Traditional content management systems (CMSs) can sometimes feel like they're stuck in the past, struggling to keep up with the fast-paced demands of today's customers and the need to be everywhere at once. 

And that's where a headless CMS comes in. By separating the content management backend from the frontend presentation layer, a headless CMS gives you the freedom to create, edit and share content without being tied to a specific frontend structure.

Here, we’ll explore what a headless CMS is, plus why you might want to use one. (FYI: You can read more about the Wix Studio CMS and Wix Headless here.)

What is a headless CMS?

As a backend-only content management system, a headless CMS splits the content repository (the “body”) from the presentation layer (the “head”). This means developers can manage and deliver content without being tied to a specific frontend framework. That way, they’re able to create tailored experiences based on the platforms and devices their audiences use.

Basically, it's called "headless" because it separates the "head" (the frontend) from the "body" (the backend).

Why use a headless CMS?

Headless CMS solutions focus solely on managing content. They keep all your content in one place and use application programming interfaces (APIs) to deliver it to any frontend platform you want.

This means you can create, edit and manage your content in a single place and then display it across multiple channels—like websites, mobile apps and smartwatches.

Headless CMS vs. traditional CMS

Traditional content management systems roll everything into one neat package. You've got your backend (where you manage content) and your frontend (how your website looks) all in one system. They come loaded with built-in themes, plugins, What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) editors and templates, making it super easy for folks who aren't web developers to build and maintain websites.

But a CMS with a headless architecture splits the content management backend from the frontend presentation layer. So, you manage your content in one place and send it out to any frontend platform using APIs. (To go back to the basics, check out what is a CMS in web design? and your guide to enterprise content management.)

What is headless SEO?

Headless search engine optimization (SEO) focuses on optimizing the content and structure of a website built using a headless CMS. In other words, it’s all about making your headless CMS website shine in search engine results. 

Sure, the goal is the same as traditional SEO—getting your site noticed. But while some tricks of the trade seem familiar, others can be a bit different. 

Here are some of those tips and tricks:

• If you can, opt for server-side rendering (SSR) or static site generation (SSG) to deliver fully rendered HTML to search engines.

  
  

• Implement structured data (or schema markup) in your content models to help search engines understand the context of your content. Think of it as giving the algorithms a cheat sheet.

  
  

• Use methods like pre-rendering or caching to make sure dynamic content is still SEO-friendly.

  
  

• If your headless CMS supports multiple languages or regions, set up your hreflang tags and other geo-targeting techniques properly to prevent content cannibalization in search results.

Headless CMS benefits

• Flexibility in frontend development: With a headless CMS, you're not stuck with the limitations of a built-in frontend framework. Instead, you can use the latest technologies to create engaging and dynamic user experiences that truly wow your audience. 

• Scalability for growing businesses: As your business grows and you add more digital touchpoints, scalability becomes super important. Headless CMSs can easily keep up with your expansion, making sure everything runs smoothly no matter how big you get.

• Omnichannel content delivery: Your audience often interacts with your content on various platforms and devices, like mobile apps, websites and social media networks. A headless CMS allows you to deliver a consistent and personalized experience on all these channels, making sure your message hits home every time.

• Future-proof digital strategy: With how fast technology evolves, you need a system that can adapt without a hitch. A headless CMS helps future-proof your digital strategy, allowing you to easily integrate new frontend technologies without having to overhaul your entire system.

Headless CMS best practices

• Design a well-structured content model. Clearly define your content types, fields and relationships. This helps keep everything consistent and makes it easier to manage and retrieve your content without any headaches.

• Optimize your API endpoints to deliver only the data you need. This trick reduces load times and boosts performance. You can also throw in some caching strategies to cut back on redundant API calls and offer a smoother user experience.

• Set up robust authentication and authorization systems to protect your content. Keep your CMS and frontend frameworks updated to patch any security holes. And don't forget to use HTTPS to encrypt data between your server and clients.

• Use SSR or SSG whenever you can to deliver content quickly. Pair that with a CDN to distribute your content globally and significantly reduce latency.

• Use version control for both your content and code. This is a way to track changes, collaborate better and roll back to previous versions if things go awry.

  
  

Read more: Low-code no-code web development, explained

Headless CMS examples

Ready to make the leap into headless? Here’s a rundown of five headless CMS platforms to get you started.

01. Wix Studio

Wix Headless is a cutting-edge API and software development kit (SDK) that offers the best of both worlds: the freedom to create a unique frontend design and the convenience of Wix's robust business services that come with a super handy management dashboard.

With Wix Headless, you can manage multiple business solutions—like eCommerce, Bookings, Events and Pricing Plans—from one dashboard. Plus, you only need one subscription to access all these tools, so no more hopping between different platforms to get things done.

And, if you need more powerful business solutions, Wix Studio offers hundreds of APIs and integrations, which allow you to customize as you see fit.

To get started, here are some starter templates you can use to deploy with built-in Wix business solutions.

02. Contentful

Contentful is a headless content management system that helps you create and manage content across various digital channels and gadgets. It’s designed to be intuitive and straightforward so content creators can focus on creative tasks rather than wrestling with complicated software.

Contentful's API integrates seamlessly with any tech stack, meaning you can plug it into pretty much any website or application. It also integrates with cloud storage platforms like Dropbox.

03. Sanity

Sanity is a cloud-based, open-source platform that makes it easy to manage and distribute content across devices.

The platform supports a wide range of front-end frameworks, like React, Vue and Next.js. This means you can integrate Sanity with your existing tech stack. Plus, there's a vibrant developer ecosystem packed with plugins, tools and libraries to further streamline your workflow.

04. Prismic

Prismic is a headless page builder designed specifically for Next.js, Nuxt and SvelteKit websites. One of its standout features is it allows for custom components. Your development teams can create and ship your components to the cloud-based page builder, so your content team can add them to your webpages. 

Prismic also takes the headache out of server management. It handles the infrastructure and software, so front-end developers can jump right into the fun stuff—building eye-catching designs and managing content.

05. Strapi

Strapi is an open-source headless CMS used for creating JavaScript APIs. Since it’s open-source, you can tweak any aspect of it to fit your needs. You can build customizable backend services, mobile applications, websites and other digital experiences.

What is the best headless CMS?

Wix Studio stands out as the top headless CMS platform thanks to its flexibility, robust features and seamless integration. It's perfect for managing and delivering content across multiple channels without breaking a sweat. (Read more about the best content management systems.)

Wix Headless offers solutions tailored to meet a variety of business needs. Whether you're running an eCommerce website, managing content, handling bookings and tickets or organizing events, Wix Headless has your back.

You can easily control backend operations, manage business applications and update your website’s content all from a single dashboard. It’s like having a command center at your fingertips.

Plus, Wix Headless works with any tech stack that uses data from a RESTful API. This includes popular front-end frameworks like React and server-side technologies like Node.js. So, no matter what tech you’re using, Wix Headless fits right in.

Sign up for Wix Studio today.