10 Common Vercel Mistakes Every Developer Makes

Vercel is an incredible platform for deploying modern web applications, but it’s easy to trip up, especially if you're new to the game. As someone who's built multiple projects on Vercel, I've seen firsthand the common pitfalls that can derail your deployment process. Let's dig into ten mistakes that developers frequently make when using Vercel and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring Environment Variables

What Happens:

Many developers forget to set environment variables in Vercel, leading to broken functionality in production.

Solution:

Always double-check your environment variables in the Vercel dashboard under the "Settings" tab. Make sure they match your local development environment.

Our Take:

We use environment variables for API keys and secrets, and it’s saved us from exposing sensitive information.

2. Not Leveraging Serverless Functions Properly

What Happens:

Developers often overlook the power of serverless functions which can handle backend logic without needing a separate server.

Solution:

Use Vercel's API routes to create serverless functions for handling requests. It’s straightforward and keeps your architecture clean.

Limitations:

Serverless functions can time out if they take too long to execute, so keep an eye on performance.

3. Forgetting to Optimize Images

What Happens:

Deploying large images can drastically slow down your site, affecting performance and SEO.

Solution:

Use Vercel's built-in image optimization features to serve appropriately sized images. Tools like next/image can help automate this.

Pricing:

Image optimization is included in all Vercel plans, from the free tier to enterprise.

4. Misconfiguring Build Settings

What Happens:

Incorrect build settings can lead to failed deployments and a lot of wasted time.

Solution:

Review your vercel.json configuration file closely. Ensure your build command and output directory are correct.

Our Experience:

We once missed a build command that caused a deployment to fail for hours. Don’t skip this step!

5. Not Using the Preview Deployment Feature

What Happens:

Skipping preview deployments can lead to surprises in production.

Solution:

Utilize Vercel's preview deployments for every pull request to see how changes will impact the live site before merging.

Limitations:

Preview deployments can clutter your dashboard if not managed properly, so delete old previews regularly.

6. Overlooking Caching Strategies

What Happens:

Failing to implement caching can lead to slow load times, especially for static assets.

Solution:

Leverage Vercel's caching capabilities to store static assets. Use the Cache-Control headers to define how long assets should be cached.

Our Take:

We’ve seen a significant improvement in load times after implementing caching strategies.

7. Using Default Domain Names

What Happens:

Many developers stick with the default .vercel.app domains, which can look unprofessional.

Solution:

Set up a custom domain for your project. It’s easy to configure in the Vercel dashboard.

Pricing:

Custom domains are free on all plans.

8. Neglecting Error Monitoring

What Happens:

Errors can go unnoticed without proper monitoring, leading to frustrated users.

Solution:

Integrate error monitoring tools like Sentry or LogRocket with your Vercel app to catch and track errors in real-time.

Limitations:

These tools often come with their own costs, so factor that into your budget.

9. Skipping Local Development Setup

What Happens:

Jumping straight to deployment without testing locally can lead to unexpected bugs.

Solution:

Use the Vercel CLI to run your application locally and catch issues before deploying.

Our Experience:

Running local tests saved us from deploying a broken feature last month.

10. Underestimating the Importance of Documentation

What Happens:

Failing to document your deployment process can make onboarding new team members a nightmare.

Solution:

Keep a detailed README and deployment guide in your repository. Include steps for setting up the project locally and deploying to Vercel.

Our Take:

Good documentation has made onboarding smoother for us and reduced the number of support requests.

Conclusion: Start Here to Avoid Mistakes

To get started on the right foot with Vercel, focus on setting up your environment variables correctly and utilizing serverless functions. Don’t skip local testing, and always take advantage of preview deployments to catch issues early. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll save time and headaches down the road.

What We Actually Use:

• Vercel for deployment
• Sentry for error monitoring
• Next.js for building our applications