A headless CMS is a content management system that consists of an editorial back end but no fixed front end, where content is distributed via an API to any number of end-user interfaces.
Headless CMSs are ready to support technologies that will become popular in the future. Some companies are already pushing the limits of content delivery by incorporating more IoT devices, augmented reality, virtual reality and more. A headless CMS built upon powerful APIs will be more easily integrated with the newest technologies that come out, and companies will be poised for quickly taking advantage of new audience segments.
A traditional CMS relies on a static output for content, or an end-user interface such as a website or a mobile app—making up the “head”—but a headless CMS opens up the possibility of displaying content in any number of formats, be it a wearable device, website, mobile app or e-commerce platform.
The benefits of a headless CMS are numerous, and headless systems are thought to offer the most adaptability in an ever-changing digital era. Developer flexibility, personalized content distribution and speedy content delivery make up just some of the advantages of headless content management systems.
In this article, we’ll explain the differences between a headless, traditional and decoupled CMS. We will also outline the benefits of a headless CMS and let you decide whether a headless approach is best for your business.
What is a headless CMS?
A headless CMS is a game-changing content management system that focuses solely on the editorial back end, leaving the front end flexible. Content is distributed via APIs to various end-user interfaces, making a headless CMS a future-ready solution.
Why choose a headless CMS?
Headless CMS systems are designed to adapt to future technologies. Companies are already leveraging headless CMS to integrate with IoT devices, augmented reality, virtual reality and more. With powerful APIs, a headless CMS ensures seamless integration with emerging technologies.
What the best choice between a traditional CMS vs. headless CMS?
While traditional CMS systems have a static output, a headless CMS offers limitless possibilities for content display across multiple platforms, from wearable devices to e-commerce platforms. This adaptability makes headless CMS a preferred choice in today's fast-paced digital landscape.
What are benefits of headless CMS?
The advantages of using a headless CMS are numerous. Developer flexibility, personalized content distribution, and rapid content delivery are just some of the benefits that make headless CMS a go-to solution for modern businesses.
Who benefits from using a headless CMS?
Decoupled CMS: A middle ground
A decoupled CMS offers a balance between a traditional and a headless CMS. It allows for flexibility in content delivery while maintaining a separation between the content and presentation layers.
How does headless CMS impact business?
Headless CMS offers unparalleled flexibility and control, allowing businesses to adapt quickly to market changes and new technologies. Whether you're an e-commerce platform or a media company, a headless CMS can streamline your operations and improve your content delivery.
What is a hybrid CMS?
Decoupled and headless architectures have paved the way for the hybrid model. With a hybrid CMS architecture, organizations and publishers have the ability to mix presentation or front-end choices. The hybrid approach offers an environment that allows users to deliver different experiences to a browser window or a device, where both decoupled and headless CMS architectures can be combined.
Will going headless lower my project costs?
The answer to that depends on a variety of factors, but in many cases, yes, a headless CMS can help cut costs. If you’re starting from scratch, you may need to invest more up front to make sure you have both the back-end and front-end developers you need, depending on the size and number of sites, along with a technical manager. That said, the up-front cost for a new app is about the same, and a headless CMS can save on long-term maintenance costs because you don’t have to worry about changing the back end every time you add a channel. So, if you expect that you’ll continue to expand your support for different audiences, headless is more cost effective in the long term.
How do I preview content with a headless CMS?
It’s a common concern: If my CMS isn’t rendering the content for final display, will I still be able to review how it looks before publishing? The short answer for Brightspot is yes. The not-as-short answer is that some additional development may be required, depending on your front-end system (e.g. React, Angular) and the channel in question.
How does a headless CMS help content teams?
Apart from happy developers? A headless CMS doesn’t intrinsically deliver editors to publishing Nirvana in and of itself (although we do think Brightspot CMS’ publisher-informed UI has got you covered on that front), the benefits accrue by removing front-end obstacles to getting content published and delivered wherever your audiences are through API-connected endpoints. In short, a headless CMS allows content teams to focus on storytelling and audience engagement without worrying about front-end limitations.
