HSP

The Key Challenge Solved - a headless app with WordPress

The client was keen to adopt a headless app approach using WordPress as the backend, while we built a dynamic frontend using Next.js. This structure would give the client more flexibility in managing content while improving site speed and performance. It was a bold move, but one that would ultimately provide them with a future-proof platform.

Key headless WordPress app requirements included:

• Full control over content management using reusable components and custom fields
• A seamless, dynamic front-end that offered fast page load times and a smooth user experience
• A custom store locator feature, filtering by location and store type
• A complex product catalog with a taxonomy system for various truck accessories
• Multiple form integrations, including product registration and warranty inquiries
• Flexibility for future scalability, including e-commerce functionality for smaller items

The Scope of Project

We began by laying the foundation: a headless WordPress app. WordPress on the backend and a Next.js frontend to handle the user experience. Headless architecture allows the content management system (CMS) to operate separately from the frontend display, meaning that updates and changes could be made more easily and flexibly.

Content Management System (CMS): WordPress with Advanced Custom Fields (ACF)

We built a series of custom ACF blocks, such as:

• Hero sections with customizable backgrounds, images, and text
• Product sections that dynamically pulled in data based on user selections (vehicle make/model)
• Testimonials and review carousels that could be reused across product and category pages
• Interactive maps and store locators with filters for different types of distributors

Dynamic Frontend: Next.js for Lightning-Fast Load Times

Key benefits of using Next.js included:

• SEO-friendly architecture: With server-side rendering, we could ensure that search engines crawled all pages efficiently, boosting visibility for key product pages.
• Fast load times: Pages load almost instantly, improving the overall user experience and reducing bounce rates.
• Scalability: The architecture we built allows the client to add more products, content, or even entirely new features (such as e-commerce) without needing to rebuild the entire site.

Complex Product Catalog and Custom Taxonomy System

We added filtering options on the frontend so that users could select their vehicle and instantly see the products compatible with their make and model. This created a personalized shopping experience, making it easy for users to find exactly what they needed.

Custom Store Locator with Google Maps Integration

Using the Google Maps API, we developed an interactive map that allowed users to search for stores based on their location. We also implemented custom filtering, so users could see different types of stores, such as major distributors or smaller specialty shops.

Gravity Forms for Product Registrations, Warranties, and Inquiries

We set up multiple forms for the client, including:

• Product registration forms for users to register their purchases and receive additional warranties
• Warranty claim forms where users could submit detailed information about their products and request support
• General inquiry forms for customers to contact the client directly

SEO Optimization and Performance Enhancements

We optimized the site for performance by implementing best practices such as:

• Image optimization: Compressed images without sacrificing quality to ensure faster load times.
• Lazy loading: Ensured that images and other non-critical assets only loaded when they appeared on the user’s screen.
• Caching strategies: Applied caching techniques to reduce server load and improve speed.

Delivery of a headless WordPress app

By the end of the project, we had delivered a high-performance website that was fast, scalable, and easy to manage. The client’s internal team now has full control over content updates, product management, and form submissions—all without needing constant developer intervention. The website is designed to grow with the business. As the client adds new products, launches marketing campaigns, or expands into e-commerce, the platform we built will easily accommodate these changes. Additionally, the headless architecture ensures that future enhancements can be rolled out without compromising performance.

If you’re ready to take your website to the next level, get in touch with us today. We’ll help you create a platform that’s not only visually stunning but also optimized for performance, scalability, and growth.