Next.js vs HTML/CSS for Startup Landing Pages

When you are shipping your first marketing site, the fastest path is usually the best path. The goal is clarity, speed, and a clean system you can iterate without friction. That is why a simple HTML/CSS site often wins early, while Next.js becomes valuable once your needs grow.

Below is a clear framework for deciding without overthinking it.

Choose HTML/CSS when speed matters most

A static site is the best default when you need a reliable launch and low maintenance.

You have one primary CTA and a handful of sections.
Content changes are rare and can be updated manually.
You want the fastest load time with the fewest moving parts.
You do not need personalization, auth, or dynamic routes.

This is a great option for founders validating a market or shipping a pre-launch page.

Choose Next.js when your site behaves like a product

Next.js is worth it when your marketing site needs product-like features.

You have multiple content types (blog, case studies, docs).
You need shared components and content-driven routes.
You want preview environments for content edits.
You plan to ship interactive demos or gated content.

If your marketing site already feels like an application, Next.js will save you time long term.

A simple decision test

Ask these questions and score yourself yes or no. The more yes answers, the more Next.js makes sense.

Will the site grow beyond 5 to 7 pages?
Do you need multiple content models (blog, docs, help)?
Do you need CMS previews and content workflows?
Will you add personalization or gated areas?
Do you expect frequent design iterations across many pages?

If you answered no to most, stay static. If you answered yes to most, go Next.js.

The hybrid path (often the best one)

You can start with HTML/CSS and move to Next.js later. The key is to keep your design system tidy so migration is painless.

Use a consistent spacing scale (8px or 4px).
Keep typography tokens in CSS variables.
Avoid inline styles for layout.

A clean static site migrates faster than an ad-hoc React site.

What your stack might look like

Static path

Astro or plain HTML
Tailwind or a small CSS file
Netlify or Vercel

Next.js path

Next.js App Router
MDX or a headless CMS
Vercel previews + image optimization

The launch checklist

Can a non-technical person change the headline in under 2 minutes?
Does the site pass Core Web Vitals on mobile?
Is the CTA visible without scrolling?
Is the nav simple enough to scan in 3 seconds?
Are you comfortable maintaining it for 6 months?

Final take

A static site is the fastest path to launch and often the most effective early on. Next.js shines when your marketing site starts to behave like a product. Choose the simplest option that gets you to a clean, confident launch.