Getting started with Django can be an exciting journey for beginners looking to build robust web applications. Django is a high-level Python web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. To begin your journey, it is essential to set up your development environment by installing Python and then Django itself. Once installed, you can create your first project by running the command django-admin startproject myproject in your terminal. This will generate a new directory structure with the essential files you need to get started.

After successfully creating your project, it's time to dive into Django's core components. One of the first steps is to create an app within your project by running python manage.py startapp myapp. This app will contain your models, views, and templates necessary for building your web application. For a more comprehensive understanding of how to structure your application, consider exploring the official Django Tutorial. It covers everything from basic CRUD operations to deploying your app, making it an invaluable resource for beginners eager to learn more.

When it comes to Django web development, adhering to best practices is essential for building robust and efficient applications. Here are the Top 10 Django Best Practices that every developer should follow:

1. Keep Your Project Structure Organized: Use a standard directory structure that separates your application components clearly. This greatly enhances maintainability. You can learn more about project structure from Django Documentation.
2. Implement a Virtual Environment: Isolate your project dependencies using tools like venv or pipenv. This ensures that your project is not affected by system-wide packages. For a quick guide, refer to Real Python.

3. **Utilize Django's Built-in Features:** Leverage Django's powerful built-in features like the admin interface, ORM, and templates to streamline your development process. Check out Django's Getting Started guide for insights.

4. Optimize Database Queries: Use Django’s select_related and prefetch_related methods to reduce the number of database hits. Refer to Django Query Optimization for details.
5. Implement Proper Security Measures: Always keep your Django application secure by following best practices such as using strong passwords, keeping the secret key safe, and regularly updating dependencies. For more information, see Django Security Releases.

When developing with Django, many newcomers often make common mistakes that can lead to inefficiencies and unforeseen issues in their applications. One frequent error is neglecting the use of Django's built-in features, which can save time and effort. For example, instead of manually creating forms, developers should leverage Django's forms framework, which automates many repetitive tasks and integrates seamlessly with models. Furthermore, failing to utilize the Django admin interface effectively can limit the management capabilities of your application. Always ensure that you configure the admin panel to reflect your data model accurately.

Another common mistake is poor URL configuration, which can hinder the SEO performance of your site. It's crucial to implement clean and descriptive URL patterns that enhance search engine visibility. Moreover, developers sometimes overlook the importance of proper caching strategies. Implementing Django's caching framework can significantly improve site performance and user experiences. Lastly, always remember to keep your dependencies updated and regularly review the Django documentation to stay informed about best practices and new features.