AI-Native Website Developer (Not a WordPress Builder)

Job Description: We're looking for a developer who thinks beyond WordPress and builds websites the way the web is heading: AI-native, fast, and built to get found by both humans and AI search engines (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overviews). This is not a "install a theme and add plugins" job. We need someone who understands modern web architecture and can build sites that are genuinely AI-optimized from the ground up, not just SEO-optimized the old way. What we need: Experience building with modern frameworks (Next.js, Astro, or similar) instead of legacy CMS platforms Understanding of structured data, schema markup, and how AI crawlers (GPTBot, PerplexityBot, ClaudeBot, etc.) read and rank content differently than traditional search bots Ability to build fast, clean, headless sites that load quickly and are easy for both humans and machines to parse Knowledge of GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) principles, not just traditional SEO Experience integrating AI tools directly into the site itself (chatbots, personalization, dynamic content) where relevant Clean code, mobile-first design, strong Core Web Vitals scores Nice to have: Experience migrating clients off WordPress onto modern stacks Portfolio examples showing before/after AI visibility improvements Familiarity with GHL, Zoho, or CRM/webhook integrations Comfortable explaining technical tradeoffs to non-technical business owners About us: We're a marketing and sales leadership firm working with local business owners who are tired of bloated agencies and outdated websites. We want a build partner, not just a coder. Someone who can look at a business and say "here's why this approach beats WordPress" and back it up. To apply, please include: Links to 2 to 3 AI-native or headless sites you've built (not WordPress) A short note on why you'd choose your stack over WordPress for a small business site Your typical timeline and pricing structure for a full site build We're building long-term relationships, not one-off gigs. If this is your lane, we want to hear from you.