Re-architecting a SaaS MVP with Next.js, Node.js and MongoDB
An early-stage SaaS product had traction and a backend that struggled under load. How we rebuilt it on Next.js, Node.js and MongoDB.
- Written by
- Jareer Zeenam, Technical Lead
- Published
- Reading time
- 1 min read
Where it started
An early-stage SaaS startup had an MVP built quickly to test the idea. People were using it, which exposed two problems: the backend struggled under load, and the front end was hard for search engines to read.
We have not named the client here.
What we changed
The front end moved to Next.js with server-side rendering, so pages arrive ready to read and to index. The backend was rebuilt in Node.js with MongoDB, which suited data that was still changing shape. It is deployed on AWS with a CI/CD pipeline.
What that covered
- A server-rendered Next.js front end.
- REST APIs in Node.js.
- MongoDB data models reworked around how the product is used.
- Background jobs and caching with Redis.
- Automated tests and monitoring.
What we would do again
Measure before rebuilding, because the slow parts are rarely the ones a team expects. We would also move rendering to the server early: it helps speed and search visibility in one change.
See our MVP development and API development pages, or book a call if your first version is starting to creak.
