New Zealand companies can now get "up close and personal" with customers online through an innovative tool that can direct people around websites using a real person.

Live Ambassador is a live interactive tool which includes a real person who walks and talks visitors through a company’s website, directs them around it, making it easier to do business.

The tool was developed by New Zealand IT company Genesis Interactive.

It says Live Ambassador helps companies take a more personal approach to their websites to draw in customers using high definition, broadcast quality video technology.

“On average, a visitor spends no more than 10 seconds browsing a website so if you don’t grab their attention within that timeframe, it can be a lost opportunity,” says Manas Kumar, chief executive of Genesis Interactive.

“Visiting a website is like visiting a shop or walking into a business - you expect to be welcomed.

“The Internet is such a two dimensional space. The only thing that can change that is the presence of a real person.”

He says companies have tried and tested all sorts of different ways to personalise their websites, such as chat robots and animated characters.

But, he says, nothing compares with a human face.

“The live person gives a warm welcome, explains the company’s products and services, direct visitors to any part of the business or a special promotion and generally livens up a website.”

Several multi-national companies based in New Zealand are trialing the new product which became available several months ago.

Avanti and Stamford Plaza are already using the technology and Beaurepairs will soon have Live Ambassador up and running on its website.

Mr Kumar says while overseas IT companies have developed similar technology, Live Ambassador is the only New Zealand designed and developed product on the market.