The Growing Popularity of Buy Now, Pay Later

‍

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) is transforming the shopping landscape in the U.S., with more than 20% of American consumers expected to utilize BNPL options this year. This figure is anticipated to rise to over 25% by 2025.

“BNPL isn’t just a passing trend; it’s becoming a permanent fixture in the retail ecosystem,” explains Andrew Lipsman, Principal Analyst at Insider Intelligence. “It enables consumers to manage their spending across a wide range of products more effectively.”

What is BNPL?

BNPL allows shoppers to purchase items immediately and pay for them in installments, often interest-free. Unlike traditional credit cards, services like Affirm let consumers split their payments into biweekly or monthly amounts, making larger purchases more manageable.

For more details on how BNPL compares to traditional credit options, check out our comprehensive guide.

How It Works: Peggy’s Story

Meet Peggy. She wants a $200 air purifier but has a $125 budget. On Generic Air’s website, she finds an option to pay in four interest-free payments of $50. Intrigued, Peggy applies through Affirm by entering her name, birthdate, phone, and email. Approved instantly, she selects Affirm at checkout, secures her air purifier, and pays Affirm every two weeks—without hidden fees.

Generic Air receives full payment upfront, minus Affirm’s fee, while Peggy enjoys her desired product without straining her budget. This seamless process boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Who’s Using BNPL?

Initially embraced by millennials recovering from the 2008 recession, BNPL now attracts both Gen X and millennials—the top demographics for consumer spending. According to Cornerstone Advisors, 70% of BNPL users have an annual income exceeding $75,000. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated BNPL adoption as consumers sought flexible payment solutions.

Why Shoppers Love BNPL

Consumers favor BNPL for its convenience and transparency. BNPL apps are easy to use on mobile or desktop, and usage surged by 54% in November 2021 compared to the previous year. Key reasons include:

• Making purchases fit their budget (45%)
• Avoiding credit card interest (37%)
• Borrowing without a credit check (25%)
• Disliking credit cards (19%)

A Shopify report highlights top motivations:

• Easier budget management with smaller payments
• Taking advantage of deals immediately
• Interest-free compared to credit cards

In a recent survey, 65% of respondents plan to use BNPL this year.

BNPL’s Rapid Growth

The global BNPL market is projected to surpass $39 billion by 2030, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 26% from 2022. Retailers are quickly adopting BNPL solutions—over 207,000 merchants partnered with Affirm by March 2022, marking a 1600% increase from the previous year. Integration is straightforward, especially on platforms like Shopify, making BNPL an essential tool for boosting sales and staying competitive.

Benefits for Merchants

Offering BNPL leads to higher average order values (up to 85% higher), increased conversion rates, reduced cart abandonment, and lower customer acquisition costs. Additionally, 60% of shoppers view brands more favorably when BNPL is available. Affirm partners offer:

• Up to 85% higher AOV
• Access to over 12 million shoppers
• 20% repeat purchase rate

Businesses across various sectors, from travel to electronics, have seen significant growth by partnering with Affirm. Jacobus Kok, Product Director at Priceline, shares, “Our A/B testing has shown a significant increase in new customers who chose us specifically because we offer Affirm. This has been a key driver for our business expansion.”

Luan Nuriu, Service Director at Audi Coral Springs, adds, “Offering flexible payment options has greatly enhanced our customer satisfaction. Customers appreciate the ability to manage their payments, which makes them more likely to return and recommend our services.”

Don’t Miss Out on BNPL

As e-commerce continues to expand, BNPL’s convenience and flexibility are driving its popularity. Embrace BNPL solutions now to enhance your business and meet consumer demand. Learn more about integrating BNPL into your store with our step-by-step integration guide.

Learn More

Discover how Affirm can boost your sales with our free ebook, "Pay-over-time Pays Off".

Webflow vs. Framer: Choosing the Right No-Code Tool for Your Project

‍

Navigating the no-code landscape can be daunting, especially when selecting the right tool for your project. Investing time in learning a new platform is crucial, and you want to ensure you choose the one that best fits your needs. In this article, we compare Webflow and Framer to help you make an informed decision.

‍

Webflow vs. Framer: General Overview

‍

Webflow is a robust no-code platform that empowers designers to build responsive websites without writing code. It offers a visual canvas with access to CSS, HTML, and JavaScript, granting complete design freedom. Additionally, Webflow manages hosting, security, and website performance, making it a comprehensive solution for creating and maintaining websites.

Framer is a no-code design platform focused on creating interactive prototypes for apps and websites. It offers a design environment similar to Figma or Sketch and seamlessly integrates with tools like Photoshop and Figma. Certified with ISO 27001, Framer is trusted by tech companies and multi-team organizations for its security and collaborative features.

‍

Pricing

‍

Pricing is a critical factor when choosing between Webflow and Framer. Both platforms offer free plans to get you started, with tiered options as your needs grow.

‍

Webflow Pricing

Webflow allows you to build your first site for free, including most platform features and free hosting on the webflow.io domain. When you're ready to launch a more complex site on a custom domain, choose from four site plans:

• Basic – Ideal for simple sites ($14/mo).
• CMS – Perfect for content-driven sites ($23/mo).
• Business – Suited for high-traffic marketing sites ($39/mo).
• Enterprise – Customized for large-scale sites (custom pricing).

For teams, Webflow offers Workspace plans starting at $19/mo per seat for up to 3 members and $49/mo per seat for up to 9 members. Freelancer and Agency plans are also available, catering to different team sizes and needs.

Additionally, Webflow provides three Ecommerce plans:

• Standard – Best for new businesses ($29/mo).
• Plus – Ideal for high-volume traffic ($74/mo).
• Advanced – Designed for fast-growing companies ($212/mo).

Learn more about Webflow pricing.

‍

Framer Pricing

Similar to Webflow, Framer offers a free plan that includes 100 CMS items, a design editor, and support for up to 1,000 monthly visitors. When you're ready to scale, choose from two site plans:

• Basic – Suitable for personal sites with up to 10,000 monthly visitors ($15/mo).
• Pro – Ideal for commercial sites with up to 100,000 monthly visitors ($25/mo).

For businesses, Framer offers custom pricing plans tailored for startups and established companies. These plans include features like dedicated support, team management, and enterprise-grade security.

Discover more about Framer pricing.

‍

How It Works

‍

Webflow bridges the gap between web development and design. Its intuitive Designer tool provides access to HTML5, CSS, and JavaScript, enabling the creation of custom websites without coding knowledge. Whether starting from scratch or using a pre-made template, Webflow’s drag-and-drop builder makes it easy to customize every element on your page.

Once your design is complete, Webflow translates it into clean, standards-compliant code. You can further personalize your site by adding custom code. Publishing your site is seamless—simply click publish, and your website is live.

Framer specializes in bringing graphic elements to life with interactive and animated prototypes. Unlike Webflow, Framer does not use classes; each section is designed separately, offering a unique approach to UI design. While Framer is primarily a prototype builder and does not output a fully functional website, recent updates have enabled designers to convert their designs into code, bridging the gap between prototyping and development.

Key features of Framer include:

• Generating assets with Photoshop
• Animating layers in 3D space
• Hardware acceleration for high frame rates

The platform's latest upgrades allow designers to build functional websites without relying on developers, enhancing efficiency and creativity.

‍

Customer Service

‍

Effective customer support is vital, especially when working with complex software. Here's how Webflow and Framer stack up:

‍

Webflow Customer Service

Webflow does not offer 24/7 customer service. Support is available via email, with response times up to 2 days. Additionally, Webflow hosts a community forum where users can connect and help each other.

To enhance your learning, explore Webflow University, a comprehensive library of step-by-step guides and tutorials for both beginners and advanced users.

‍

Framer Customer Service

Framer has a steeper learning curve and does not provide 24/7 support. However, it offers three support channels:

• Create a Ticket: Submit a contact form to report issues or suggest features.
• Project Support: Engage with the Framer community on Discord for project-related help.
• Account Support: Reach out via email for account and billing inquiries.

Additionally, Framer’s Learning Center provides tutorial videos, including:

• An interactive overview of the platform's basics
• Courses on building 3D no-code sites
• Demos to remix into your projects

‍

Things to Consider

‍

Using Webflow

• Immediate Publishing: Publish your website as soon as you finish the design.
• Pricing: Higher costs compared to some other hosting platforms.
• Learning Curve: Steep for non-technical users.
• Performance: Create high-performing, SEO-optimized websites.
• Support: No live customer support, but extensive resources available.
• Customization: Unlimited custom functionality with third-party apps and custom code.

‍

Using Framer

• Stability: New software may have occasional bugs.
• Prototyping: Ideal for creating prototypes without deep coding knowledge.
• Accessibility: Available as both a browser-based tool and a standalone app.
• Community: Limited community and resources for troubleshooting.
• Templates: Fewer templates to kick-start projects.
• Integration: Built-in support for React Native, facilitating UI prototyping and interaction testing.

‍

Conclusion

‍

Both Webflow and Framer are powerful no-code tools that cater to different aspects of web design and development. Whether you're building a simple landing page or a complex website, both platforms offer unique strengths. Many no-code developers find value in using both tools to complement each other.

‍

Choosing One Over the Other

If you aim to create a complex and highly customized website, Webflow is the better choice. It leverages the full power of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through a drag-and-drop builder, allowing you to publish your site seamlessly.

On the other hand, if your focus is on creating high-fidelity and interactive prototypes for mobile apps and websites, Framer is the way to go. It brings graphic elements to life, enabling you to add dynamic interactions without extensive coding.

We hope this comparison helps you decide between Webflow and Framer. If you're still uncertain, explore our other blog posts:

• Webflow vs. Wix
• Webflow vs. Squarespace
• Webflow vs. Elementor

‍

FAQ

‍

Is Framer available only for Mac computers?

No, Framer is available as a desktop app for both Mac and Windows computers.

Is Figma better than Framer?

It depends on your specific needs. Figma excels at creating complex interface designs, while Framer is superior for developing interactive prototypes.

Is Framer free to use?

Framer offers a free plan for both designers and site builders using their domain. To use a custom domain, you need to subscribe to one of their paid plans.

Limitations of AI in Content Creation Explained

AI content creation offers speed and efficiency but struggles with creativity, emotional depth, and cultural understanding. Why is the human touch still indispensable?

Understanding AI in Content Creation

AI is making waves in content creation, offering tools that automate tasks and save time. It's all about efficiency and scalability, helping generate large volumes of content quickly.

Think of AI as your digital assistant. It's great for handling routine jobs, like drafting articles or creating social media posts. This tech can manage multiple projects at once, providing instant results.

• Efficiency: AI speeds up content production, freeing up your time.
• Scalability: It handles large volumes, ensuring you never fall behind.
• Routine Tasks: AI excels at managing repetitive duties, reducing workload.

But it's not all smooth sailing. While AI is a powerful tool, it's crucial to understand its capabilities and limitations. This sets the stage for exploring where AI might fall short, ensuring a balanced view of its role in content creation.

Key Limitations of AI Content Creation

AI content creation has challenges. It's efficient, but can't match human creativity in some areas.

AI lacks creativity and originality. It relies on existing data, leading to repetitive and formulaic outputs. This results in bland content without fresh perspectives.

AI struggles with context and tone. It misses the subtleties of language, producing text that doesn't capture the intended mood or context. This makes content less engaging and relatable.

AI relies heavily on templates. It follows predefined structures, which limits the depth and richness of the content. This results in mechanical or impersonal text.

• Lack of Nuance: AI can't understand complex human emotions and cultural contexts.
• Emotional Depth: AI can't replicate the emotional connection that human writers bring to their work.
• Bias and Sensitivity: AI might perpetuate biases or miss cultural sensitivities.

Understanding these limitations shows AI's strengths and weaknesses. It highlights the need for human input to create engaging content.

Creativity Challenges in AI Content

AI can help with writer's block by offering outlines and key points, but it struggles with creativity. It relies on existing data, which often results in repetitive and formulaic content. This means AI-generated content might lack originality and emotional depth.

Human creativity brings a unique spark to content creation. It allows for fresh perspectives and emotional connections that AI can't replicate. Here's where AI falls short:

• Novel Ideas: AI struggles to generate truly new concepts.
• Emotional Expression: It can't capture the subtlety of human emotions.
• Engagement: AI content might feel flat or impersonal.

AI's limitations highlight the importance of human input in crafting engaging and resonant content. While AI can assist with efficiency, the creative touch remains a distinctly human trait.

Ethical Concerns with AI Content

AI-generated content comes with ethical concerns that need attention. Bias is a major issue. AI relies on historical data, which can carry existing biases. This means the content may unintentionally reinforce stereotypes or misinformation.

Authenticity is another concern. AI can produce content that seems real but lacks genuine human insight. This raises questions about trust and the potential for misleading information.

Ethical guidelines are crucial. They help ensure AI content is accurate and reliable. Human oversight is necessary to catch errors or bias that AI might miss. This oversight helps maintain the quality and trustworthiness of the content.

• Bias: AI can perpetuate existing stereotypes.
• Misinformation: Risk of producing misleading content.
• Authenticity: Content lacks genuine human touch.
• Ethical Guidelines: Needed to ensure accuracy.
• Human Oversight: Essential for maintaining trust.

Addressing these concerns is vital for responsible AI use. It ensures content remains helpful and trustworthy for everyone.

AI and Cultural Nuances

AI often misses cultural nuances. This leads to content that feels disconnected or insensitive.

AI content relies on existing data. It struggles to keep pace with evolving cultural trends. This can result in misunderstandings or offensive content.

Human oversight is crucial. People ensure content respects cultural norms. AI can't anticipate all potential misinterpretations.

• Cultural Sensitivity: AI may overlook cultural cues or traditions.
• Contextual Understanding: AI lacks awareness of cultural contexts.
• Potential Missteps: AI can unintentionally offend diverse audiences.
• Need for Oversight: Human input ensures cultural alignment.

Human involvement keeps content relevant and respectful. People catch subtleties AI misses, helping content resonate with everyone.

Quality Concerns in AI Content

AI content creation has quality concerns. AI often struggles with context and tone, leading to content that feels off or inappropriate. It relies on existing data, which can result in potential plagiarism and lack of originality.

Human editing is crucial. AI can draft content quickly, but it needs a human touch to refine and ensure quality. This includes adjusting tone, context, and emotional depth, which AI can't fully grasp.

• Plagiarism Risk: AI may reuse existing content, leading to unintentional copying.
• Context Challenges: It often misses nuances, producing content that lacks depth.
• Tone Issues: AI struggles to capture the right mood, making content feel flat.

Human intervention enhances content quality. It ensures that the final product is engaging and relevant, addressing these limitations effectively.

Audience Engagement Challenges

AI content often lacks emotional depth and personal touch. This makes it challenging to keep readers engaged. The content can feel mechanical, missing the warmth of human writing.

AI struggles to add real emotion to writing. It can't grasp the subtleties of human expression. This often results in flat content that doesn't connect with readers on a personal level.

Human writers excel at creating connections. They understand emotions and write content that resonates with readers. This skill is crucial for keeping readers engaged and connected.

• Impersonal Tone: AI can't personalize content, making it feel generic.
• Emotional Resonance: It fails to capture the emotional nuances that engage readers.
• Connection: Human writers build a bond with the audience, fostering loyalty and interest.

Without a human touch, content risks being ignored. Engaging readers requires more than facts—it needs stories, empathy, and personal connection. Human writers create content that both informs and connects, leaving a lasting impact.

Combining AI with Human Expertise

Combining AI and human skills creates great content. AI quickly drafts and organizes. Humans add creativity and emotional depth.

AI handles the heavy lifting, while humans ensure quality. We guide AI to create accurate, relevant content. We add emotion to connect with readers, something AI can't do.

Here's how AI and humans work together:

• Efficiency: AI speeds up content production.
• Creativity: Humans add unique ideas and emotional depth.
• Quality Control: People ensure content is accurate and engaging.
• Relevance: Humans guide AI to maintain context and tone.

For those looking to enhance their financial knowledge while benefiting from innovative tools, Bree offers resources like the 50/30/20 budgeting strategy, promoting financial discipline and stability.

We balance AI and human creativity for optimal results. AI handles routine tasks, freeing us to focus on creating impactful content. This AI-human combo produces efficient, meaningful content.

Future Prospects for AI Content Creation

AI writing tools are getting better fast. They're improving at understanding context and emotion, which will lead to more engaging content.

Soon, AI will tailor content to your preferences, making it more relevant and relatable. But human oversight is still crucial. We need people to ensure content respects cultural nuances and feels authentic.

Here's what AI might do better soon:

• Understand Better: Grasp context and emotion more accurately.
• Personalize: Adapt content to individual tastes.
• Create More: Generate original and engaging content.

Humans bring emotional depth and cultural understanding that AI can't match yet. The future of AI in content creation is exciting, but we'll always need that human touch for the best results.

Recap and Key Takeaways

AI in content creation offers efficiency and scalability. It's like having a digital assistant for drafting and organizing content. But AI has its limits. It can't match human creativity, emotional depth, or cultural understanding.

Human involvement is key. We bring creativity and context. We make sure content is engaging and culturally sensitive. Here's what we've learned:

• Creativity: Humans add originality and emotional depth.
• Quality: We ensure content is accurate and nuanced.
• Ethics: Human oversight prevents bias and maintains authenticity.
• Cultural Sensitivity: We catch nuances AI might miss.

AI is a tool. It helps with routine tasks, but it needs our guidance to create content that truly connects with audiences. Balancing AI's efficiency with human creativity and oversight leads to the best results.