Training Fred

Fred is only as good as the material you train him with. This guide covers what types of files to upload so Fred can understand your business and answer customer questions accurately.

Recommended File Types

Fred can process various file formats, but some contain richer information than others:

• PDFs - Ideal for structured documentation, user guides, and technical specifications
• Word Documents (.docx, .doc) - Great for internal documentation and policies
• HTML Files - Perfect for existing web documentation
• Markdown Files (.md) - Excellent for technical documentation
• Plain Text Files (.txt) - Good for simple FAQs and notes
• PowerPoint Files (.pptx, .ppt) - Useful for product presentations and feature overviews

Content that trains Fred best

To get the best results from Fred, prioritize uploading these types of content:

• Product Documentation - User manuals, technical specifications, and API documentation
• FAQs - Frequently asked questions and their answers from your customers
• Troubleshooting Guides - Step-by-step instructions for resolving common issues
• Feature Guides - Detailed explanations of your product's features and capabilities
• Training Materials - Onboarding materials that explain your product to new users
• Knowledge Base Articles - Existing support articles that answer common questions
• Release Notes - Information about product updates, new features, and bug fixes

Organizing Your Documentation

For the best results, prepare your documentation with these principles in mind:

1. Be Comprehensive - Include detailed information about all aspects of your product
2. Use Clear Language - Avoid jargon or highly technical terms without explanation
3. Structure Logically - Organize content with clear headings, subheadings, and sections
4. Include Examples - Real-world examples help Fred understand practical applications
5. Update Regularly - Keep documentation current with your latest product changes

Best Practices for File Preparation

Before uploading your files, consider these best practices:

• Split Large Documents - Rather than one massive file, consider breaking content into logical sections
• Use Descriptive Filenames - Name files in a way that indicates their content, e.g., "product-installation-guide.pdf"
• Include Metadata - Ensure documents have proper titles and metadata when possible
• Remove Obsolete Information - Don't upload outdated documentation that might confuse Fred
• Prioritize Quality Over Quantity - Well-structured, clear documents are better than numerous low-quality ones

Content to Avoid

Some types of content may not be helpful or appropriate for training Fred:

• Highly confidential or sensitive internal information
• Customer-specific data or personally identifiable information (PII)
• Outdated documentation that no longer reflects your current product
• Marketing materials with minimal technical details
• Documents with primarily visual content and minimal text

Testing Fred's knowledge

After uploading your documentation, test how well Fred has understood your content:

1. Ask common questions your customers typically have
2. Try technical queries that require detailed knowledge of your product
3. Test edge cases and specific scenarios your customers might encounter
4. Review Fred's responses for accuracy and completeness

If you find gaps in Fred's knowledge, consider what additional documentation might help fill those gaps.