Top 10 Next.js Performance Tips from Meerako's Dallas Engineers
A slow site kills conversions. Our Next.js experts share 10 actionable tips for optimizing LCP, INP, and CLS for a perfect Lighthouse score.
Top 10 Next.js Performance Tips from Meerako's Dallas Engineers
"Meerako — Your Dallas-based Next.js & React development experts.
Introduction
Next.js is the go-to framework for building high-performance web applications, which is why we use it for most of our client projects at Meerako. It gives you a powerful head start with features like server-side rendering, static site generation, and intelligent caching.
However, a fast framework doesn't automatically mean a fast website. It's still possible to build a slow Next.js app if you're not careful.
As leading Next.js developers in Dallas, our team lives and breathes performance. Here are our top 10 actionable tips for optimizing your Next.js app to achieve a perfect Lighthouse score and pass Core Web Vitals with flying colors.
What You'll Learn
- How to master image and font optimization. - Choosing the right rendering method (SSR, SSG, ISR). - How to use Server Components to reduce client-side JS. - Actionable tips for code splitting and bundle analysis.
1. Master Image Optimization with next/image
<img> tag. The next/image component automatically provides:.webp.
- Lazy loading: Images below the fold don't load until they're about to be scrolled into view.
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) prevention: Automatically reserves space for the image.2. Choose the Right Rendering Strategy
Don't default to Server-Side Rendering (SSR) for everything.
getStaticProps for pages that can be built at compile time (like blog posts, marketing pages). It's the fastest method.
- Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR): Use revalidate with getStaticProps for pages that are mostly static but need to update periodically (like an e-commerce category page).
- Server-Side Rendering (SSR): Use getServerSideProps only for pages that must have dynamic, user-specific data on every request (like a user dashboard).3. Embrace Server Components
With the Next.js App Router, components are Server Components by default. This is a massive performance win. Server Components run on the server and send zero JavaScript to the client.
"use client"; directive to components that must be interactive (e.g., use useState or useEffect). Keep your data fetching and static UI in Server Components.4. Use Dynamic Imports for Large Components
If you have a large component that isn't needed on the initial page load (like a video player, a complex modal, or a comments section), load it dynamically.
import dynamic from 'next/dynamic'
const HeavyComponent = dynamic(() => import('../components/HeavyComponent'), {
ssr: false, // Optional: if it's a client-only component
loading: () => <p>Loading...</p>
})
function MyPage() {
// HeavyComponent.js won't be in the initial JS bundle
return <HeavyComponent />
}
5. Analyze Your Bundles
@next/bundle-analyzer to see a visual map of what's inside your JavaScript bundles. You'll often find a large library (like lodash or moment.js) that you're using improperly.6. Optimize Your Fonts
next/font to handle font loading optimally. It automatically self-hosts Google Fonts and preloads them, eliminating font-related CLS.import { Inter } from 'next/font/google'
const inter = Inter({ subsets: ['latin'] })
export default function Layout({ children }) {
return <html lang="en" className={inter.className}>{children}</html>
}
7. Use Route Handlers for Your API, Not a Full Server
app/api/...) for your backend API. This is more efficient, deploys seamlessly with your app (especially on Vercel), and benefits from the same Serverless/Edge functions.8. Be Smart About Data Fetching
fetch requests are automatically cached and memoized. Use this to your advantage. For data that changes rarely, use fetch with a revalidate tag. For dynamic data, use cache: 'no-store'.9. Optimize Third-Party Scripts
next/script component to control how and when they load. Use the worker strategy for scripts that can run off the main thread, or lazyOnload for scripts that can wait.10. Keep Your Dependencies Updated
npm update next can often give you a free performance boost.How Meerako Builds World-Class Next.js Apps
At Meerako, these 10 tips are just our starting point. As a 5.0★ rated development partner in Dallas, we build performance into our process from day one. Our architects design efficient data structures, our developers write clean, optimized code, and our DevOps team ensures your app is deployed on a fine-tuned AWS or Vercel infrastructure.
Conclusion
Performance isn't a feature; it's a prerequisite. In 2025, users expect instant-loading experiences, and Google demands it with Core Web Vitals. By following these tips, you can ensure your Next.js application is among the fastest on the web.
Need help optimizing your existing Next.js app or building a new one from scratch?
🧠 Meerako — Your Trusted Dallas Technology Partner.
From concept to scale, we deliver world-class SaaS, web, and AI solutions.
📞 Call us at +1 469-336-9968 or 💌 email [email protected] for a free consultation.
Start Your Project →About David Lee
Senior Next.js Developer
David Lee is a Senior Next.js Developer at Meerako with extensive experience in building scalable applications and leading technical teams. Passionate about sharing knowledge and helping developers grow their skills.
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