Introduction
Next.js has a strong position among modern web technologies for building static websites and apps.
One of the greatest things about Next.js is the fact that it enables you to build static pages that still behave like dynamic ones.
Using Next JS Development services is a great choice if:
- The content will be updated frequently or needs to be up-to-date at all times.
- Real-time publishing support is necessary – for example, multi-user sites need this.
- Rebuilding the whole website is not at stake – as it would require a lot of time (and money) with SSG. A good example is a big eCommerce website.
In other words, this framework built on React.js is a great option if you want your website to be super fast and SEO efficient, yet you deal with so many updates that fully static rendering would take too much time. In this case, SSR (server-side rendering) becomes more important than SSG (static site generation), and that’s what Next.js is excellent at.
On top of that, who doesn’t want to use all the blessings of the modern web to achieve:
- Fast page load times
- Friendly interface and greater user experience
- Possibility to add content effortlessly (i.e. by using a content management system)
- SEO efficiency
- Reasonable hosting costs
- Seamless maintenance
And that’s the reason why it’s the number one choice in many cases.
Popular companies using Next.js
Next.js and Jamstack
Jamstack is extremely hot lately, as it’s an architecture (or now even a philosophy) that is entirely focused on building superfast and extremely SEO-friendly websites.
And there’s no surprise that Next.js became one of the best Jamstack development frameworks to use nowadays.
If you are more of a business person, or you search for a clear explanation of Jamstack, we’ve made a Jamstack guide for business people called “What is Jamstack?” which will probably answer all the questions that could come to your mind regarding this modern approach.
Maybe the Jamstack approach could be good in your case as well? In this video, we help you decide when is best to use Jamstack, and when not:
Best use cases of Next.js websites
Theoretically, you could choose Next.js to build all kinds of websites with different goals and purposes. However, there are some cases when its benefits, features and the fact it uses server-side rendering make it a no-brainer.
Next js websites are very useful when they are:
- Large multi-user websites
- Client-side rendered applications (SPA/MPA)
- Big eCommerce websites
- Web portals
However, you can also use Next.js to build simpler websites, which is also possible with Gatsby.
These websites include:
- B2B and SaaS websites
- Finance websites
If you have a different project in mind, you can either check our comparison of Next.js vs Gatsby or read our blog post with examples of Gatsby websites.
Large multi-user websites
These are websites with lots of users, heavy load traffic, and data being generated in real-time.
Therefore, requirements for such websites include:
- High performance – so the number of users won’t slow down the website
- Scalability – so traffic spikes won’t turn off your website
- Constant rendering – so the newest data is always available
Examples of Large multi-user websites:
TikTok is a highly popular social media platform for uploading short-form mobile videos with millions of daily users.
Hashnode is a free blogging platform designed for developers.
Twitch is a social platform for chatting, interacting, and enjoying different types of content and entertainment together.
Client-side rendered applications (SPA/MPA)
A single-page application (SPA) is a web application or website that dynamically rewrites the current page instead of reloading it.
SPA is a perfect choice for a website with continuous interaction between the website and the user/visitor.
Requirements for SPA:
- Fast transitions – so using SPA feels like using a native application
- Super performant – so the content loads in the blink of an eye
- Ability to support feature-rich apps – so you can enhance your SPA over time
- Great user experience – so users can navigate through SPA freely
Examples of SPAs built with Next.js:
Hulu is a platform similar to Netflix and HBO GO, allowing users to watch movies and TV shows online.
Binance is a cryptocurrency portal with news, price tickers and a possibility to buy and sell.
Ticket Master is a place to buy and sell tickets for concerts, sports, theatre and other similar events.
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Big eCommerce Websites
The bigger the eCommerce website is, the bigger the impact of the conversion rate on revenue. In other words, customer journey and shopping experience should result in sales as often as possible.
Therefore, the requirements for big eCommerce websites are:
- Fast page load speed – so browsing and shopping become a pleasant experience
- Custom user experience – so your eCommerce website looks different from the competitors
- Ability to make frequent changes that are visible instantly – so your online store is always up to date
- Possibility to integrate with third-party systems – so you can integrate your webshops with systems like PIM (Product Information Management), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), and marketing automation tools
On top of that, making constant changes to pages generated with just a static site generator would take ages.
Examples of big eCommerce Next js websites:
Deliveroo is a food delivery app that helps with ordering food from restaurants and takeaways.
AT&T is a place to buy phones, wireless plans, and accessories.
TicketSwap is a place to buy and sell e-tickets.
Web portals
As people don’t like to wait and expect fast page load speed, the performance of the web portal is crucial to its success. It’s mainly because a lot of data is being added to the portal in real-time by its users. It’s called user-generated content.
Other essential factors that you need to take care of are personalisation and data security.
In many cases, users will trust you with their fragile information like health data or credit card numbers. You need to make sure that this data will be encrypted and safe.
Requirements for web portals include:
- Super performance – so browsing through the portal is a great experience
- Data security – so users can feel safe
- Ability to add custom features – so you can enhance your portal over time with additional features wanted by users
- Full support for real-time user-generated content – so your portal is always up to date
Next js examples of web portals
PlayStation Competition Center
PlayStation Competition Center offers a possibility to sign up for PlayStation Tournaments.
Realtor is a real estate portal to buy, sell and rent homes.
Marvel.com it’s the official Next js website for Marvel movies, characters, comics, and TV.
B2B and SaaS websites
Their main goal is to present the offer in an appealing way to get their contact information, convince them to start a trial, or simply convert visitors into paying customers.
Investing in the Next.js website might mean more orders with the same traffic and a lower bounce rate. Ultimately, it may lead to higher positions in Google and generate higher traffic.
Requirements for B2B and SaaS websites:
- Great user experience – so you will become more trustworthy in the eyes of visitors
- Fast page load speed and high performance – so you will get higher Google rankings
- Full SEO support – so you can grow organic traffic consistently
- Integrations with user analytics and automation marketing tools – so you can get to know customers better and start building relationships with them
- Integrations with CRM – so you won’t have to change CMS
Examples of B2B and SaaS websites
Typeform is a tool for creating enjoyable forms and surveys.
InVision is a digital product design platform that makes the design process easier and faster.
Pusher is a tool for developers to build real-time charts, notifications, location tracking, in-app chats, and more.
Finance websites
If you want to build a finance website, the main goal should be to build trust. A clean, modern look, fast page load speed and security will help you with that.
Requirements for financial services websites:
- Easy navigation – so visitors can browse through the website easily
- Clear, non-confusing design – so visitors know what you are offering
- User experience adapted to the customer journey – so visitors know what they should do
- Fast page load speed – so your website will load in a blink of an eye
- SEO efficiency – so you can grow organic traffic
Who use Next js in the financial industry
SumUp is a global financial technology company offering mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) systems in Europe.
Verge is a digital currency that allows for blockchain payments.
Nubank offers a digital account similar to Revolut for Brazilians.
Further readings
If you still want to learn more about Next.js websites and get to know the pros and cons to be sure about your decision, we recommend you the following articles:
- What is Next js and why should you use it in 2021?
- Pros and Cons of Nextjs in 2021
- Benefits of Next JS for building websites and apps
- Next JS vs Gatsby – Which One to Choose?
- Next JS vs Create-React-App (CRA)
- 50 Great Examples of React Native Apps
Build your website with next.js
