DEV Community

Cover image for How I Built a Modern Developer Portfolio Using Next.js, React & Vercel
Krishna chavan
Krishna chavan

Posted on

How I Built a Modern Developer Portfolio Using Next.js, React & Vercel

Introduction

As a final-year Computer Engineering student and aspiring Full Stack Developer, I decided to build a modern developer portfolio using Next.js, React, and Vercel. In this blog, I’ll share how I designed, deployed, and optimized my portfolio with a custom domain and SEO best practices.

Why Every Developer Needs a Portfolio

In today’s competitive tech industry, a resume alone is not enough. Recruiters want to see your work, not just read about it.
A developer portfolio helps you:

  • Showcase real projects

  • Prove your technical skills

  • Stand out from other candidates

  • Build a personal brand

  • Improve chances of getting interviews
    As a student and fresher, a portfolio becomes your strongest asset.

Tech Stack I Used

To build my developer portfolio, I used React.js for creating reusable and maintainable UI components, Next.js for better performance, SEO optimization, and file-based routing, Vercel for fast and reliable deployment with automatic HTTPS and global CDN support, and a custom domain to enhance personal branding, improve credibility, and make the portfolio more professional and recruiter-friendly.

SEO Optimization
SEO was a major focus.

Steps I followed:

  • Added meta tags for all pages

  • Configured Open Graph tags

  • Generated sitemap using next-sitemap

  • Added robots.txt

  • Verified domain on Google Search Console

  • Used proper heading structure (H1–H3)

  • This helps the portfolio rank better on Google.

Top comments (0)