Using WordPress as a static site generator

Static site generators have gained significant traction amongst developers, designers, and businesses seeking faster, more secure websites.

Unlike traditional dynamic sites, which rely on a database to deliver content on demand, static site generators create pre-built HTML pages that are served directly to users. This approach might sound like a step backwards, yet it has proven to be an efficient and modern solution for many use cases.

At their core, static site generators take content written in files—often Markdown—and combine it with templates to produce a complete website. Popular examples include Jekyll, Hugo, and Gatsby, each with its own ecosystem and strengths. Because the site is compiled ahead of time, the server does not need to run complex processes or query a database whenever someone visits a page. The result is a website that is generally faster, lighter, and less prone to downtime under heavy traffic.

One of the major advantages of static site generators is performance. Since the pages are already built, they load quickly and can be delivered via a Content Delivery Network (CDN) with minimal overhead. This makes them well suited to blogs, portfolios, documentation sites, and marketing pages where speed and reliability are paramount. Security is another benefit, as the lack of a database and server-side processing reduces the number of attack vectors. For small projects, hosting is often cheaper too, as static files require fewer server resources and can even be hosted for free on certain platforms.

However, static site generators are not without drawbacks. The most notable challenge is content management. While developers may be comfortable working with Markdown files and version control systems such as Git, non-technical users often prefer the convenience of a content management system with a graphical interface. Updating a static site typically requires a build process, which can be inconvenient compared to editing content directly through a dashboard. Additionally, although plugins and integrations exist, features such as search, comments, and e-commerce are not as straightforward to implement as they are with traditional dynamic systems.

This is where the combination of static site generators with WordPress as a headless CMS has become particularly appealing. In this setup, WordPress is used purely as a content management interface, allowing editors and authors to continue working with the familiar dashboard. The content is then delivered via the WordPress REST API or GraphQL and compiled into a static site by a generator such as Gatsby or Next.js. This approach blends the best of both worlds: content teams retain the ease of use and workflow that WordPress provides, while developers and end users benefit from the performance, scalability, and security of a static site.

The trade-off, of course, is added complexity. Managing a headless WordPress set-up requires technical expertise to configure the pipeline, ensure builds are triggered correctly, and handle additional functionality such as previews. Yet for many organisations, especially those with growing audiences or global reach, the investment is well worth it.

Static site generators are not a one-size-fits-all solution, but they represent a powerful shift in the way we approach web development. For projects where speed, stability, and security are paramount, they can be an excellent choice. And when paired with a platform like WordPress, they offer a compelling hybrid model that balances usability with modern performance standards.