How a Traditional CMS works
Traditional content management systems are based on the connection between the front-end and the back-end. The front-end has CSS and theme templates used to display content to your website. The back-end is structured with plugins, which are responsible for storing, editing and managing content.
Changes have to be made manually on a traditional CMS. An example of a traditional CMS is WordPress, which powers 35% of all websites. WordPress includes a database MySQL, CSS, PHP code and HTML templates, JavaScript files that compile a predefined theme.
How a Headless CMS works
A headless CMS means there is no “head,” which is just a fancy way of saying there is no front-end. However, a headless CMS has a back-end for managing and storing content and an application programming interface (API), which transmits content to devices.
Because there is no front-end, a headless CMS can deliver your content from a single back-end to numerous systems - loT, desktop, mobile. Unlike a traditional CMS, you can make changes to one channel without affecting the entire system.
Through a single dashboard, personalizing information and content is easy. As well, a headless CMS simplifies processes so that you can manage many interaction channels.
Pros of a headless CMS
Minimize the Total Cost of Ownership
With traditional monolithic solutions, you can purchase core-based licenses. This price model becomes expensive or problematic for scale. This is because you are required to purchase more licenses as the hardware grows.
Speed & Security
Speed plays a crucial role in web development. Headless CMS systems fit nicely with static site generators, and many of them provide great integrations.
Statically generated sites pull content from a headless CMS, which advances security. There is no code on the server-side to render the pages of your website, which means there is a smaller chance an attack might hurt you. You can also host the content repository in a firmly secured setting and only export its contents when creating the last pages.
You can host the content repository in an environment that is tightly secured and only export its contents when generating the final pages. No server-side code to render your web pages means less chance an attack might hurt you.
Integrate efficiently and effectively
Headless eCommerce software has an API-first approach that allows for a “best-of-breed” strategy. This means that your team is able to create their own suite of the best software. Rather than putting all of your capabilities into one suite, you can choose the best proficiencies across your platform, so the software performs the way you want it to.
Easily Extend Ordering to New Channels, Devices, Customers and More
Traditional monolithic eCommerce is unscalable and does not allow you to build many front-end experiences all connected to the same back-end. This makes it challenging as the hardware grows and there's a need for many channels.
On the other hand, headless eCommerce platforms enable multiple front-ends, which can be connected to the same back-end. This means you can have many user experiences without having to manage each system separately. Ultimately this makes a headless eCommerce platform scalable.
Improve Time-to-Value
The back-end capabilities, functionality and business logic, include up to 85% of a development process. A headless eCommerce platform delivers final solutions in a cost-effective and timely manner.
Scalability
Using a headless CMS makes systems easier to scale. The content is often easily cached or rendered into a static form, e.g., static site generators.
Omnichannel
Headless CMS systems split the content from how it's presented to the users. This is a major advantage when reusing content on multiple channels. If your content is not mixed with a medium-specific description of how it should be presented to the user - it'll be easier to repurpose for various channels.
Should You Use a Headless CMS?
The need for headless content management is increasing.
Have you considered making the switch?
You should consider a headless CMS if you answer yes to any of the following questions.
- Are you looking to develop a unique user experience?
- Are you wanting a variety of technologies for creating your product?
- Are you looking to communicate with users through many touchpoints?
- Are you expanding your project and need a scalable solution?
- Do you have a big team of developers, or are you attracting third-party specialists?
Wrap up
More companies are shifting towards headless content management. Headless is a fascinating invention in the web application/content management realm. There are pros to both traditional CMS and headless CMS, and just because something is newer doesn't necessarily mean it's always better.
You should always approach technological innovations like headless CMS with caution and assess which option has the tools that your company needs to succeed. That being said, headless offers an undoubted level of sophistication and customization, so we encourage you to consider making the switch.