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5 Reasons to Use a Next.js Template Instead of Starting from Scratch

By Shah Alvi•
5 Reasons to Use a Next.js Template Instead of Starting from Scratch

I’ve built websites and apps from scratch for years—and let me tell you, it’s exhausting. While starting with a blank canvas feels liberating, it’s rarely practical for real-world projects. That’s why I switched to using Next.js templates for most of my work. Here’s why you should too.

1. Save Weeks of Setup Time

The Problem with Starting from Scratch

When you start a Next.js project from zero, you’re not just coding features—you’re reinventing the wheel. You’ll spend days (or weeks) configuring:

  • Authentication (OAuth, JWT, or session management).

  • Folder structures for scalability.

  • API routes and data fetching logic.

  • Testing frameworks like Jest or Cypress.

How Templates Fix This

A Next.js template comes with pre-built integrations and a production-ready foundation. For example, templates like Next.js Starter by Vercel or popular SaaS boilerplates include:

  • Authentication (Google, GitHub, email/password).

  • Pre-configured TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, and ESLint.

  • Database setups (Prisma, Supabase, or Firebase).

Result: You skip the boring stuff and start building your actual product on day one.

2. Avoid Costly Mistakes

The Hidden Traps of DIY Projects

When coding from scratch, even experienced developers make mistakes:

  • Poor SEO practices (missing metadata, slow hydration).

  • Insecure API endpoints (no rate limiting or CORS).

  • Messy state management (overusing Redux or Context).

Templates Enforce Best Practices

A good Next.js template is built by developers who’ve already made (and fixed) these mistakes. For instance:

  • SEO: Pre-configured <Meta> components and sitemap generators.

  • Security: Rate-limited APIs and sanitized user inputs.

  • Performance: Lazy-loaded components and optimized images.

Example: The Next.js Commerce template by Vercel includes performance optimizations that took Shopify years to perfect.

3. Get Responsive Design Out of the Box

Why Mobile-First Matters in 2024

Over 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site isn’t responsive, you’re losing users—and money.

Templates Deliver Pixel-Perfect UIs

Most Next.js templates ship with:

  • Mobile-friendly layouts (flexbox, grid, or Tailwind CSS utilities).

  • Dark/light mode toggles.

  • Pre-styled components (buttons, forms, modals).

Bonus: Templates like ShipFast or TailNext include Figma files, so designers and developers stay in sync.

4. Scale Faster Without Tech Debt

The Scalability Nightmare

Apps built from scratch often become unmaintainable. I’ve seen teams waste months refactoring spaghetti code because they:

  • Mixed server-side and client-side logic.

  • Didn’t plan for internationalization (i18n).

  • Ignored caching strategies.

Templates Are Built for Growth

Next.js templates encourage modularity and clean architecture:

  • API Layers: Separated from UI logic.

  • Reusable Components: Atomic design patterns.

  • Documentation: Step-by-step guides for adding features.

Case Study: A startup I worked with used a Next.js SaaS template to launch their MVP in 3 weeks. Two years later, they’re still using the same codebase—with zero major refactors.

5. Reduce Development Costs

The True Cost of “Free”

Starting from scratch feels free, but it’s not. You’re paying with:

  • Developer hours (50–50–150/hour).

  • Opportunity cost (delayed launches).

  • Hosting misconfigurations (overpaying for resources).

Templates Are Surprisingly Affordable

Most Next.js templates cost 50–50–300—less than a single hour of agency work. For example:

  • ShipFast: One-time $299 fee for a full-stack SaaS template.

  • Nextless.js: Open-source templates with premium add-ons.

ROI: Even a basic template saves 100+ hours of work. That’s 5,000–5,000–15,000 in developer costs.

But What About Customization?

I know what you’re thinking: “Won’t a template limit my creativity?”

Short answer: No.

Next.js templates are like LEGO sets. They give you the pieces, but you decide how to assemble them. For example:

  • Swap Tailwind CSS for Material UI or Chakra.

  • Replace Firebase with Supabase or your own backend.

  • Add unique features like AI chatbots or real-time dashboards.

The template handles the groundwork, so you focus on what makes your project unique.

When Should You Not Use a Template?

Templates aren’t magic. Avoid them if:

  • You’re building a highly experimental app (e.g., a blockchain protocol).

  • Your team has deep Next.js expertise and needs total control.

  • You’re using a niche tech stack (e.g., SvelteKit or Qwik).

My Final Take

Next.js templates are like cheat codes for web development. They let you:

  1. Launch faster.

  2. Avoid rookie mistakes.

  3. Stay mobile-friendly.

  4. Scale without chaos.

  5. Save money.

Unless you’re building the next Figma or Notion, a template will almost always serve you better than starting from scratch.

Pro Tip: Browse marketplaces like Gumroad, Creative Tim, or Vercel’s Templates Gallery to find one that fits your needs. Most offer free demos—test a few before committing!

Still unsure? Drop your project idea in the comments, and I’ll help you pick the right template. 🚀