Lovable vs Next.js: Do you really need to migrate?
The internet says "just migrate to Next.js." But that means losing Lovable, learning a framework, and starting over. There's a simpler path.
Quick Verdict
Next.js fixes SEO with server-side rendering. But migrating means abandoning Lovable entirely and maintaining a complex framework. Static HTML conversion gives you the same SEO result — Google can read every page — with far less complexity.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Next.js Migration | Static HTML Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| SEO capability | Full SSR — Google sees everything | Full static HTML — Google sees everything |
| Build speed | Days to weeks of development | We handle the conversion |
| Technical skill required | Developer needed (React, Node.js, deployment) | None — we deliver finished files |
| Can use Lovable editor after | No — you've left the platform entirely | No — but the files are simpler to edit |
| Hosting complexity | Needs a Node.js server (Vercel, AWS, etc.) | Any host — Netlify, GitHub Pages, shared hosting |
| Hosting cost | Vercel Pro at $20/month minimum for real projects | Netlify free tier ($0) — includes forms, identity, and A/B testing |
| Ongoing maintenance | Framework updates, dependency management, build pipeline | Minimal — static files don't break |
Why People Recommend Next.js
Next.js is a legitimate solution to the SEO problem. It's popular for good reasons:
- Server-side rendering (SSR): Pages are rendered on the server before they reach the browser. Googlebot gets fully formed HTML with every request.
- Huge ecosystem: Thousands of plugins, tutorials, and community support. It's one of the most widely adopted React frameworks.
- React-based: Since Lovable generates React code, the migration path feels natural. Your components and logic can theoretically be ported over.
If you're a developer building a complex web application with dynamic routes, API endpoints, and server-side logic, Next.js makes a lot of sense.
Why It's Overkill for Most Lovable Users
Here's the problem: most people using Lovable aren't developers. They chose Lovable because it let them build without code. Telling them to "just migrate to Next.js" is like telling someone who used Squarespace to "just rewrite it in Django."
- You need a developer. Next.js requires knowledge of React, Node.js, server configuration, and deployment pipelines. That's either your time learning or your money hiring.
- Complex and costly deployment. Next.js needs a Node.js server or a hosting provider like Vercel — which costs at least $20/month on the Pro plan for any real project. Compare that to Netlify's free tier, which hosts static HTML at $0 and includes built-in forms, identity management, and A/B testing.
- Framework maintenance. Next.js has major version updates, breaking changes, and a dependency tree that needs ongoing attention. Static HTML files don't break because a package was deprecated.
- You lose Lovable entirely. This isn't an enhancement to your Lovable site. It's a complete rebuild on a different platform. Everything you built in Lovable gets left behind.
The goal is to get your content indexed by Google. You don't need a full-stack framework to do that.
The Simpler Alternative
Static HTML gives you the same SEO visibility without the framework complexity. Your Lovable site gets converted into clean .html, .css, and .js files that Google can read directly.
No Node.js server. No build pipeline. No dependency management. No framework updates. No $20/month Vercel bill.
Just files. Host them on Netlify for free — with built-in forms, identity, and A/B testing included. Google indexes them immediately.
Same SEO result as Next.js. A fraction of the complexity. $0/month hosting.
Next.js is a powerful tool for developers building complex applications. But if all you need is for Google to see your content, static HTML gets you there without learning a framework, hiring a developer, or maintaining a server.
Skip the migration. Get the same SEO result.
We convert your Lovable site to static HTML files. Google sees every page. No framework. No server. No ongoing maintenance.
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