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Frequently asked questions

Getting started

  1. What does Manifest Website Design do?
    We build and improve websites that generate leads. Our core focus is SEO, AI focused SEO (Engine Optimisation), and automation systems that help you respond faster and convert more enquiries.
  2. Who do you work with?
    Service based businesses, local operators, and growing small businesses that want consistent enquiries and better internal systems.
  3. How do we start?
    We begin with a short discovery and a visibility review, then we recommend the fastest wins and the best next steps.
  4. Do you do one off projects or ongoing support?
    Both. Some clients start with a build or a fix. Most choose an ongoing plan so SEO and systems keep improving month after month.
  5. How much does it cost?
    It depends on scope. We will recommend the simplest option that gets your outcome, and we will be clear on what is included.
  6. How soon can we begin?
    Usually quickly. If you have access to your website, domain, and key accounts, we can begin planning and setup straight away.
  7. What do you need from me?
    A link to your website, your key services, your service areas, and any helpful documents such as FAQs, brochures, pricing guides, and booking rules. If we are adding AI systems, we will also capture your tone of voice.
  8. Are you local? Do you work Australia wide?
    Yes. We are local in the Southern Highlands, and we work with businesses across Australia.

SEO basics

  1. What is SEO?
    SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) helps your website show up when people search for what you do, and then turns those visits into enquiries.
  2. Is SEO still worth it in 2026?
    Yes. Search behaviour is changing, but businesses still need to be findable across Google, maps, and AI tools.
  3. How long does SEO take to work?
    It depends on your competition and starting point. Many clients see early improvements in weeks, with stronger momentum over 3 to 6 months.
  4. Do you do Local SEO?
    Yes. Local SEO is often one of the fastest ways to increase enquiries for service businesses.
  5. Do I need to blog every week to rank?
    Not always. Many businesses get better results by improving service pages, location pages, FAQs, and proof first.
  6. Do keywords still matter?
    Yes, but it is more about matching real search intent and covering topics properly, not repeating the same phrase endlessly.
  7. Are backlinks still important?
    Yes. Quality links and mentions still matter, but we focus on safe, relevant authority building.
  8. What results should we measure?
    Leads, calls, bookings, quote requests, and sales. Rankings are useful, but outcomes matter most.
  9. Do you track and report?
    Yes. We track visibility and performance so you can see what is improving and what is driving enquiries.
  10. Can you help with an SEO plan, not just tasks?
    Yes. We build a clear roadmap so every change has a purpose and supports your business goals.

AI SEO and Engine Optimisation

  1. What is Engine Optimisation?
    It is SEO built for a world where people search using Google, AI Overviews, ChatGPT style tools, voice assistants, and maps. We strengthen your online presence so these systems can confidently recommend your business.
  2. How is Engine Optimisation different from traditional SEO?
    Traditional SEO focuses mainly on Google rankings. Engine Optimisation expands that to include AI answers, multi platform visibility, and content structured for fast extraction.
  3. What are AI Overviews and why do they matter?
    AI Overviews are AI generated answers shown in search results. If your business is referenced there, you can win trust and leads even if fewer people click.
  4. How do you improve my chances of being mentioned in AI answers?
    We use question led headings, short direct answers, strong internal linking, clear definitions, proof signals, and clean page structure.
  5. What is GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation)?
    GEO is the practice of making your content easy for AI systems to understand, trust, and cite.
  6. Do you add schema markup?
    Yes, where it makes sense. We add structured data such as FAQs, services, locations, and business details to help search engines and AI tools read your site properly.
  7. Should I optimise for voice search?
    If your customers ask questions out loud, or search mainly on mobile, yes. We optimise for conversational queries and clear spoken style answers.
  8. Will AI replace SEO?
    No. AI changes how SEO works. Businesses still need strong websites, authority, clarity, and proof.
  9. Do you use AI to create content?
    We use AI as a tool to speed up research and drafting, then we review, edit, and structure it properly so it stays accurate, readable, and aligned to your brand.
  10. How do you keep AI generated content high quality?
    We build brand voice GPT’s. These produce output in the brand and tone of the client. This is then proofed and rewitten by one of the team.
  11. What does “format first content” mean?
    People consume content as text, video, images, audio, and summaries. We help you create content that works across formats so you are visible in more places.
  12. What if AI reduces clicks to my website?
    We focus on being the trusted source in the answer and improving on site conversion so the visitors you do get turn into enquiries.
  13. Is AI SEO risky?
    It can be if it is spammy or automated without quality control. We use AI as a tool, not a shortcut.

Content, trust, and authority (E E A T)

  1. What is E E A T?
    Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust. It is how search engines and AI systems decide if you are credible.
  2. What trust signals matter most on a website?
    Clear services, real photos, reviews, case studies, transparent contact info, and strong proof content.
  3. Do reviews help SEO?
    Yes. Reviews are a powerful trust signal for both humans and algorithms.
  4. Do you help set up review systems?
    Yes. We can set up review requests and workflows so you consistently collect reviews.
  5. Do social channels impact SEO?
    They can. Visibility and brand activity support trust and branded searches.
  6. What are “branded searches” and why do they matter?
    When someone searches your business name plus what you do, such as “your business SEO” or “your business plumber”. These searches are strong trust signals.
  7. Should I publish short answers or long form content?
    Both. Short content wins quick answers. Long content builds authority. We plan a mix based on your goals.
  8. How often should content be updated?
    Regularly. Even small updates compound over time and keep your site current.
  9. Do you write website content?
    Yes, or we can collaborate. We do the heavy lifting and guide your input so it stays efficient.
  10. How do you choose what content to create first?
    We start with your customer questions, service priorities, margins, and what people are already searching.

Local SEO (maps and “near me” searches)

  1. Can you help me rank in Google Maps?
    Yes. Maps visibility is often a major lead source for local businesses.
  2. Do I need location pages?
    Often yes, if you want to rank across multiple towns or regions. We do this properly, no copy paste junk.
  3. How do you improve local rankings?
    We improve local signals such as site structure, location relevance, citations, reviews, and map optimisation.
  4. Will Google penalise me if I target multiple service areas?
    Not if it is done properly. We build a clear location strategy so your site supports multiple areas without confusing Google.
  5. Do you support multilingual local pages?
    If you need it, yes. We can create and quality check multilingual pages, including location targeting.
  6. How do small local businesses beat bigger competitors?
    With clarity, proof, consistency, and fast response times. Local businesses often win by being more specific and more trusted.

Website design and performance

  1. Do you build websites as well as do SEO?
    Yes. We build sites that look good and work hard, structured for leads and SEO from day one.
  2. Do I need a full rebuild or just improvements?
    Often improvements are enough. We will tell you honestly whether you need a rebuild or a focused upgrade.
  3. Does website speed affect SEO and conversions?
    Yes. Speed impacts rankings and conversions. We optimise performance as part of best practice.
  4. What is a responsive website?
    A site that works properly on mobile, tablet, and desktop. It is essential for modern users and SEO.
  5. How often should I redesign my website?
    Typically every 3 to 4 years, or when your positioning changes. Smaller improvements should happen more often.
  6. Can you improve conversion rate on my existing website?
    Yes. Getting traffic is only half the job. Your site must make it easy for people to take action.
  7. Can you integrate online bookings?
    Yes. We can connect booking and scheduling so enquiries become booked appointments faster.
  8. What is schema markup and do I need it?
    Schema helps search engines understand your content. It is especially useful for FAQs, services, and locations.
  9. Can AI design my website?
    AI tools can help with drafts and layouts, but strategy matters. We design around your services, your customers, and your conversion goals.
  10. Can you personalise website content for different visitors?
    Sometimes. Where it makes sense, we can implement personalisation so visitors see more relevant information.

AI assistants for enquiries (text and chat)

  1. What is the Smart AI Assistant?
    It is an AI powered assistant that helps manage enquiries across channels, with replies tailored to your business and tone.
  2. Do you train the AI to sound like my business?
    Yes. We train the assistant using your FAQs, documents, and tone so it feels like your team.
  3. Can the AI book appointments?
    Yes, it can guide people through booking and sync to your calendar, depending on your setup.
  4. Can I take over the conversation?
    Yes. You can jump in at any time and reply yourself.
  5. How do you train the assistant?
    We use your website, common questions, service rules, PDFs, and examples of how you speak, then refine over time.
  6. What if the AI answers something incorrectly?
    We set guardrails, review responses, and improve the knowledge base. You can also update answers anytime.
  7. Do I need a chatbot on my website?
    Not always. If enquiries are being missed or response times are slow, it can be a game changer.
  8. Do AI chatbots annoy customers?
    They can if they are poorly configured. We design it to be helpful, clear, and hand over to a human when needed.
  9. Can the AI use my PDFs and documents?
    Yes. We can include documents and business rules so the AI gives consistent answers.
  10. Can the AI handle Facebook, Instagram, and Google messages too?
    Yes. We can connect multiple channels so conversations land in one place.

Phone Central (missed calls and follow up)

  1. What is Phone Central?
    Phone Central helps you capture more leads by responding to missed calls and managing messages across channels.
  2. Do you send a text when I miss a call?
    Yes. When you cannot answer, the system can send a personalised text so the lead does not go cold.
  3. Can Phone Central ask qualifying questions automatically?
    Yes. We can set up workflows that ask the right questions so you get the info you need faster.
  4. Does it combine messages into one inbox?
    Yes. It can bring conversations from multiple channels into one dashboard, so nothing gets missed.
  5. Can I keep my existing phone number?
    In most cases, yes. We can port or forward your number so calls route correctly.
  6. Can you set up templates for common replies?
    Yes. We set up templates so replies are fast, consistent, and professional.
  7. Do you help automate review requests?
    Yes. We can automate review requests as part of a reputation system.
  8. What is the main benefit of Phone Central?
    Faster replies, less chasing, cleaner handover from enquiry to booking, and fewer missed opportunities.

HighLevel CRM and automations

  1. Do you set up HighLevel CRM?
    Yes. We set up pipelines, contacts, automations, and reporting so you can track leads properly.
  2. What makes HighLevel different from a basic CRM?
    It does not just store contacts. It automates follow up, tracks conversations, and supports marketing.
  3. Do you create follow up automations?
    Yes. We build follow up sequences using SMS, email, reminders, and task prompts so leads are nurtured automatically.
  4. Do you do lead scoring?
    Yes. We can score leads based on actions and intent so you know who to call first.
  5. Can you connect forms, calendars, and tracking?
    Yes. We connect enquiry forms, calendars, and tracking so you know what channels drive results.
  6. Can workflows match how my business runs?
    Absolutely. Workflows should match your real process, not force you into someone else’s system.
  7. Can I export my data?
    Yes. You should own your data. We can help you export contacts and records when needed.
  8. Can you reduce lead leakage?
    Yes. We set reminders, follow ups, and pipeline visibility so fewer opportunities fall through the cracks.

Security, training, and support

  1. Is my website secure?
    Security depends on updates and setup. We use best practices including SSL, maintenance, and sensible access control.
  2. Do you provide training?
    Yes. We provide training so you can update pages and use your systems confidently.
  3. Do you offer website care plans?
    Yes. Ongoing care keeps your site secure, backed up, and running smoothly.
  4. How do you handle privacy with AI and CRM?
    We design systems with privacy and sensible guardrails in mind, and we explain what data is stored and why.
  5. Do you support accessibility?
    Yes. Accessibility is good for users and often improves SEO and conversions too.
  6. Is a website ever “done”?
    Not if you want it to keep producing results. We monitor, refine, and improve over time.
  7. Can you integrate with my existing tools?
    Usually yes. We regularly integrate with common business tools, calendars, email platforms, and CRMs.
  8. What if I am not sure what I need?
    Start with a review. We will give you a clear plan in plain English, so you know what will move the needle.