Headless WordPress
Transition Guide
20 essential steps to migrate your WordPress site to a modern Headless architecture. Complete each step in order to build a production-ready site.
What is Headless WordPress?
Learn what headless architecture is, how it differs from traditional WordPress, and why you should choose this modern approach.
Requirements and Preparation
What do you need to follow this guide? A comprehensive list of tools that must be installed on your computer.
WordPress REST API Check
Check if your WordPress REST API is active, learn the key endpoints, and configure security settings.
Creating a GitHub Account
Create a GitHub account to store your code and integrate it seamlessly with Vercel.
Hosting Options: Vercel, VPS, Docker
Where will you host your Next.js project? Compare options like Vercel, Netlify, self-hosting, or Docker-based deployments.
Creating a Next.js Project
Create a new Next.js project on your local machine, answer the setup prompts, and get your development server running.
Understanding the Project Structure
Take a deep dive into the Next.js directory structure. Learn the purpose of every file and folder in your new project.
WordPress API Connection
Connect your Next.js project to your WordPress backend. Write fetch functions and start pulling dynamic data.
Environment Variables
Store your WordPress URL and secrets securely. Learn how to use .env files and configure environment variables in Vercel.
Home Page Design with Tailwind
List your recent posts on the homepage by fetching WordPress data. Create a modern design using Tailwind CSS.
Dynamic Post Pages ([slug])
Use Next.js dynamic routing to automatically generate individual pages for every WordPress blog post.
Tailwind Typography Plugin
Style raw HTML content from WordPress professionally with a single CSS class using the Typography plugin.
Image Optimization (next/image)
Boost your Web Vitals scores and performance by using the powerful Next.js Image component.
Navigation and Layout
Complete your site by building a persistent Header and Footer that stays visible across all pages.
Categories and Tags
Organize your content by filtering posts by categories and creating dedicated archive pages.
ISR (Incremental Static Regeneration)
Keep your static site fresh with live data updates in seconds, without needing a full project rebuild.
SEO and Metadata
Configure dynamic meta tags to boost your search engine rankings and social media visibility.
Deployment to Vercel
Upload your code to GitHub and launch it to the world with a single click using Vercel.
Webhooks for Automation
Trigger automatic Next.js updates every time you click 'Publish' in WordPress using build hooks.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The tools, communities, and professional services that will help you on your Headless WordPress journey.
Finished all steps?
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