Getting Started
Headless WordPress + Next.js
A complete developer guide for building modern, production-grade websites using WordPress as a headless CMS and Next.js as the frontend.
Junior DevelopersNext.js 15TypeScriptTailwind CSSApril 2026
What is Headless WordPress?
In a traditional WordPress site, WordPress handles everything — it stores the content and renders the HTML pages visitors see. Your theme controls how everything looks.
In a headless WordPress setup, you cut off the head. WordPress becomes a pure Content Management System — it stores content but never renders pages. Your Next.js frontend fetches content via the REST API and renders pages itself.
Why do this?
- Build with modern tools: React, TypeScript, Framer Motion, Tailwind CSS
- Faster performance — static generation and CDN delivery
- Full design freedom — no theme limitations
- Better SEO with fine-grained metadata control
- Keep the WordPress admin your clients already know
- Scale the frontend and backend independently
The trade-off: More initial setup. You manage two systems instead of one. This guide walks you through every step.