Headless CMS
A headless CMS is a content management system that stores content but does not decide how the page looks. Content is sent through an API to a website, a mobile app or another screen. You update a text once and it changes everywhere.
What is a headless CMS?
A headless CMS is a content management system without a presentation layer. The head is the part of the page visitors see. A classic CMS stores content and also draws the page. A headless CMS only stores content and hands it to any system that asks, through an API.
Here is an everyday case. A restaurant chain has a website, a mobile app and menu screens in its branches. A price changes. With a classic setup, someone edits it in three places and one gets forgotten. With a headless setup, the price changes once in the panel, and the site, the app and the screens all read it from the same source.
How does it work?
An editor writes content in the panel and it is saved in a database. The website, for example a front end built with Nuxt, requests that content from the API and shows it in its own design. The mobile app uses the same API. Changing the design does not touch the content, and changing the content does not touch the design.
It is not right for every project. For a single corporate site, a classic CMS is often simpler and cheaper. When there are several channels, headless pays off. We help you decide during a web design conversation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a headless CMS and a classic CMS?
A classic CMS stores content and builds the page itself. A headless CMS only stores content and serves it through an API. A separate front end builds the page.
Does a headless CMS hurt SEO?
Not by itself. If the front end renders pages on the server, search engines read them like any other site. Problems appear when content only loads in the browser.
Does a small business need a headless CMS?
Usually not. With a single website, a classic content panel needs less setup and upkeep. Headless becomes worth considering once an app or other channels are added.