What is headless CMS and when should I use it?
Quick Answer
A headless CMS separates content management (backend) from content presentation (frontend), delivering content via API. Use headless CMS when you need: multi-channel content delivery (web, mobile, IoT), custom frontend frameworks (React, Vue), better performance, or developer-friendly workflows. Popular options include Strapi, Contentful, Sanity, and Payload.
Detailed Answer
Traditional vs Headless CMS
Traditional CMS (WordPress): Admin + Frontend tightly coupled Headless CMS: Backend API → Any Frontend (Next.js, Nuxt, mobile apps)
Headless CMS Comparison
| CMS | Type | Pricing | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strapi | Self-hosted | Free (open source) | Full control, EU data |
| Contentful | SaaS | $300+/mo | Enterprise, scale |
| Sanity | SaaS | Free tier + usage | Real-time collaboration |
| Payload | Self-hosted | Free (open source) | TypeScript developers |
When to Use Headless CMS
Use Headless When:
- Multiple frontends (web + mobile app)
- Custom frontend framework required
- Performance is critical (SSG/ISR)
- Content reuse across channels
Stick with Traditional When:
- Simple blog or brochure site
- Non-technical content editors
- Need built-in themes quickly
- Limited budget for development
Implementation Cost
| Approach | Initial Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Strapi self-hosted | $3,000-8,000 | $50-200 (hosting) |
| Contentful | $5,000-15,000 | $300-2,000 |
| WordPress headless | $2,000-5,000 | $20-100 |
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