12 Simple AWS Tips That Actually Help in Real Projects

These aren’t advanced tricks or new services.
Just small habits that make AWS clearer, safer, and cheaper over time.

1️⃣ Name every resource properly

Random IDs are fine for AWS — not for humans.
A simple naming format like:

env-service-purpose

2️⃣ Check the Billing dashboard daily

Even if you’re a beginner.

• Just open:
• Current month spend
• Service-wise cost

This removes fear around AWS bills and builds cost awareness early.

3️⃣ Delete unused resources immediately

Stopped using something? Delete it now.

“Later” usually means:

• Forgotten EC2s
• Idle Load Balancers
• Surprise charges

4️⃣ Security Groups are stateful (important)

If inbound traffic is allowed, return traffic is allowed automatically.

• Knowing this prevents:
• Extra outbound rules
• Unnecessary open ports

5️⃣ Most AWS issues are IAM issues

Before blaming the service, always check:

• Role attached?
• Correct policy?
• Correct resource?

Permissions fail more often than AWS itself.

6️⃣ Start with the simplest architecture

Don’t jump straight to:

• Multi-AZ
• Auto Scaling
• Complex networking

Build simple → understand → then scale.

7️⃣ Think in flows, not services

Instead of memorising services, think:

Request → Load balancer → App → Database → Response

This helps in:

• Debugging
• Architecture design
• Interviews

8️⃣ Always know what is public and what is private

Ask yourself:

Is this resource internet-facing?

Who can access it?

Public exposure is the #1 beginner mistake.

9️⃣ Tags are not optional

Even simple tags like:

Project
Environment
Owner

🔟 Don’t overuse free tier blindly

Free tier ≠ free forever.

Some services:

• Expire after 12 months
• Have usage limits

Always check the fine print.

1️⃣1️⃣ Logs are your best friend

Before guessing:

• Check CloudWatch logs
• Check metrics

AWS usually tells you what is wrong — if you look.

1️⃣2️⃣ Consistency matters more than speed

You don’t need to learn everything at once.

• Small, consistent AWS usage beats binge-learning services.
• Final thought
• AWS mastery doesn’t come from knowing all services.

It comes from:

• Clear thinking
• Good habits
• Real usage The rest follows naturally.