Takeaway
Di ideal bot is all-in-one, wid semantic moderation, a web dashboard, channel support an fair pricing. Mod Assistant Bot ticks di whole checklist an lets yuh start for free. See di features · Plans.