Brief

The traditional website funnel is decaying as AI-mediated discovery fundamentally alters consumer behavior. Consumers now use AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity to conduct research and comparisons before visiting a brand's website, meaning they arrive with high intent to complete a purchase rather than begin research. Websites must now focus on confirming the information provided by AI, as a failure to do so leads to immediate trust breaks and lost conversions. AI

Buy now, pay later services have become a crucial financial tool for lower-income Americans, with over half of the population having used them. These installment plans, initially intended for convenience, are increasingly being used out of necessity due to widespread financial strain. While offering a way to spread costs, missed payments can incur significant fees and may eventually impact credit scores as data integration progresses. AI