Frequently Asked Questions
Every question you
probably have for us.
Straight answers about pricing, timelines, process, SEO, and everything else — no fluff, no runaround.
About Nerd Stack
What is Nerd Stack?
Nerd Stack is a Denver-based web development agency with 9+ years of experience building conversion-focused websites for small and medium businesses. We design, build, and maintain websites that generate leads — not just look good.
Where is Nerd Stack located?
We're based in Denver, Colorado. We work with businesses locally and across the entire United States. Most of our process is remote-friendly, so location is never a barrier.
What makes Nerd Stack different from other web agencies?
We measure success by your results, not our portfolio. We don't pad projects with unnecessary features, we don't speak in jargon, and we don't disappear after launch. Our 95% client retention rate reflects that philosophy.
How long has Nerd Stack been in business?
9+ years. We've built websites across dozens of industries — real estate, hospitality, professional services, e-commerce, healthcare, and more.
Does Nerd Stack do anything besides websites?
Yes. Through our sister company Builder Cog, we build AI automation workflows, outreach systems, and CRM setups. A Nerd Stack site gets people in the door — Builder Cog helps close them.
Pricing & Financing
How much does a website cost?
Website costs range widely depending on scope. Simple brochure sites typically run $2,000–$5,000. Standard business sites with custom design and SEO run $5,000–$12,000. Complex or e-commerce sites start at $12,000+. We offer 0% financing on every project — no down payment required.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes — 0% financing is available on every project, with no down payment required. You can get started without a large upfront cost. Ask us for details on how the plan is structured.
Is there a down payment required?
No. We offer 0% financing with no down payment on every project. We believe a great website shouldn't be limited to businesses with cash upfront.
Are there ongoing costs after launch?
Hosting is typically $0–$20/month depending on the platform (we use Vercel or Cloudflare Pages, both with generous free tiers). A maintenance plan is optional but recommended — starting at $99/month. Domain registration is $10–$15/year.
Do you charge hourly or by project?
Project-based pricing for new builds and redesigns. Hourly for smaller add-ons or updates outside a maintenance plan. We're transparent about what everything costs before any work begins.
Can I get a quote before committing?
Absolutely. Book a free 20-minute strategy call and we'll give you a straightforward estimate based on your goals. No pressure, no pitch.
Design & Development
What platforms do you build on?
Our default is Next.js for performance, SEO, and scalability. We also build on WordPress, Webflow, Squarespace, and Wix based on your team's needs and technical comfort.
How long does a website project take?
Custom builds take 6–10 weeks. Redesigns take 4–8 weeks. CMS setups take 2–4 weeks. Timelines depend on scope and how quickly content and feedback are provided.
Do I own my website when it's done?
Yes. You own everything — the code, design files, content, and domain. We don't hold anything hostage. You get full handover at project close.
Will my website be mobile-friendly?
Every website we build is mobile-first. We design for mobile before desktop, then scale up — not the other way around. It's tested across devices and screen sizes before launch.
Do you handle copywriting?
We provide copywriting guidance and structure for every page. Full copywriting services are available as an add-on. If you already have copy, we'll refine and structure it for conversion.
Can you redesign an existing website without losing my SEO?
Yes. We preserve all existing URLs where possible and implement 301 redirects for any that change. We audit your current rankings before launch and monitor closely in the weeks after.
SEO & Performance
Does Nerd Stack do SEO?
Yes — technical SEO is built into every project. We handle site structure, Core Web Vitals, schema markup, canonical URLs, sitemap, robots.txt, and metadata. We also offer ongoing SEO content strategy as a separate service.
How fast will my website load?
We target a Lighthouse performance score of 90+ on every project. Most of our sites load in under 1.5 seconds. We use modern image formats, lazy loading, CDN delivery, and clean code.
What is schema markup and why does it matter?
Schema markup is structured data code that helps Google, Bing, and AI tools understand your content. It powers rich results (star ratings, FAQ dropdowns, business info) in search and increases the likelihood your content is cited by AI answer engines like ChatGPT and Perplexity.
Will my site show up in AI search results?
We optimize every site for both traditional search and AI-powered answer engines (AEO/GEO). This includes structured data, FAQ schema, speakable markup, E-E-A-T signals, and content formatted to be cited as an authoritative answer.
How long does SEO take to work?
Technical SEO changes can show results in 4–12 weeks. Content-driven SEO — targeting keywords and building topical authority — typically takes 3–6 months to see meaningful ranking improvements.
Maintenance & Support
What is included in a website maintenance plan?
Security updates, CMS and plugin updates, uptime monitoring, monthly performance audits, off-site backups, malware scanning, and content update hours (varies by plan). You get a monthly report summarizing everything we did.
What happens if my website goes down?
We monitor uptime 24/7 and get alerted immediately if your site goes offline. Most issues are resolved before your clients ever notice. If something requires more investigation, we contact you directly.
Do I need a maintenance plan if my site is new?
A new site still needs regular updates to stay secure and fast. Security vulnerabilities are discovered constantly — without updates, even a brand-new site can be compromised within months.
Can I cancel a maintenance plan anytime?
Yes. All maintenance plans are month-to-month. No contracts, no cancellation fees.
Getting Started
How do I get started with Nerd Stack?
Book a free 20-minute strategy call. We'll talk through your goals, your current situation, and what we'd recommend. No pitch, no pressure — just a real conversation.
What do I need to prepare before our first call?
Nothing required — but it helps to have a general idea of your goals (more leads, better brand, faster site), your budget range, and any websites you like the look and feel of.
Do you work with startups or only established businesses?
Both. We work with businesses at every stage — from first-time websites to full redesigns for 20-year-old companies. The 0% financing option makes it accessible regardless of where you are.
How do I contact Nerd Stack?
The fastest way is to book a free strategy call at thenerdstack.com/contact. You can also reach us by email at nerd@thenerdstack.com.
Still have questions?
Book a free 20-minute strategy call and ask us anything — no pitch, no pressure, no commitment. We give you straight answers.