/ Web design
What is a tech stack and does mine matter?
A tech stack is the combination of platforms, frameworks and services powering your site. It matters — the wrong stack limits what you can do and costs more to change later.
/ 01
The short version
'Tech stack' just means the layers of technology your site is built on: hosting, CMS, framework, database, integrations. For SMBs the stack matters because it determines cost, speed, and flexibility.
/ 02
Typical stacks by business type
- • Small brochure site: Webflow or WordPress + managed hosting
- • Content-heavy site: WordPress + Elementor/Bricks + Cloudways
- • Ecommerce: Shopify + Klaviyo + Judge.me + Loop Returns
- • Custom brochure/marketing: Next.js or TanStack Start + Sanity CMS + Vercel
- • SaaS/product: Next.js + Supabase/Postgres + Stripe + Vercel
/ 03
How to pick
Start with the outcome (fast, cheap, editable by non-devs). Work backwards to the stack that delivers it. Don't pick a stack because it's fashionable — pick because it fits.
/ 04
When to migrate stacks
When the current stack blocks a real requirement (speed, integration, editing workflow) — not because you saw a Twitter post about the shiny new thing. Migrations cost £5k–£50k+ depending on scale.
/ 05
Where RIOT fits in
We're a small Colchester studio helping UK SMBs get your tech stack right without agency waste or freelancer flake. If you've read this far and you want a second opinion on your specific setup, book a 20-minute call and we'll tell you honestly whether it's worth doing anything at all.
We work with clients across Essex, Suffolk, London and the wider UK — and remotely with brands abroad. No lock-in, no monthly retainer minimums, no pretending your problem is bigger than it is.
/ FAQs
Common questions
Does my stack affect SEO?
Yes — heavily. Slow stacks tank Core Web Vitals; poor CMS structure limits schema and content hierarchy.
Should I build custom or use a platform?
Platform for standard requirements, custom for unusual ones. Custom costs more upfront, less long-term at scale.
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