How to Create Headless WordPress site with React.js

Just as web development is growing in today’s digital world, similar tools and technologies are also growing for building websites.

WordPress is the most popular CMS platform for website building, known for its ease of use, flexibility, and features.

However, with new technologies emerging and evolving rapidly, the traditional WordPress setup may not always be the best solution—especially for web developers and business owners seeking more flexible and user-friendly websites.

Introduction

Setting up a headless CMS with WordPress and React.js is one of the latest ways to build websites.

This method separates the frontend development of your website—what users see—from the backend, where content is managed and stored.

By connecting React.js to WordPress for dynamic content, you can create a fast, dynamic, and flexible front-end experience while utilizing WordPress as the back-end content management system (CMS).

If you’re wondering and confused about how to create a headless WordPress site with React.js, don’t worry. I can help you with this blog.

I have covered all the important aspects to help you build a WordPress website with React.js easily.

But if you’re looking for an expert to build your headless WordPress website with React.js, my ContorlF5 team and I can help you. You can contact us for expert guidance and support.

What Is Headless WordPress?

Before exploring directly into the steps, it is important to understand what a headless WordPress setup is.

A headless WordPress setup is a content management system (CMS) where WordPress development is primarily used for managing content, while a separate front-end development framework, such as React.js, displays the content to users.

In this setup, WordPress serves as the back-end headless CMS, while React.js / Next.js handles the front-end development.

This approach is especially useful for WordPress developers who want to utilize the flexibility of modern JavaScript frameworks.

Benefits of headless WordPress architecture

Below, I’m sharing some benefits of headless WordPress to help you understand why it’s a good choice. Let’s take a look:

• Speed and Performance: In a headless WordPress setup, separating the front end from the back end gives you a faster, more responsive website. This improves the overall performance of your website.
• Flexible Front-End: Developers can select any front-end technology they want, without being limited to traditional WordPress themes. With the help of React gives you complete control over design, allowing for the creation of reusable components. This flexibility makes it easier to build customized and visually appealing websites.
• Scalability: React’s component-based architecture simplifies website management and scaling. React.js Developers can easily update or add components without impacting the CMS backend. This makes it convenient to grow and adapt the website as needed.
• Omnichannel Distribution: Omnichannel distribution allows content to be shared across various platforms, such as websites, mobile apps, and IoT devices. This ensures a consistent experience for users, no matter how they access the content.

What is the WordPress REST API?

The WordPress REST API is an interface that allows developers to interact with WordPress data using HTTP requests.

Integrating React with WordPress REST API enables a seamless connection between the two technologies.

In simple terms, when building a headless WordPress website with React.js, the REST API serves as a bridge between the WordPress back end and the React front end.

Key features of the WordPress REST API include:

• Fetching Content: You can retrieve posts, pages, categories, and custom data in JSON format, making it essential for integrating WordPress with a React front end.
• Creating and Updating Content: The API allows you to create or edit content as long as you have the proper permissions.
• Authentication: You can secure endpoints and data exchanges using authentication methods like OAuth or JWT tokens.

The REST API transforms WordPress into a more powerful and flexible CMS that can deliver content to any front-end application, whether it’s a mobile app or a web app.

What Is React.js and Why Use React?

React.js is a powerful JavaScript library created by Facebook for building fast and interactive user interfaces. It is highly efficient for developing dynamic web applications thanks to its component-based structure and virtual DOM.

Here are some reasons why using React.js is a great choice for headless WordPress:

• Component-Based Structure: React.js lets developers create reusable UI components, making it easy to build and manage large web applications.
• Fast Rendering: React.js uses a technology called Virtual DOM, which only updates the parts of a webpage that have changed. This results in quicker rendering and better performance.
• JavaScript Library: As a JavaScript library, React.js works well with other JavaScript tools and frameworks.
• Large Community and Ecosystem: React.js has a vast ecosystem of libraries, tools, and resources, making it easy to find solutions and plugins for almost any feature.

By connecting React.js to WordPress for dynamic content in a headless setup, You will have the strengths of both: WordPress’s robust CMS and React’s fast, dynamic front end.

If you’re curious about the benefits of using React for web development, check out our blog on “Why Use React for Web Development: 10 Reasons to Apply.” It’s packed with insights on how React can elevate your web projects.

Step-by-step guide to headless WordPress and React

Now it’s time to understand How to create a headless WordPress site with React.js

Follow the steps below and you will be easily able to make a site:

Step 1: Set Up WordPress as a Headless CMS

The first step in building a headless WordPress website is to configure WordPress to serve your content through APIs.

1.1 Install WordPress: You need to install WordPress on a server or a local environment using tools like Local by Flywheel, XAMPP, or MAMP

Once your WordPress setup is ready, you need to log in to your WordPress dashboard by navigating to yourdomain.com/wp-admin. Then you can use your credentials to log in admin panel.

1.2 Configure Permalinks: Once the WordPress dashboard is open, Click on Settings > go to Permalinks. You can select a custom URL structure (like /post-name/) to ensure friendly URLs for your content.

1.3 Enable the WordPress REST API: WordPress has a built-in REST API that is enabled by default, so no extra setup is required by your end. However, it’s a good idea to confirm that it’s working first.

If you want to check if the API is active or not, Go to: https://your-site-url.com/wp-json/wp/v2/posts

If everything is working properly, you’ll see a JSON response containing the posts on your website.

1.4 Install WPGraphQL for headless WordPress applications (Optional):  To extend functionality, especially when using GraphQL with React and WordPress, you can install plugins like WPGraphQL (for GraphQL support) or JWT Authentication for WP REST API (for secure API access).

If you prefer using GraphQL instead of REST, So you need to install the WPGraphQL plugin from the WordPress Plugin Directory and activate that plugin. Once the activation is done you can access WordPress data through the GraphQL endpoint:

Step 2: Install and Configure React

With headless WordPress now serving your content through APIs, So you need to start building React for front-end development.

2.1 Create a New React App: You need to set up a new React project using Create-React-App. Now open your terminal and run the given commands:

With the help of these commands, you will create a new React project and navigate into the project directory.

2.2 Install Axios for Data Fetching: You have to fetch the WordPress data so you can use Axios or the native Fetch API. If you need to install run the given command:

2.3 Set Up Routing (Optional): Suppose if you have multiple pages of your website for example a list of posts and a single post view so you need to install React Router. To install this run the command:

Step 3: Fetch WordPress Data from REST API

Now it’s time to fetch data from your WordPress REST API and need to show it in your React component. You can use two methods to fetch data from your WordPress Rest API.

You can use the fetch API or a library like Axios to get content from the WordPress REST API.

Use the following code in your React component to fetch WordPress posts:

Use the following code in your React component for fetching data from WordPress using Axios:

Once you are done with fetching data, you can map through the posts and display them using JSX. Use the following code to display data:

Step 4: Setting Up Routes

For a more dynamic experience, You can set up routes using React Router. This enables you to create different pages like “Posts”, “About Us”, or “Contact”, ensuring a smooth navigation system.

In App.js, define routes for the homepage and individual posts:

Step 5: Optimizing React applications for search engines

Incorporate your keywords naturally throughout the content, particularly in H1, H2 and H3 headings. Additionally, use related keywords (LSI keywords) to improve variety.

You must ensure your main keyword is included in image alt texts. Also, add both:

Internal links: Link to other React components or pages on your site.

External links: Include relevant resources, such as React.js documentation or WordPress REST API guides.

if you’re interested in learning “How to Make Your React Website SEO-Friendly in 10 Steps,” make sure to read till the end for practical tips and strategies.

Step 6: Deploy Your Headless WordPress Site

Once everything is done, It’s time to deploy a React application on WordPress:

6.1 Deploy WordPress: Make sure your WordPress is live and accessible online.

6.2 Deploy React App: You need to deploy your React app to platforms like Netlify, Vercel, or AWS Amplify. For example, to deploy on Netlify you need to run the following command:

It’s done! By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully create a headless WordPress website with React.js. Be sure not to skip any of the steps mentioned.

Why Integrate React with Headless WordPress?

Integrating React with Headless WordPress gives you a powerful combination of a robust content management system and a modern, responsive front-end framework.

1. Faster User Experience: React makes user interfaces more engaging and interactive than traditional WordPress themes with real-time updates.

2. Separation of Concerns: Separating the front-end development and back-end development helps developers to work independently on each layer.

3. Cross-Platform Integration: You can easily integrate your CMS with other platforms, such as mobile apps or other web applications.

4. Faster Page Loads: React’s virtual DOM ensures optimized rendering and loading speed.

Guidelines and recommended practices for using the headless WordPress CMS

1. Optimize API Calls: Minimize API calls to WordPress and use caching to reduce load times.

2. Use Authentication: Implement JWT or OAuth for accessing sensitive content through the API.

3. Lazy Loading: Load only visible images and content to improve performance.

4. SEO Considerations: Use Next.js or Gatsby for better SEO with server-side rendering or static site generation.

5. Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): Cache static assets with CDNs to reduce server load and speed up delivery.

6. Use HTTPS: Secure communication between React and the WordPress API with HTTPS.

7. Optimize API Requests: Use pagination to prevent slowdowns.

8. Enable Server-Side Caching: Improve performance with server-side caching.

9. Monitor CORS Issues: Fix CORS issues with proper configurations.

10. Utilize LSI Keywords: Use related keywords to improve overall SEO.

11. Structured Content: Keep content organized and updated for better accessibility.

12. Regular Updates: You need to update WordPress and React regularly for security and better performance.

What Is the Difference Between CMS and Headless CMS?

A CMS (Content Management System) is a platform that combines content creation, management, and presentation in one place, allowing users to build and maintain websites easily.

Whereas a Headless CMS, separates the content management back end from the front end, providing content through APIs to be used across various platforms.

Below is a handy table that highlights the difference between a CMS and a Headless CMS. Let’s take a look:

Conclusion

In conclusion, building a headless WordPress website with React.js opens up many opportunities in modern web development, making it a valuable skill for developers and businesses aiming to improve their website performance.

By separating the front end from the back end, developers can achieve improved performance, scalability, and design flexibility.

This architecture is perfect for businesses looking to combine the strengths of both WordPress and React.js to create powerful and dynamic websites.

Whether building a blog, an e-commerce website, or a corporate platform, headless WordPress with React provides the tools and flexibility needed to create engaging, fast, and efficient web experiences.

If you’re unsure about having enough time to build a flexible WordPress website with React.js,

I can help you navigate this challenge. My in-house ControlF5 team consists of experienced WordPress developers and React.js developers, ready to assist you in creating a headless WordPress website based on your specific business needs.

Feel free to contact us directly with any questions or inquiries. Let’s work together to create an exceptional web experience for your users!