Contact us anytime to know more — Kuldeep K., Founder & CEO CISIN
The CMS is not the only thing that can be used to build digital experiences. In the past year, the headless CMS technology has gained momentum.
Many Fortune 500 companies already use the technology. The right system to choose can depend on several factors such as the budget, business type, requirements, and possible deployment scenarios.
This article will provide insights on the pros and cons of a traditional CMS website and one that is headless.
Let's first take a look at the reasons why CMS are so vital.
Content Management Systems (CMS)
A CMS, in its simplest form is a software that manages the creation and editing of digital content.
CMSs are often used to manage enterprise content (ECM) or web content (WCM). The CMS usually consists of three major components: A content repository, a presentation layer and a publication workflow.
The content management system is essential to any website's operation. Content management systems provide an organized structure to all of your content.
This makes it easier for visitors looking for information via categories.
A CMS is a system that provides two main features. It has a user-interface for editing and creating content and it also includes tools to manage the content.
- A CMS, for example, might let users add pages to an existing website or edit them. A CMS may also provide tools such as SEO (search engine optimization) to improve visibility.
- There are many types of CMS available. These range from simple, single-server systems to enterprise systems supporting multiple sites and users.
Many businesses are caught in a Catch-22 when creating their website.
They want a site with a lot of features that can impress potential clients and make them stand out.
On the other hand they might not have enough development staff on their hands to create a website from scratch.
There are many different types of content management systems, but there are only really two main ones that can be readily referenced: traditional CMSs such as WordPress, and headless CMSs, like Contentful.
Depending on the situation, your architecture and content management objectives in the long term, each of these options is viable. A traditional CMS website development may be the best solution for some websites.
A headless CMS is the best solution for some sites. CISIN looks at industry trends and the big picture when working with clients to make sure that they are positioned to grow in future and can take advantage of technology changes.
Traditional CMS
In the past decade, websites have been focused on integrating the CMS with the site design. The CMS being part of the design makes it easier to update the content.
We no longer have to spend time manually updating pages with HTML, or moving files and content via FTP.
The traditional CMS like WordPress and Drupal is one monolithic application that connects both the front and back end of a site in an easy and neat codebase.
These systems contain the entire database of content, all the way through to the presentation layer.
Pros
- The entire site can be served by a single server
- Manage all your content easily
- Themes and templates allow you to control the front-end look of your website.
- Supporting large communities
- Entry barrier is lower
Cons
- Only create website content. (The same content cannot be served on any other device)
- Not all scales are created equal
- CMS developers are required
- Limitation of flexibility
- Maintenance and improvements require more time and money
Use of a traditional CMS
The traditional CMS is still a great system that works for many deployments. You may find that a traditional CMS is the best option if you are building a site for your own use, or for a small company, enterprise, etc., and you don't want to share any content.
It's easy to get started and manage the site with a single tool. While a CMS traditionally is a one-site solution, there are many that have plugins for multi-site access and/or APIs so you can share your digital resources with other applications.
These plugins have their own benefits and challenges.
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Headless CSS
Headless CMS differs from other CMSs by not directly connecting to a front end. A headless CMS is different from traditional CMS, which aim to manage both content and front-end in a single system.
After being created and modified, the content is then published using an API. Headless CMS does not have any impact on the front end. The flexibility of the headless CMS allows you to present your content in a variety of ways, regardless how it is presented.
It may help to think of headless CMS as an author who is writing a novel. Headless CMS is the author who provides the content, while the publisher website formats the material and distributes it to the public in hardback books, ebooks, etc...
Pros
- The content is available on all devices
- The headless API allows developers to focus on presentation and less content.
- A headless CMS is not concerned with where or how the content will be presented. The content is served up, allowing the developers to choose their own frameworks and tools.
- Create content with no worries about having to be in one system.
Cons
- There is no preview of the content (Some systems do allow for a preview, but it adds additional overhead upfront.
- More upfront integration/configuration effort
- Development of a Head/Client (By “head/client”, we refer to the display and output of content you created, such as a website, mobile app, etc.)
Use of a Headless CSS
You should carefully consider the circumstances before choosing a headless CMS. Use a headless CMS when:
- JavaScript Frameworks like React, Angular and VueJoe
- Native mobile apps
- You can use this environment to simultaneously publish your content on multiple platforms
- What to consider when using a static website generator
We know that no single solution will solve all your problems. However, you should weigh the pros and cons of each CMS before making a decision.
The flavor variations are really a matter of preference. It is important to test the API and interface of each headless CMS before deciding which one will work best for you.
When Should You Use a Headless CMS?
The Headless CMS migration separates the backend (aka "body") from the frontend (aka "head") where the content is designed, formatted and distributed.
The Application Programming Interface (API), a technology, allows both sides to work and communicate together at the same.
A headless CMS is flexible, and it can be used by businesses that have a lot of content and need to manage it in varying ways.
Content and marketing teams can store, create and manage content using reusable modules. Designers and developers have access to the CMS and can integrate languages and apps to create cutting-edge workflows to deliver the content into dynamic websites, smartwatch applications, chatbots, and other digital experiences.
We'll now discuss the key features of powerful headless CMS systems.
APIs
A key component of a headless CMS is the application programming interface. Some CASes that are headless also use the term API-first CMSes.
Some APIs provide content for omnichannel experiences. Some APIs are used to create channels of communication between apps so that these tools work together in order to optimize content modules.
The applications contain data about the customer or product that can be injected in the content to make it more personal.
Integral Ability
You're ready to integrate the latest technology thanks to headless CMSes.
Developers can easily integrate third-party apps to enhance content with a headless CMS. Customers often combine CRM platforms, PIM software, ERP tools, marketing automation tools, analytics programs and other applications.
They allow marketing teams to quickly create personalized, cohesive and fast content experiences at a mass scale.
Useful Content Management Tools
A good headless CMS will have features such as rich text editing, flexible content modules and models, workflows for approval and creation, permissions and rules, previews of content, and publishing automation.
Developer Resources
It should be as simple for the developers to use as for the marketers. The software should include development tools such as SDKs and web frameworks.
It also needs to have detailed documentation, customer support, DevOps Services, APIs that are easy-to use, and DevOps.
Everything You Need to Know About Traditional CMS
Content management systems that are traditional also allow users to manage, create and publish their own content.
Traditional CMS systems differ from headless CMSs in that they are structured in a monolithic way, which means the front and back ends are closely coupled. Once a piece of content is published in this system, the asset's final form has already been achieved. Content is not stored as modules in a traditional CMS, which makes it difficult to reuse or reformat content assets.
A traditional CMS is also hard to upgrade with new features or functionality as they require a plugin rather than an integration.
Monolithic, traditional CMSs have some common features.
Monolithic Platform
A traditional CMS has a monolithic, single platform which feeds the content into a website. The architecture of this CMS makes it a ready-to-use solution, which sacrifices flexibility in favor of ease-of-use without developer support.
Read More: Advantages of Using a CMS to Run Your Site
Templates and Plugins
They don't require much flexibility in serving up content, as they were designed to only deliver content for websites.
They rely heavily on templates to display content. They aren't meant to be edited. The structure of this template is perfect for users in business, but it becomes complicated if any functionality or features are changed.
Adding plugins is the best way for users to customize their CMS. The pre-made apps can be easily added to the traditional CMS.
They are more of a Band-Aid rather than an integration as they were designed to get through the hard shell of a monolith.
Useful Content Management Tools
Traditional CMSs are heavily focused on features for content management. They can be robust text formatting tools, digital asset tracking, versioning, permissioning and WYSIWYG editors, which allow marketers to preview how their content will look on the website.
Simpler for Business Users
Many companies who don't possess development resources choose traditional CMSs because of their ease-of-use. If you only want to build a website, a traditional CMS will be the best choice.
Why did Headless CMS split from Traditional CMS?
Static sites were the only digital experiences available. The traditional CMS infrastructure is sufficient for this.
Experiences today, however, are far from static. Internet of Things devices (IoTs) and digital channels have been brought to life by the internet.
These devices and digital channels offer consumers a personalized experience that is always on.
To deliver these experiences, Headless CMS has been created. Vendors recognized the need for reusability of content and integration with existing content management systems.
The Headless CMS simplifies large-scale creation of content, as well as optimization, delivery, and republishing.
If you need to use a CMS without a...
1. Marketing Manages Several CMS platforms
There are headless CMS solutions available that eliminate the need for marketing teams to duplicate content on different CMS instances.
Headless CMSs can distribute the content that you produce to many channels simultaneously, including sub-brand websites and other languages.
2. Omnichannel Publishing: The Key to your Marketing Plan
A headless CMS is a great investment if omnichannel publication is a key part of your marketing strategy. It will help you save time and keep everyone sane.
A headless CMS's modularity and integration abilities make it simple to create content, then run it through various services (CRM), translation, etc. The modular structure and integration capabilities of a headless CMS make it easy to create content once, run through different services (CRM, translation etc.)
3. The Bottleneck in Marketing is Development
Monolithic CMSs are often difficult to use by non-technical marketing staff or developers. This means that sometimes, creative teams are forced to wait for days or weeks before tech teams can help them edit or publish content.
A headless CMS is the best option if you do not have time to wait.
4. The Website of Your Business is the Centerpiece of Your Digital Experience
Interactive digital experiences? Smart ecommerce platform? Real-time content personalization? Monolithic CMSs, which operate on templates and have a one way flow of content, cannot provide these interactions.
You need a headless, flexible CMS if you want to create new creative customer experiences on your site.
5. Enterprise Security Is a Must
Organizations who collect data from consumers to provide personalized experiences and especially those that operate on an international level, must keep this data safe.
Traditional CMSs are more vulnerable to security breaches because of their monolithic structures and plug-ins. Headless CMSs on the other hand have smaller attack surfaces due to the separation between front and back end.
If You Are Unsure If A Traditional Cms Is Right For Your Business, Then...
1. You Should Make Usability Your Top Priority When Designing A Website
A traditional website will be the best option for your website, especially if you have little need to customize it, don't want to change its functionality or features, and are most concerned with adding content quickly and easily.
A traditional CMS comes with templates, content management tools and security built in.
Read More: Why You Shouldn't Use the Same CMS for Intranet and Website
2. Limited Access to Development Support
Some organizations cannot or do not want to hire technology specialists. CMSes are designed to be used by low-tech users.
They're a great fit for this situation.
3. Digital Experiences Omnichannel Are not part of your business model
Many small businesses don't include omnichannel content experiences in their business plans and marketing strategies, just as not every company needs on-call developers.
A traditional CMS may be the best option for your needs if you do not need to integrate all of the features and flexibility that headless CMS offers.
Easy To Use, But Limited Flexibility: The Traditional CMS
For companies without dedicated developers, the ease of use can be a major factor in choosing a CMS.
Drupal and other traditional CMS platforms offer an easy-to-use website experience, which is ideal for basic websites.
WordPress provides a similar platform, but it offers more than a typical CMS. It is even possible to use WordPress headless.
Many organizations can benefit from a traditional CMS to create an easy-to-use website without having to invest in expensive development resources.
Even for people with little technical knowledge, CMS platforms can be intuitive. They are therefore an excellent solution for small businesses who want to build a simple website.
The traditional CMS can be used for many types of deployments, including:
- You can build your personal website.
- Starting a small company.
- If you only need basic maintenance, then you don't require a partnership.
Traditional CMSs will allow you to set up your site quickly, and manage it from a single interface. The CMS can give you all the information about where to put what on every page, and also provide essential SEO plug-ins.
The advantage is that:
- Monolithic design for easy use.
- Content management systems and templates are available in a wide variety of formats and plug-ins.
- There is a large user community.
The Digital Evolution and Content Velocity
Digital transformation is no longer a buzzword for modern enterprises.
This transformation is happening across industries.
Digital and content marketing are now in a competition to stay on top of their game and evolve. In order to do this, digital and content marketers need to be able to maximize their resources in order to get more done faster.
Scalability is crucial for business success in today's world of fast-paced businesses. As digital transformation continues, organizations must quickly adapt to agile processes and workflows.
To meet customer demands and to stay competitive, they need to be able to deliver on this promise.
If you depend on developers to change your system, however, growth is significantly slowed. As your business grows, the risk of data breaches and security breaches will also increase.
A traditional CMS may not have the necessary infrastructure to cope with the rapid changes in the digital world and the need to produce content almost instantly.
Templates that are pre-built may not allow for much creativity. This can be a problem for SEO professionals and content creators alike.
A CMS, however, is not considered a ranking factor.
The monolithic structure of traditional CMSs compromises the ease of use by limiting flexibility.
Many large enterprises are switching to content management systems with better security and scalability.
The Headless CMS: Multiple content channels management
Headless CMSs give the same ease of use as traditional CMSs, but with the added flexibility of current API architecture.
It is easy to connect your CMS to other applications or services. This gives you more power to create digital experiences and deliver structured content.
Headless CMS separates the infrastructure of the backend from that used for the presentation. Developers can create new digital experiences without being limited by CMS capabilities.
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The Conclusion of the Article is:
They have to maintain a large number of teams. They already have a number of tools that work well. A traditional CMS may bundle features together that are not necessary but can add complexity to the application, making it difficult for developers.
This is especially important when updating or creating CMS.
Headless content management offers more flexibility and speed to distribute content on all digital platforms and devices.
A CMS decision is an important business choice that requires input from marketing, IT, and development.
Your choice of solution will depend on the type of business you have, your customers and the audience you wish to reach.
