Headless CMS Versus a Traditional CMS

Headless CMS Versus a Traditional CMS

If you're creating a website for your own business or have been given the task of establishing one, you've probably encountered the term ‘content management system’ or CMS.

A CMS is an essential component of modern websites that allows the application or group of apps that have online content controlled without the need to code or design new pages.

Everything from your written content to your images is handled using this system. A CMS enables you to easily manage your website.

There are a variety of content management systems.

There are only two main types available that can easily be referenced: Traditional CMSs, such as WordPress, and headless CMSs such as Contentful.

All of these options are suitable based on your needs, your architecture, and your long-term goals for managing content.

For certain websites, using a traditional CMS is the ideal solution. For others, an entirely headless CMS is the best solution.

While working on behalf of our customers, EWM always looks at the bigger picture and market trends to ensure you're prepared for future growth and can benefit from changes in technology.

Traditional CMS

In the past decade, the main focus of websites has been a combination of the CMS and the site's design.

The fact that you have the CMS as a part of the design of your site has made it easier to make changes without the hassle of manually updating pages through HTML development or moving files and content using FTP.

Pros

1. The entire site is serviced by one system
2. It is easy to control all of the content
3. The front-end design can be controlled through templates and themes
4. Massive communities of support are available
5. Barriers to entry to the lower level of technical expertise

Cons

1. Only create content for websites (the same content isn't easily delivered to other devices)
2. Not all scales work well
3. Developers must be CMS certified
4. Flexible – to an extend
5. Additional time and expense to ensure maintenance and improvements

When to Use a Traditional CMS

A traditional CMS is a fantastic choice for a number of reasons.

Suppose you're creating a site for yourself as a small company or even an enterprise-level solution that doesn't require you to connect content alongside other online properties. In that case, you might prefer an old-fashioned CMS.

You'll be able to get your website up and running in a short time and manage your website through one source.

It's important to keep in mind that, while a conventional CMS is usually a one website solution, many of them include plugins that provide API access for multiple sites and share digital assets with other applications. These plugins have different challenges and advantages.

Headless CMS

A headless CMS distinguishes itself by not directly connecting to an interface.

Once it's edited and created, the content is released via APIs or application program interfaces (API). This gives you the freedom to present your content in the widest variety of ways feasible, regardless of how it's presented.

You might find it helpful to think of the headless CMS as an author who writes an e-book. The author or headless CMS provides the content. The website and publisher prepare and provide the public's contents through hardback books, e-books, or other formats.

Pros

1. Content is available to be consumed on any device
2. The headless API developers need not worry about content and can concentrate more on the presentation
3. Front-end non-conforming (a headless CMS does not care about where content is going or how it will be presented. It just serves it up, giving developers the ability to work with their preferred tools and frameworks
4. Create content and not worry about being part of one system that has everything

Cons

1. There is no preview of content (some software allows the creation of integration for previews, but this will add costs upfront)
2. More upfront integration/configuration effort
3. Designing the head/client (i.e., the output and the display of the content you've created (website mobile application or other)

When to Use a Headless CMS

Headless CMS may not be the ideal choice, so it's important to be aware of your situation. It is recommended that you use an unmanned CMS when you encounter the following scenarios:

1. Websites and web apps that make use of JavaScript frameworks, such as React, Angular or VueJs
2. Native mobile apps
3. Any situation where you are required to publish content on several platforms at the same time
4. If you are using a static website generator

While no one solution can solve all issues, we hope you can consider the benefits of taking your time when selecting the most appropriate CMS.

In addition to these two main varieties, you then need to go into further detail once you’ve chosen either a headless or traditional CMS.

For instance, the decision to choose one headless CMS over another, for example, is usually a matter of evaluating your interface and API to select the one that the content provider and you are most comfortable with.

Here at EWM, we work closely with each and every client we collaborate with to ensure their precise web development needs are met with.

For a consultation with an expert member of our team, please get in touch today.