What Headless CMS means
A headless CMS lets one source of content feed a website, mobile app, kiosk or anything else. We use it when content must reach several channels or power a fast Next.js front end. It costs more to set up than a traditional CMS, and editors lose some of the instant visual preview unless it is built in.
Why it matters for your website
A headless CMS lets you publish content once and show it on a website, app or other channels. It pairs well with fast, modern front ends and can improve speed and security. It usually needs more developer involvement than an all-in-one CMS, so it suits some businesses better than others.
Example
A restaurant group stores menus in a headless CMS. The same menu content feeds its website, its ordering app and in-store screens.
Tips
- Make sure editors get a usable preview of how content will look.
- Plan content models carefully before building.
- Budget for developer help when adding new page types.
Common mistakes
- Choosing headless for a simple brochure site that a regular CMS handles fine.
- Forgetting SEO fields like titles and descriptions in the content model.
Questions about Headless CMS
What is Headless CMS?
A CMS that stores and serves content through an API, with no built-in front end, so any site or app can display it.
Is a headless CMS good for SEO?
It can be, especially paired with server-side rendering or static generation, but SEO features must be built in rather than coming with plugins.
Can WordPress be used as a headless CMS?
Yes. WordPress can serve content through its REST API or a GraphQL plugin to a separate front end.
