Consulting & Advisory

I help companies understand how AI systems interpret, use, and act on their websites — and how to stay in control.

My work combines more than two decades of technology analysis with hands-on experience building influential web products and publications.

Start with the playbook

If you want a practical introduction to how AI is changing websites, I’ve put together a 36-page playbook:

👉 The Agentic Web Playbook

Agentic Web Audit

If you’re exploring how AI affects your own website or product, I offer a structured:

👉 Agentic Web Audit
An AI readiness assessment for websites

This is not an automated scan. It’s a hands-on assessment of how AI systems actually interact with your site — combining technical testing with product and platform analysis.

You get a clear, actionable view of:

  • how AI systems access, interpret, and use your site
  • how you appear in tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity
  • where the highest-impact opportunities are

It’s designed as a focused, standalone engagement that delivers clear, actionable recommendations you can implement immediately.

Each audit is conducted manually using a structured framework — not generated by software.

What happens next

If you’d like support implementing or expanding on the findings, I also work with teams on:

  • Product strategy (AI & web) — defining AI-native features and interaction models
  • Editorial product development — building content-led products and platforms
  • AI & web analysis — understanding how the ecosystem is evolving and where to position

These engagements range from short, defined projects to ongoing advisory.

Contact

If you’re interested in working together, please fill in this form or email me directly (richard AT ricmac.org).

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More about me

I’m Richard MacManus, a technology analyst and product strategist who has been building on the web for more than two decades.

I founded ReadWriteWeb, one of the most influential technology publications of the Web 2.0 era, growing it into a global media business. Later, I served as Senior Editor at The New Stack, where I expanded coverage into frontend development and AI.

My work focuses on how products, platforms, and content systems evolve — combining hands-on analysis with a deep understanding of web technologies in practice.

Today I advise on AI-driven web products and the emerging “Agentic Web.”

Testimonials

  • GrowthOps

    GrowthOps

    “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…

  • The Rights Marketing Company

    The Rights Marketing Company

    “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,…

  • Tangler

    Tangler

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

  • 3V Enterprises

    3V Enterprises

    “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…