The Real Headless: Why We Keep WordPress, But Not Its Frontend
Headless WordPress gets thrown around a lot — but most implementations either overcomplicate the setup or miss the real value.
At Plugene, we've taken a different path. We don't just decouple WordPress for the sake of it. We keep what works and swap what doesn't. The result is a hybrid approach that blends the flexibility of a CMS with the performance of a modern frontend.
Here's what we mean by 'real headless,' and why it matters for scaling websites the right way.
WordPress Is Still a Great CMS
WordPress remains one of the most powerful content management tools out there. Editors know how to use it. Teams already have workflows built around it. There's no need to reinvent that part of the stack — and we don't.
With Plugene, your content team continues to use WordPress just like they always have. Posts, pages, categories, metadata — it's all managed through the familiar dashboard.
The Frontend Is Where Things Fall Apart
Where WordPress struggles is in rendering. Themes are often bloated, PHP templates are restrictive, and plugin scripts get loaded everywhere.
All of that slows down the frontend, makes performance unpredictable, and limits your ability to create dynamic user experiences.
Our Approach: Custom UI, Same Backend
Plugene connects your existing WordPress backend to a modern, lightweight frontend built using Next.js. The frontend fetches content through APIs and renders blazing-fast pages, optimized for all devices.
It's the best of both worlds:
- ✅Content stays in WordPress
- ✅No plugin clutter on the user side
- ✅UI is fully custom and built for speed
- ✅No complex migration needed
Better Performance, Better Control
Because we control the frontend entirely, we can optimize every part of it:
- ✅Faster load times
- ✅Full control over SEO elements
- ✅Better Core Web Vitals scores
- ✅Easier integrations with third-party APIs
And since the WordPress admin remains untouched, your content team doesn't need to learn anything new.
Real Headless = Keeping What Works
We don't believe in throwing away what's already working. WordPress excels at content management, so we keep that. Where it falls short is in performance and flexibility, so we replace that part.
The result? A solution that scales with your business without the headaches of traditional WordPress limitations.
