Headless WordPress is a flexible and powerful content management system that allows developers to build web and mobile apps, e-commerce stores, and other digital products. It has gained popularity due to its ability to simplify multi-channel content publishing, improve website speed, and enhance the digital experience for customers. 

In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using headless WordPress. We will also learn two methods for setting up a headless WordPress project with the least amount of hassle.

A Headless CMS: What Is It?

A headless CMS is a content management system in which the front end and back end are decoupled, allowing them to be worked on independently. Unlike traditional CMSs, which manage both the presentation layer (front end) and back end, a headless CMS only manages the back end and the Application Programming Interface (API). 

Removing the front end turns a traditional CMS into a headless CMS, leaving behind a content repository that relies on other channels for content delivery. This setup allows developers to create as many channels as needed for an omnichannel marketing approach while enabling content creators and editors to continue working without disruption.

Headless WordPress

Headless WordPress offers the advantage of a flexible front end while maintaining the power of the WordPress CMS. This setup amplifies WordPress’s quick and adaptable nature. Although WordPress was not initially designed to be a headless CMS, the concept gained popularity in 2015 as a promising approach to web app development, and WordPress began moving in that direction.

In 2016, WordPress introduced the REST API, which enabled it to function as a headless CMS. With the REST API, WordPress retains its essential functions while shifting the focus away from front-end features such as the What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) editor.

Other open-source headless CMS platforms include Drupal and Ghost.

Key Takeaways:

• For the next 12 months, 80% of businesses that do not already employ a headless strategy stated they would be investigating the adoption of headless technology.
• Nowadays, 53% of businesses employ a headless strategy.
• One in four (25%) respond to headless apps as one of its main advantages, whose companies use WordPress sites.

Reasons to Consider Using Headless WordPress

In addition to understanding what headless WordPress is, it’s important to consider the benefits of using it. One of the primary advantages of headless WordPress over traditional installations is its ability to simplify multi-channel content publishing. This involves posting content on multiple platforms simultaneously, such as a business calendar, social media, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

By removing the front end, headless WordPress can be easily integrated into various app or digital product infrastructures (known as “Stacks”). This can make multi-channel publishing a significant time saver for businesses that have many channels to maintain. 

Here is one of the best examples of headless WordPress:

The Guggenheim Museum 

Rather than reformatting content for each platform separately, content only needs to be published once. This is particularly crucial for larger companies with numerous target platforms to keep track of, freeing up staff to focus on more important tasks like content creation and marketing.

Another benefit of headless WordPress is that it can enhance website speed, which is crucial for search engine optimization (SEO) and the user experience. Research shows that 

Roughly 40% of people abandon a website that takes more than three seconds to load

By simplifying the content loading process on the user’s end, headless WordPress can improve site speed, making it a valuable tool for large and complex sites.

When Should You Avoid Using Headless WordPress?

While headless WordPress is a powerful tool, it does have some drawbacks to consider.

• Can be Challenging

Firstly, building a headless CMS requires experienced developers, as it involves significant learning and a complex development process. Unlike traditional WordPress, which is plug-and-play, headless WordPress requires decoupling the front end from a basic WordPress installation and developing a custom front end.

This may be challenging for those unfamiliar with the process. Additionally, headless WordPress is not as widely understood or documented as traditional WordPress sites, so it’s essential to connect with and follow the work of headless WordPress hosting and development experts.

• Some Features May Not Work

Secondly, newer WordPress site editing features may not work on a headless site, and the block editor within the Gutenberg post editor may not integrate well with the headless front end. Many WordPress plugins may also not function correctly in a headless environment. 

However, WordPress hosts and developers are continuously working to improve and support headless WordPress development, so it’s essential to research the current state of headless WordPress technology and plan your project accordingly.

• Requires Maintenance 

Lastly, maintaining your front-end code can be time-consuming, and headless deployments require careful planning for ongoing maintenance beyond what is needed for a traditional WordPress or CMS-driven website. 

Additionally, if you want to use the Gutenberg post editor with your headless site, you will need to sync its back-end styles with your decoupled front-end framework for a true WYSIWYG experience.

How to Begin Using Headless WordPress: Best 2 Methods

Building a front end for a headless WordPress project is not a straightforward process. However, there are tools available to simplify it. Here are two ways to set up a headless WordPress project with minimal hassle:

Method 1: Use a Framework Like React

Using a framework such as React can be an effective way to speed up the front-end development process for a headless WordPress project. The React framework eliminates the need to re-render, meaning that the project’s fundamental code is loaded only once. React-based frameworks are particularly popular for building single-page applications, as they only re-render affected content when a component’s state changes.

React is widely adopted and supported by large companies like Airbnb, Dropbox, Netflix, and Reddit. It also provides plenty of online support, including helpful tutorials and official documentation, making it an excellent choice for developers who are new to frameworks. 

Additionally, there are React-based frameworks available, such as Frontity, that are pre-configured to provide the best possible experience for WordPress users.

Other popular React-based frameworks include the open-source project Gatsby.js and Vercel’s Next.js. With so many options available, developers can choose the best fit for their project.

Method 2: Use a Plugin

WordPress has a vast library of plugins that can help with almost any task, including configuring headless WordPress. Here are two powerful plugins that can help you get started:

1. WPGraphQL

With the help of the free plugin WPGraphQL, you may retrieve information from headless WordPress. The GraphQL integrated development environment (IDE), which is included with this plugin, enables you to explore the GraphQL scheme of your project and test queries and changes.

Your WordPress site is effectively turned into a GraphQL API by WPGraphQL, allowing you to interact with it using any client that can send HTTP queries to the GraphSQL endpoint. Frameworks like Apollo Client, Next.js, and Gatsby.js are compatible with WPGraphQL. 

If you want to utilize Gatsby, you might want to think about utilizing the Gatsby source plugin for WordPress, which enables quick incremental builds and CMS content previews.

2. CoCart – Headless eCommerce

Do you know?

Smartphones generated 56% of online shopping orders in the US during Q3 of 2020

Thus, it is now more crucial than ever to develop mobile applications for online retailers. Using a solution like WooCommerce as part of your headless setup may be the best course of action if you’re building an online store across many platforms. Nevertheless, WooCommerce does not by default support carts over the REST API.

CoCart steps in at this point. As part of your headless setup, CoCart is a free plugin that offers an API for accessing the WooCommerce cart. Admins or shop managers may inspect carts while a session is active, including the items consumers have put in their shopping baskets. It allows visitor checkouts and simple authentication. For a headless eCommerce system, CoCart is strongly advised.

Benefits of Headless WordPress

Switching to a headless CMS like headless WordPress offers several advantages:

• You can easily publish content on multiple platforms, including websites, apps, social media, and IoT devices, thanks to automation in headless WordPress. This enhances the digital experience for customers and frees up employees’ time for critical tasks.
• Headless CMS allows for greater possibilities by freeing you from the limited front-end content formats of traditional CMS. You can use JavaScript to your liking.

Headless WordPress is increasingly popular for building web and mobile apps due to its flexibility.

• Headless CMS enables quick scalability by allowing you to manage content from a single source and distribute it to different channels. The separate back end also enables you to switch developer tools at any time as needed.
• Headless WordPress speeds up your website by simplifying the way it loads. The separation of the front end and back end reduces resource usage, and there are no time delays from installed plugins, which can slow down web pages.
• With a headless CMS, content is served over APIs, giving developers the freedom to choose a front end that supports their preferred programming language. This provides flexibility and functionality.

Limitations of Headless WordPress

Headless CMS and headless WordPress is suitable for creating various digital products, including websites, e-commerce stores, web apps, and products like voice assistants and digital kiosks. However, it is not necessary or suitable for every website. If your website has irregular publishing schedules, the costs of using a headless CMS may not justify the benefits.

In addition, headless WordPress requires separate web hosting, meaning the back-end server must support WordPress and PHP while the front-end server should be compatible with the technology you are using.

Moreover, if the person managing website maintenance is not proficient in coding, a visual interface might be better suited for them, as headless WordPress necessitates knowledge of JavaScript.

Last Words: Headless WordPress

Headless WordPress is an innovative approach to content management that provides developers with more flexibility and control over their digital products. It simplifies multi-channel content publishing, enhances website speed, and provides a more seamless digital experience for customers. 

However, it may not be suitable for every website, and implementing it can be complex and time-consuming. If you have experience with web development and want to take your digital products to the next level, Headless WordPress may be the right solution for you.