Hey, everyone! I'm starting my freelance journey focused on creating marketing websites, and I'm aiming to build them with a unique style similar to Framer sites, using custom code. I'm looking into using Astro, but I can't decide whether to pair it with React or Svelte. I plan to eventually turn this into my main income source by starting a small agency. If clients want a CMS, I'll definitely use Sanity, and I'll be hosting the static sites on Cloudflare. What do you all think would be the best approach here? I've used both frameworks before, but I'm curious which one I should concentrate on for these types of projects.
4 Answers
I'm all about Svelte! Back in the Svelte 3 days, I found it easier and more fun to use with Astro than React. I even switched my backend components from React to Svelte for a portfolio project because I loved the readability. However, Astro Components are great too when client-side state isn't a concern, so if you prefer React, don’t fret! It works fine and I have several projects using it as well.
Custom coding really isn’t always necessary. For landing pages, consider platforms like Framer or WordPress instead. When you're starting out, focus on finding clients first. People care more about a website that works rather than the specific technology behind it. If you're doing static sites, don’t rush to code everything from scratch!
Great point! Using templates can save a ton of time and effort, especially when you're just starting.
Bundle size is super important for marketing sites. Remember, the main appeal of Astro is shipping minimal JavaScript, so that's something to keep in mind!
If you’re focused on marketing websites and using Astro, you might not need to stress too much about choosing between Svelte and React. Both can work within Astro's islands. Just go with what you feel comfy with or what suits the specific project you’re working on. You can even switch it up for each project if you want!
Makes sense! It's good to have the flexibility to use different tools as your projects change.

Thanks for sharing that! Sounds like Svelte really offers a smooth experience in Astro.