Agentic Web Audit: An AI Readiness Assessment for Websites

An AI Readiness Assessment for Websites and Product Surfaces
Designed for product teams, publishers, and platforms

A focused, hands-on assessment of how AI systems access, understand, and use your content.

This is not an automated scan. It’s a manual audit that combines technical testing with product and analytical judgment — to show what’s working, what isn’t, and where to act.

“Richard brought a level of analytical rigor that was rare: he didn’t just gather information, he made sense of it in ways that were genuinely useful and actionable.”
— Susan Mernit, founder of 5ive, a consultancy I’ve worked with

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Not sure if you’re ready for an audit? Then start with my Agentic Web Playbook.

Who the audit is for

Product leaders & CTOs — web products adapting to AI-driven usage
Media & publishers — understanding access, citation, and control
Developer platforms & SaaS — APIs and documentation increasingly used by AI agents

What you get

A concise, executive-ready report including:

Executive Summary — where you are and what it means
Key Findings — 3–5 insights that matter
Assessment across four layers:
- AI Access
- AI Understanding
- AI Interaction (Agentic Capabilities & Usability)
- AI Distribution (Visibility & Integration)
Strategic positioning — where you stand relative to the shift
Key Opportunities (prioritized) — what to do next

Delivered with selected supporting evidence.

How I work

Product and platform analysis + hands-on testing.

I assess your site’s structure, rendering, APIs, search, and distribution — and how AI systems actually interpret and use them — then translate findings into clear product and business implications.

Output

Executive-ready PDF report
Embedded evidence (selected)
Clear, prioritized opportunities

Optional:

Technical appendix
Follow-on advisory

Interested in an Agentic Web Audit?

If you’d like to understand how AI systems actually interact with your website — and where the biggest opportunities are — I’d be happy to discuss your site and related product surfaces.

Fill out this form and I’ll be in touch:

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Testimonials

These are some of the consulting clients I have worked with:

“I worked with Richard MacManus at 5ive, my consulting company, over 20 years ago — and his work has stuck with me ever since. Richard brought a level of analytical rigor that was rare: he didn’t just gather information, he made sense of it in ways that were genuinely useful and actionable. His research and analysis were consistently strong, and the results he delivered reflected that quality. Beyond the work itself, Richard was a real collaborator — easy to think alongside, generous with his perspective, and focused on getting to the right answer rather than just the quick one. Watching his career unfold since then, from ReadWriteWeb to The New Stack and now into the agentic web space, it’s clear those qualities only deepened. Anyone bringing Richard in as a consultant is getting someone who will think hard, work well with their team, and deliver something worth having.”
— Susan Mernit, Founder and Partner, 5ive

“I’ve been a fan of Richard’s thinking and insights for a long time. As General Manager at GrowthOps, I engaged him to deliver an in-depth analysis of fintech and digital innovation in banking, alongside a report on email marketing strategy. He has a sharp ability to read how fast-moving technology landscapes are evolving and translate that into clear, practical insight that drives decisions. Richard is thorough, independent-minded, and a genuine pleasure to work with.”
— Peeyoosh Chandra, General Manager, GrowthOps

“Richard combined deep analysis of the RSS landscape with practical product development insight during our time at Nooked. He helped us understand not just the vendor ecosystem, but how to position and build within it. His ability to interpret how a new layer of the web is evolving — and translate that into real product decisions — is just as relevant today as the web shifts toward an AI-driven, agentic environment.”
— Fergus Burns, CEO, Nooked

“Richard is a excellent strategic thinker who applies deep industry experience with an ability to understand the startup process.”
— Martin Wells, CEO, Tangler

“Richard combines deep industry insight with an incisive and uncompromising intellect. Like his beloved All Blacks (and mine), he conceals his intense focus and many strengths under a relaxed and understated persona. Do not be deceived. Mr MacManus is a top player, with a phenomenal work rate, who adds value in any game.”
— Michael Bayler, Co-founder and Creative Director, The Rights Marketing Company

“In my research relating to wearable technology I came across Richard’s book Trackers which provided valuable insight into the future of ‘the quantified self’. I was impressed by Richard’s work and contacted him to provide additional research and analysis as a consultant relating to my specific technology. Richard was impressively prompt and professional and his expert insight and research have proven to be critical for development of my technology. I give my strongest recommendations for his work and reputation and will surely use his services in the future.”
— Brad Bacigalupi, President, 3V Enterprises