Traditional CMS vs Headless CMS – What’s the difference?

A content management system, or CMS, is a software application that enables the creation and management of a website directly from your browser. A CMS allows you to enter the back end of a site and modify layouts or content that is shown on the user side of the website. 

Two types of CMS are traditional and headless. Each has its advantages and disadvantages in how content is managed and delivered, which will be discussed throughout this blog. Firstly, we will explore the key differences between both types of software.

What is a traditional CMS?

A traditional CMS, like WordPress, is a content delivery system that combines a front end and back end in order to run a website. Within the back end is a database for code and plugins, whilst the front end utilises themes, templates, and CSS. The integration between the front end and back end makes using traditional CMS methods user-friendly, with the ability to manage a website all in one place. 

But what other features might you expect from a traditional CMS?

Features of a traditional CMS

As we’ve discussed above, the main standout feature of a traditional content management system is the integrated back end and front end, allowing for the management of a website all in one place. Within an agency, this means developers and marketers are easily able to share an environment in which both parties can make changes and manage a website at the same time. 

Some other key features of a traditional CMS are:

1. User-friendly interface: With an interface that allows users without technical knowledge of programming to use, traditional CMS platforms are designed to be user-friendly for developers, marketers and clients alike.
2. Variety of plugins and extensions: Traditional CMS applications have a dedicated plugin and extension library to pick from, allowing for the enhancement of its functionality. 
3. Access to themes and templates: Linking back to the user-friendly aspect of a traditional CMS, users have access to a wide range of themes and templates to help build their website, meaning your website can perfectly match your brand identity. 

What is a headless CMS?

A headless CMS, on the other hand, focuses solely on content, which is published via an application programming interface, or API, once it has been created and edited. The front end has no input or impact on the headless CMS. The front and back end of a headless CMS allows content to be reused across multiple channels and devices without rebuilding the entire app. This gives developers more control over how content is presented and can make it easier to create seamless user experiences. Headless CMSs are also language agnostic, meaning developers can program in any programming language, allowing the best-suited language to be chosen for content delivery. 

The term ‘headless’ comes from the concept that the data, or ‘body’, is separated from how the content is displayed, the ‘head’, therefore ‘headless’.

Features of a headless CMS

The main features of a headless CMS are very different from those of a traditional CMS. The main difference is that, in a headless CMS, the front end and back end are completely separate, unlike a traditional CMS where they are integrated. The front end and back end in a headless CMS are only able to communicate via APIs. 

Some other key features include:

1. API driven: Headless CMSs allow content to be consumed by any device thanks to APIs such as RESTful or GraphQL. 
2. Scalable: Headless CMSs are designed to handle a large volume of data and traffic, making them easily scalable to any level of business. They are also easy to customise and are very flexible.
3. Language agnostic: As mentioned above, headless CMSs are language agnostic, meaning any programming language can be used to help customise the front end. This means that different developers with different language skills can all access the same system.

When to use a traditional CMS over a headless CMS

Now the key features of both systems have been discussed, which one should you be using? 

It all really depends on the type of project you are working on and the overall purpose of the project. A traditional CMS can be really good for straightforward projects that you need to get up and running quickly. 

The overall advantages of using a traditional CMS over a headless CMS are the ease of use, allowing an all-in-one solution to the creation and management of a site, and the access to hundreds of plugins and extensions where you can create aesthetically cohesive websites to suit your branding. 

Traditional CMSs are also useful for companies or agencies that are without an in-house development team, allowing marketers and content creators to easily use the software. 

Read more: What Content Management System is best for your business?

When to use a headless CMS over a traditional CMS

On the contrary, headless CMS may be the best option for you when you are creating a website or web apps that use JavaScript frameworks or across multiple channels. Using a headless CMS in this circumstance will help you produce higher-performing websites. A headless CMS is also more helpful when creating native mobile apps and projects that have an extensive front end. Finally, a large advantage of using headless CMS is the future proofing it offers. Headless CMSs are designed to incorporate new technologies without becoming outdated. 

The decision to use a traditional or headless CMS can largely rely on many factors, with each system suiting a variety of different projects. Factors such as project scale, technical knowledge and long-term goals can make the decision an easy one in the end. 

This blog should help you understand the key advantages and disadvantages of both software applications, allowing you to make an informed decision about which one to go with. Either way, both traditional and headless CMSs should allow you the ability to confidently and securely manage your websites, propelling you forward in your development expertise and enhancing your digital presence. 

If you need help with creating or managing your own website, our team of expert web developers can help you achieve that, with knowledge and skills in CMS platforms such as WordPress, Shopify and Magento. Get in touch with us today for your business consultation.