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The WordPress Labyrinth:
Autopsy of a Failing Site.

A technical deep-dive into how a $59 "Premium" template nearly destroyed the digital reputation of a top-tier law firm.

Client [CONFIDENTIAL]
Industry Legal / Corporate
Old Stack WordPress / Elementor
New Stack React / Next.js / Headless

Phase 1: Forensic Audit

Upon taking over the project, we performed a deep-server scan. We discovered a software ecosystem collapsing under its own weight.

> Initializing target scan... > WARNING: 28 active plugins detected. > CRITICAL: 'Slider Revolution' script blocking main thread (2.4s delay). > CRITICAL: 800 MB Database (95% junk data/transients). > SECURITY: SQL Injection vulnerability found in 'Contact Form 7' v5.1. > Scan complete. Health Score: 12/100.

The "Frankenstein" Effect

The previous developer, instead of coding, installed a plugin for every requirement. The result: JavaScript conflicts, incompatible jQuery versions, and a site taking 8.2 seconds to load.

Technical Debt

  • Corrupted database tables.
  • Uncompressed 4 MB hero images.
  • Obsolete PHP 7.2 environment.

Phase 2: Rescue Engineering

We executed a strategic decoupling toward a Headless architecture.

WEEK 1

Decoupling

WordPress was retained solely as a database (CMS). We stripped away the theme and all visual plugins.

WEEK 2

React Frontend Development

Rebuilding the entire UI using Next.js. Optimized code and "Pixel Perfect" custom design.

Phase 3: Final Results

Metric WordPress (Before) HazWeb (After)
Load Time 8.2 s 0.6 s
Google Speed Score 12 / 100 99 / 100

"Since pivoting to HazWeb’s technology, our consultation requests have surged by 40%."

MANAGING PARTNER - CORPORATE LAW FIRM