How I Do SEO for My Web Design Business in Manchester in the Age of AI (and How You Can Too)

SEO isn’t what it used to be. With AI-driven search tools like Google’s SGE, Bing Copilot, Perplexity, and ChatGPT taking center stage, traditional SEO approaches are shifting. But does this mean SEO is dead?

Not at all. It just means we need to rethink our strategy.

As a Manchester-based web designer, I’ve adapted my approach to SEO to stay ahead. Here’s how I'm optimizing my website for AI-driven search—and how you can too.

AI Search SEO: What’s Really Changed?

In the past, SEO was straightforward—choose your keywords, sprinkle them through your content, and hope you rank.

Now, AI-driven tools generate instant, detailed answers directly in search results. So, your goal isn’t just ranking in Google anymore. It's appearing within those AI-generated answers.

For example, if someone asks an AI tool, “Who’s the best web designer in Manchester?”, I want Socialectric to be the answer they see.

The Problem With AI-Generated Content

Sure, AI helps create content quickly. But this ease comes at a cost:

• Lack of originality: AI-generated content often lacks personal insight and depth.
• Risk of penalty: Google and other search engines penalize thin, unoriginal content.

That’s why my content always combines AI efficiency with my unique experiences as a web designer. Real stories, client results, and personal tips are always part of my blogs—something AI alone can’t replicate.

Keywords Still Matter (But Not Like Before)

Keywords aren’t obsolete, but their role has evolved. Instead of obsessively repeating keywords like "web designer Manchester," I focus on natural language and context.

Here's an example of how I incorporate keywords naturally:

“As a web designer in Manchester, my goal is creating websites that turn visitors into loyal customers. My clients often say the local Manchester focus helps them feel personally connected.”

This style is both user-friendly and AI-friendly.

How to Optimize for AI Search (Exactly What I Do)

1. Create Valuable, Context-Rich Content

I always write with purpose—answering specific client pain points:

• “How much does a new website cost in Manchester?”
• “Why choose Webflow over WordPress for your Manchester business?”

Each blog answers these real-world questions clearly and thoroughly.

2. Structure Content for Easy AI Scanning

AI loves clear structures. So, my blogs include:

• Clear headings and subheadings
• Bullet points and numbered lists
• FAQ sections that directly answer common client queries

3. Leverage Schema Markup

Structured data helps AI easily extract and feature my content. FAQs and How-To schemas give me extra visibility.

4. Build a Network of Content (Topic Clusters)

I link related posts together. For instance, my “Webflow vs WordPress” blog links to a “How to choose a web designer in Manchester” post. This approach signals to AI that my content covers topics in depth.

5. Ensure My Website Loads Fast and Looks Great

I use Webflow precisely because it builds fast, clean, and responsive websites—perfect for AI-driven search engines, which prioritize speed and usability.

6. Get Mentioned Elsewhere

I regularly engage on LinkedIn, guest blog, and answer questions on forums. These mentions and backlinks build credibility, making it more likely AI cites my site.

Optimizing for AI Tools (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Bing)

AI tools prefer sites that:

• Load quickly
• Have clear, trustworthy information
• Use simple formatting and structured data

This makes Webflow a powerful choice for web designers like me because it handles these needs flawlessly.

Wrapping Up: How You Can Adapt

AI doesn’t replace SEO—it evolves it. Your takeaway:

• Write naturally with keywords as context, not stuffing.
• Provide real-world insights that AI can't.
• Structure your content clearly for AI and readers alike.

In Manchester and beyond, this SEO strategy helps your business appear exactly where your potential customers are looking—in AI-driven search results.

Ready to boost your SEO game? Let’s connect—I’ll help you create a website that AI loves (and your customers will too).