A content management system can be considered headless if it provides a way to create and distribute content to several front ends such as websites and mobile apps. While a traditional CMS is coupled with one presentation layer (or a front end) and can display content only within that layer, a headless CMS represents a repository of content that is provided via an API to any third party and can be displayed in any way desired.

Why use a headless CMS?

   1. Software development is faster and easier

Developers can be flexible in choosing a programming language for the front end, they don’t need to stick to the requirements of a particular platform, and they can build any type of integration with other systems. They can also reuse content items and combine them with other sources.

   2. A headless CMS won’t become a legacy system in the future

It won’t be a problem to start a new online channel of communication with customers or re-brand a front end as long as your CMS is headless. Such an initiative doesn’t require upgrading the CMS as it is decoupled from the front end.

   3. Headless CMSs are designed to provide an omnichannel customer experience

Instead of creating and managing content for each of the channels separately, content editors can create content once and display it across various channels consistently. These channels may include websites, mobile apps, in-store devices, and social media accounts.

Business owners have cited other benefits of using a headless CMS, including reduced maintenance costs and a smaller content editing team.

Is Sitecore a headless CMS?

Although some may disagree, Sitecore is, in fact, a true headless CMS. Sitecore has never marketed its platform as a headless CMS, though it has been using a headless architecture since releasing its very first versions. See the following article for a more in-depth discussion of this topic.

What are some examples of other headless CMSs?

Some examples of other headless CMSs include Sanity.io, Contentful, Magnolia, Directus, Netlify, and Kentico Kontent.