How to Build a Static WordPress Site Without Learning React or JAMstack

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why Go Headless—Without the Headache

Most “headless WordPress” tutorials jump straight into React, Gatsby, or Next.js territory. But what if you don’t want to learn a whole new stack?

If you’re a designer, marketer, writer, or even a developer who just wants a faster, more secure site without losing the power of WordPress, there’s a simpler way: use WordPress locally, then export a fully static version of your site with a plugin called Simply Static.

This guide walks you through every step to set up and launch a headless/static WordPress site using tools you may already know—or can learn in an afternoon.

What You’ll Need

  • A GitHub account (free)

  • Local by WP Engine (free)

  • A WordPress site (hosted locally)

  • Simply Static (free or Pro version)

  • Optional: A hosting platform that supports Git-based deployment (GitHub Pages, Netlify, Vercel, or a host like Hostinger)

Step 1: Set Up Your GitHub Repository

Start by creating a new GitHub repo where your static site will live.

  1. Go to github.com and create a new repository.

  2. Name it something like my-static-wp-site.

  3. Leave it public or make it private, depending on your needs.

  4. If you’re planning to use GitHub Pages later, enable it in Settings → Pages after you’ve pushed your first files.

Step 2: Set Up Your Local WordPress Environment Using Local

Local by WP Engine is a simple app that lets you run WordPress locally without configuring a server or database manually.

  1. Download and install Local on your computer.

  2. Launch the app and click Create a New Site.

  3. Choose a name, environment (PHP and MySQL versions), and admin credentials.

  4. Once the site is created, click Admin to log into your new WordPress dashboard.

You now have a fully functioning WordPress site running locally on your machine.

Step 3: Build and Prepare Your WordPress Site

Inside the WordPress dashboard:

  • Choose your theme or custom-build the layout the way you would with any standard WordPress install.

  • Build out your content—pages, posts, menus, and plugins—as you normally would.

Now comes the part that makes your site “headless.”

Install the Simply Static plugin. This plugin converts your dynamic WordPress site into a set of static files—pure HTML, CSS, and JS—with no exposed backend, no database, and no need for WordPress to be running on the live server.

This makes your site:

  • Lightning fast

  • Much harder to hack

  • Easy to deploy anywhere

Free vs. Pro

  • Free version: Export static files locally and upload them manually to GitHub or your host.

  • Pro version: Adds powerful integrations for GitHub, Netlify, S3, and others, letting you deploy with a single click.

Learn more or purchase a license at simplystatic.com.

Step 4: Configure Simply Static Pro

If you’re using the Pro version, follow these steps to connect it to GitHub for automated deployment.

  1. Go to Simply Static → Settings → Deployment in your WordPress admin.

  2. Set the deployment method to GitHub.

  3. Enter:

  4. Configure optional settings like folder paths, excluded files, or base URLs.

Full setup docs: Simply Static GitHub Deployment

Running Your First Static Build

  1. Go to Simply Static → Generate

  2. Click Generate Static Files

The plugin will scan your site and export it as static HTML, CSS, and JavaScript files.

Where to Find the Files

  • Free version: Files are saved inside your local site’s directory at: /wp-content/uploads/simply-static/

  • You’ll upload these manually to GitHub or your web host.

  • Pro version: Files are automatically pushed to the configured GitHub repo during each build. You can check the logs for confirmation.

Step 5: Push Your Static Site to GitHub

If you’re using Simply Static Pro, your files are already live in GitHub. Done.

If you’re using the free version, you’ll need to push them manually:

  1. Navigate to the export folder (/wp-content/uploads/simply-static/)

  2. Open a terminal or use GitHub Desktop

  3. Run:

				
					git init
git remote add origin https://github.com/yourusername/yourrepo.git
git add .
git commit -m "Initial static export"
git push -u origin main

This will upload your static site to your GitHub repo.

Step 6: Deploy Your Static Site to the Web

Now that your site is on GitHub, let’s get it live. You have several options.

Option A: GitHub Pages

  1. Go to your GitHub repo → Settings → Pages

  2. Choose the deployment source:

    • Branch: main or gh-pages

    • Folder: /root or /docs

  3. Your site will be published at: https://yourusername.github.io/yourrepo/

Option B: Netlify or Vercel

  1. Create an account on Netlify or Vercel

  2. Connect your GitHub repo

  3. Set:

    • Build command: none

    • Publish directory: . or /docs (based on your repo structure)

These platforms support continuous deployment and custom domains.

Option C: Traditional Hosting Providers (Hostinger, Bluehost, SiteGround, GoDaddy)

If you already use a mainstream host, you don’t have to switch to Netlify or Vercel to go headless. Many traditional providers support Git-based deployments or allow easy file uploads for static sites. Here’s how to deploy with four of the most common ones:

1. Hostinger

  • Go to Advanced → Git in your dashboard

  • Create a new Git project and link your GitHub repo

  • Set your publish path (usually public_html)

  • After each update, re-pull from GitHub to deploy

2. Bluehost

Option A: Manual Upload

  • Use Bluehost’s File Manager or an FTP tool to upload files to public_html

  • Files come from your Simply Static export folder

Option B: SSH/Git (Advanced Users)

  • Enable SSH from your Bluehost dashboard

  • SSH into your server and clone/pull your GitHub repo directly

3. SiteGround

  • Use Site Tools → Devs → Git to link or clone your GitHub repository (GrowBig or higher plans)

  • Set your deployment directory (e.g., public_html)

  • Alternatively, upload via File Manager or FTP

4. GoDaddy

GoDaddy doesn’t yet offer built-in GitHub sync, but you can still deploy manually.

Manual Deployment via File Manager:

  • Log into your GoDaddy hosting dashboard

  • Go to cPanel → File Manager

  • Navigate to public_html and upload your static site files

Advanced Option (SSH & Git):

  • Enable SSH access in your GoDaddy account

  • SSH into your hosting environment

  • Clone your GitHub repo with:

				
					git clone https://github.com/yourusername/yourrepo.git

  • Or use git pull to update an existing deployment

Note: SSH access may not be available on all GoDaddy plans—check your plan’s features first.

This allows you to continue using familiar web hosts while benefiting from the performance and security of a static site.

How to Update Your Site

  1. Make changes in your local WordPress site (add or edit content, change styles, etc.)

  2. Regenerate your static files in Simply Static

  3. Re-deploy to GitHub via the plugin (Pro) or manually push changes (Free)

  4. Your live site will reflect the updates

You get the ease of WordPress editing—without the weight or exposure of running WordPress on a live server.

Conclusion: A Modern Stack You Already Know

This approach gives you a headless/static site without needing to learn JavaScript frameworks, API calls, or build pipelines. You’re using the tools you already understand—WordPress, Local, and GitHub—but in a modern, secure, and scalable way.

Perfect for:

  • Designers and marketers who want total control

  • Freelancers building client sites

  • Anyone who wants WordPress without the bloat

If you’re looking to simplify your workflow, speed up your site, and cut down on security risks, this is one of the easiest ways to get started.

Picture of Amber Tripp Perez

Amber Tripp Perez

I’m Amber Tripp—UX strategist, creative director, and behavioral marketing nerd with a not-so-linear path. I blend design thinking with behavioral science to build brands that connect and strategies that stick. I also write about mindset, leadership, and what it means to stay human.
View All My Latest Posts

Explore more posts

Article

Should Brands Be Using AI-Powered Automation? (And Where Should You Start?)

AI automation isn’t about replacing people—it’s about removing friction. Learn what it actually means, how to start, and how to make sure your brand uses AI for good, not just speed....
Article

Beyond Carrots and Sticks: Why Reward-and-Punishment Leadership Fails (And What to Do Instead)

Dangle a carrot, swing a stick—neither creates lasting motivation. This post dives into why these tactics fall short and what modern leaders can do instead to drive real engagement....
FAQ

What Is Hyper-Personalization in Marketing—And How Do You Actually Use It?

Most marketers stop at basic personalization—but your audience expects more. Here’s how hyper-personalization works, what makes it powerful, and how to use it without losing the human touch....
Article

Why Most Advertising Doesn’t Work—And What to Do Instead

The problem with most advertising isn’t creativity or budget—it’s behavioral friction. If your ads aren’t performing, there’s a good chance they’re interrupting instead of integrating. Here’s why that happens and how to rethink your strategy....
Close-up of a team collaborating on a customer journey map using sticky notes and printed diagrams
FAQ

How Do I Create a Customer Journey Map That Actually Helps My Business?

A customer journey map shouldn’t be a pretty poster that sits on a wall. It should be a practical tool that helps you see your business from your customer’s perspective—and make smarter decisions because of it....
Article

The Hidden Cost of Off-Brand Design: A Behavioral Perspective

You don’t need a broken logo to break your brand. Off-brand design chips away at trust in ways most teams never notice—until conversion rates, engagement, or credibility quietly stall. Here’s what’s really happening beneath the surface....