5 Common Mistakes When Using Vercel for Your First Launch

Launching your first project can be a daunting task, especially when you’re using a tool like Vercel. As a solo developer or indie hacker, you want everything to go smoothly, but there are pitfalls that can trip you up. In our experience launching multiple projects, we’ve seen common mistakes that can derail your deployment. Here’s a rundown of the five most prevalent mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring Environment Variables

What It Is

Environment variables are crucial for managing sensitive data like API keys and database URLs. Failing to set these properly can lead to runtime errors or, worse, exposing sensitive data.

Our Take

We learned this the hard way. On our first launch, we hardcoded sensitive information into our codebase, which was a huge security risk. Vercel allows you to set environment variables in the dashboard, but you need to remember to configure them before deploying.

Limitations

Mistakes in environment variable setup can lead to confusing errors that are hard to debug. Always double-check your variables.

2. Neglecting Build Settings

What It Is

Vercel automatically detects your project settings, but sometimes it gets it wrong, especially with custom setups. Not configuring your build settings can lead to failed deployments.

Pricing Impact

Vercel offers a generous free tier, but if you need advanced features, you might end up paying $20/mo for the Pro plan.

Our Take

We often had to troubleshoot our settings because Vercel defaulted to options that didn’t fit our stack. Make sure to review and adjust your build settings in the Vercel dashboard.

3. Overlooking Performance Optimization

What It Is

Vercel is optimized for performance, but you have to play your part by optimizing images, scripts, and other assets. A poorly optimized app can lead to slow load times, which will frustrate users and affect your SEO.

Our Take

In our projects, we focused too much on features and neglected performance. Using tools like Image Optimization and lazy loading can make a huge difference in load times.

Limitations

If you don’t optimize your assets, Vercel can only do so much. You’ll still need to put in the effort on your end.

4. Not Utilizing Preview Deployments

What It Is

Vercel offers preview deployments for every push, which lets you see changes in a live environment before going public. Failing to use this can lead to untested changes going live.

Our Take

We’ve launched features without previewing them first, only to find bugs later. Preview deployments save you from embarrassing mistakes and allow for better collaboration.

Limitations

While this feature is fantastic, it can clutter your dashboard if you’re not careful. Keep your previews organized.

5. Skipping the Documentation

What It Is

Vercel has extensive documentation that covers everything from deployment to optimization. Ignoring it can lead to missed opportunities for better practices.

Our Take

We’ve spent hours troubleshooting issues that could have been solved quickly by referring to the documentation. Take the time to read through it, especially for features you’re unfamiliar with.

Limitations

The documentation can be overwhelming at first. Focus on the sections that are relevant to your current project.

Conclusion: Start Here

If you’re gearing up to launch your first project on Vercel, avoid these common mistakes by preparing in advance. Ensure your environment variables are set, optimize your performance, and make use of the preview deployments. Remember, reading the documentation is not just a chore; it’s an investment in your project’s success.

To kick off your journey, I recommend setting aside a couple of hours to familiarize yourself with Vercel’s features and best practices. It will pay off in the long run.