We've built websites for small businesses using WordPress, Squarespace, custom PHP, and Next.js. After years of working with different platforms, we now default to Next.js for most projects. Not because it's trendy. Because it solves real problems that small businesses face.
This isn't a sales pitch. We'll explain what Next.js actually does, why it helps small businesses compete, and when you might want to use something else instead. No tech jargon, just practical information you can use.
If you're deciding between a Next.js site, a WordPress site, or a template builder, this should help you make the right choice for your business.
Key Benefits
It Actually Loads Fast
We've rebuilt sites that were taking 5-8 seconds to load. After moving to Next.js, they load in under 2 seconds. That's not marketing speak. That's what we measure with real client sites.
Why does this matter? Google ranks faster sites higher. People leave slow sites. Your competitors probably have slow sites. A fast site is a real advantage, and Next.js makes it happen without you needing to be a performance expert.
The technical stuff: Next.js pre-renders pages (generates them ahead of time) so when someone visits, they get a complete page instantly. It also automatically optimizes images, splits code so only what's needed loads, and handles all the performance tweaks that would take days to set up manually.
Google Can Actually Read Your Site
Here's a problem we see all the time: businesses build sites with JavaScript frameworks that Google struggles to index. The content loads after the page loads, so Google's bots see a blank page. Your site looks great to visitors, but Google doesn't know what it's about.
Next.js fixes this by rendering pages on the server before sending them. When Google's bot visits, it gets the full HTML with all your content, titles, descriptions, and structure. No plugins needed, no extra configuration. It just works.
We've seen sites jump from page 3 to page 1 in Google after moving to Next.js, with the same content. The difference? Google could finally read and understand the site properly.
You Own It, Not a Platform
With WordPress or Squarespace, you're locked into their platform. Want to change something? You're limited to their plugins and themes. Want to move? Good luck exporting everything properly. Monthly fees keep adding up.
With Next.js, you get the actual code. You can host it anywhere (we use Vercel, which is free for most small sites). You can change anything. You can move it. You're not paying monthly fees to a platform. You're paying for hosting, which costs next to nothing.
This matters because as your business grows, you might need custom features, integrations, or changes. With a platform, you're stuck with what they offer. With Next.js, you can build whatever you need.
The Practical Stuff
Hosting Costs: Basically Free
We host most client sites on Vercel (the company behind Next.js). For small business sites, it's free. No monthly fees, no bandwidth limits for normal traffic. You only pay if you get massive traffic, which most small businesses won't.
Compare that to WordPress hosting at £10-30/month, or Squarespace at £12-40/month. Over a few years, that adds up. With Next.js, you're paying for development once, then hosting is essentially free.
No Plugin Updates or Security Issues
WordPress sites get hacked. They need constant plugin updates. Themes break. It's a maintenance nightmare.
With Next.js, once it's built, it's done. No plugins to update. No security patches for third-party code. The site just works. We check in on client sites months later and they're still running perfectly with zero maintenance.
Easy to Update Content
"But I need to update my own content!" We hear this a lot. You can still update content easily. We set up a CMS (content management system) that connects to your Next.js site.
You get a simple interface to update text, images, and pages. The changes automatically update your site. You get the ease of WordPress with the performance of Next.js.
When You Need to Add Features
Need to add a booking system? Payment processing? Custom forms? Integration with your existing tools?
With Next.js, we can build exactly what you need. No hunting for plugins that sort-of work. No paying for premium plugins that do 80% of what you want. We build the feature you actually need, the way you need it.
When Next.js Might Not Be Right
We're honest: Next.js isn't always the answer. Here's when you might want something else:
- You need a site in 2 days. Next.js takes time to build properly. If you need something immediately, a template builder might be faster (though you'll pay for it later).
- Your budget is under £500. Next.js sites cost more to build because they're custom. If your budget is very tight, WordPress or a template might be more realistic.
- You need a complex e-commerce store. For large stores with hundreds of products, Shopify might be easier. For smaller stores, Next.js works great.
- You're not planning to grow. If you just need a basic brochure site that won't change, a simple template might be fine. But if you want to compete online, Next.js is worth it.
What to Expect
The Process
We Talk About What You Need
Not what we think you need. What you actually need. We'll ask about your business, your goals, and what you're trying to achieve. Then we'll tell you if Next.js makes sense or if something else would be better.
We Build It Properly
This isn't a template. We build your site custom, optimized for speed and SEO from the start. We set up a content management system so you can update it yourself. We make sure it works on every device.
You Get a Site That Actually Works
Fast loading. Easy for Google to find. Easy for you to update. No monthly platform fees. No security worries. Just a site that does what it's supposed to do.
When You Need Changes, We Can Do Them
Want to add a feature? Change the design? Integrate with a new tool? Because it's custom code, we can build whatever you need. You're not limited to what a platform offers.
The Bottom Line
Next.js isn't magic. It's a tool that solves real problems: slow sites, poor SEO, high hosting costs, and being locked into platforms. We use it because we've seen it work for our clients.
If you're building a new site or rebuilding an old one, it's worth considering. Not because it's trendy, but because it gives small businesses the same advantages that big companies have. Fast sites, good SEO, and the ability to grow without being limited by your platform.
Final Thoughts
We build most of our client sites with Next.js because it solves problems we see every day: sites that load too slowly, sites Google can't find, sites that cost too much to maintain, and sites that can't grow with the business.
It's not the right choice for everyone. If you need something immediately or your budget is very tight, there are other options. But if you're serious about competing online and want a site that actually works, Next.js is worth the investment.
The best part? Once it's built, it just works. No monthly platform fees, no security updates, no plugin headaches. Just a fast, reliable site that helps your business grow.