Kinetic investigations can provide critical mechanistic information for the optimization of the reaction parameters and reaction development. Modern kinetic analyses such as RPKA and VTNA provide many advantages over traditional initial rate methods and are especially powerful when coupled with reaction monitoring technologies. While these are robust analytical methods, the lack of careful observation and optimization can lead to misinterpretation of the data. In this Perspective, we highlight some commonly overlooked considerations in kinetic studies based on our experiences and present a general guide to proper optimization of reactions and analytics prior to acquiring kinetic data.