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, ɛn half di features yu need cost extra. To avoid redoing everything, it's worth choosing deliberately.
Below are seven criteria wi recommend for evaluating any bot, wit an explanation of why each matters ɛn 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 ɛn 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 them before they start posting. It should be non-annoying for real pipul: math, button choice or emoji — quick ɛn clear.
3. A web panel instead of chat commands
Command-based setup is painful: yu have to remember di syntax, keep a cheat sheet, ɛn it's easy to make mistakes. A web dashboard where features toggle on ɛn off saves hours ɛn reduces errors — especially wit multiple admins.
4. Channel support, not just groups
If yu have a channel (or a channel + chat combo), make sure di bot supports scheduled posting, auto-delete ɛn channels. Many bots are group-only ɛn useless in a channel.
5. Languages
If yu audience is international, di bot's interface ɛn messages should be in their language. Bots wit 2 languages limit yu; 50+ language solutions don't.
6. Transparent pricing ɛn a free start
A gud bot lets yu try for free ɛn honestly shows what's in each plan. Be wary if key features (anti-spam, logs) are locked behind an expensive subscription wit no trial.
7. Live support ɛn a knowledge base
Sooner or later a setup question comes up. Having support ɛn a clear knowledge base saves time ɛn nerves.
Common mistakes
- Choosing by popularity. A well-known bot isn't necessarily right for yu.
- Looking only at price. A free bot dat lets scams through costs more — in reputation.
- Ignoring channels. Yu'll end up buying a second bot.
- Not testing in practice. Di best test is to add di bot to a test chat ɛn try to "break" it wit spam.
How to test a bot in 15 minutes
1. Add di bot to a test chat ɛn grant admin rights.
2. Enable basic protection ɛn join wit a second account.
3. Try sending a link, spam ɛn a reworded "banned" message.
4. Check entry verification ɛn how convenient di panel is.
5. Count how many actions yu had to do by hand.
Takeaway
Di ideal bot is ɔl-in-one, wit semantic moderation, a web dashboard, channel support ɛn fair pricing. Mod Assistant Bot ticks di whole checklist ɛn lets yu start for free. See di features · Plans.