Slow WordPress, re-engineered as headless CMS on Next.js

Built with Next.js for speed and SEO — The Oxbridge Summer Courses Guide is a comprehensive directory platform we delivered with the Next.js stack, optimized for Core Web Vitals and strong on-page and technical SEO in a highly competitive education niche.

The challenge: The client needed one authoritative, fast, mobile-friendly place for families to compare 300+ programs—with architecture that can scale, rank, and keep bounce rates under control in search and AI overviews.

We structured the site for performance-first delivery: static generation where it matters, clean routing, and UI patterns that do not work against the 90+ performance bar. The result is a snappy, SEO-friendly experience across high-traffic periods.

Measured results (April 2026, mobile): Performance metrics were verified using Google PageSpeed Insights (powered by Lighthouse). Core Web Vitals Passed — LCP 1.8s, INP 139ms, CLS 0.01, FCP 1.6s, TTFB 0.6s on oxfordsummerschools.com. See the performance snapshot in the gallery above.

Search and filters (age, subject, location) support discovery without bloating the page. The build carries structured content and a refined design layer that still respects speed budgets.

Key features: Fast course discovery, strong SEO foundations, responsive UI/UX, and a Next.js + React base that is easier to grow than a slow WordPress theme stack.

Why Next.js & headless style delivery: This project is the kind of build we recommend when WordPress is no longer enough—Next.js + React give you a modern front end, first-class SEO control, and a path to 90+ real-world performance.

Need a Next.js or headless directory or content site? Get a free 15-min performance & SEO audit from DevCritters.

Custom WordPress with performance in mind — Travellers Autobarn is a travel and booking experience we built on WordPress with custom theming and integrations, with careful attention to UX, mobile conversion, and making the heaviest travel flows feel fast.

The challenge: A booking-heavy, multi-location business needs reliability, a strong visual brand, and a CMS the marketing team can use—while we push toward better page speed and technical SEO than a typical off-the-shelf template allows.

The homepage centers a custom booking experience: location and date flow, availability, and clear split between rental and sales. We tune assets, third-party script impact, and layout so the site stays usable on real networks—not just in lab tests.

Key features: Custom booking and inventory-led UX, SASS and component-level styling, location content, and WordPress management without sacrificing brand integrity.

When WordPress is the right call: For teams that live in the editor, WordPress is still a powerhouse—but bloated themes are why we also lead headless and Next.js rebuilds for brands that have outgrown monolithic LCP and CLS pain.

Stuck in slow WordPress or outgrowing your theme? Get a free 15-min performance & SEO audit from DevCritters—WordPress, headless, or full Next.js migration.