Keeping up with the ever-expanding Internet of Things (IoT) can be a scramble for content developers and programmers alike. Repackaging content from a traditional WordPress implementation for more and more client-side endpoints (such as smart speakers or watches) can put a real strain on your resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s where the concept of “headless” Content Management Systems (CMSs) comes in. The headless CMS approach provides more flexibility on the backend<\/a> of content management while offering developers access to the frontend tools they prefer to use. It also enables you to use the same bucket of content for many different outputs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Need a complete guide on the decoupled WordPress CMS? In this article, we’ll look at how a WordPress website can function as a headless CMS solution<\/a> and what some of the benefits are to this approach. We\u2019ll also discuss how to host a headless WordPress setup. Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n A headless content management system is not necessarily a brand-new concept<\/a>. Before the sleek and accessible administration interface we know and love in WordPress, there were databases of content with less attractive frontend delivery systems. Codes or queries were used to pull content forward to the user. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, a headless approach is becoming very valuable in our multi-device world<\/a>. A headless content management means the system exists solely for content input, editing, containment, and sorting on the back end. A headless system should be highly accessible, but its job is not to worry about frontend visual impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, how does content in a headless system make it out into the world? WordPress content in the database is accessed through RESTful API calls<\/a>. This means it can be viewed wherever it is called to, without templates or plugins. This can be used to create a traditional browser-based website, or almost anything else in the IoT. <\/p>\n\n\n\n WordPress is sometimes referred to as a “monolithic” CMS. This means that, while it does have a robust back end for content creation and organization, it is still built to be pretty concerned with frontend display. WordPress also wraps display functionality into themes and plugins, so the front and back ends are tied together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can, however, take advantage of WordPress\u2019s excellent content management functionality and effectively decapitate it, leaving you with a fast and lightweight headless CMS. By using WordPress\u2019 REST API<\/a>, you can extend the content management you\u2019ve crafted in WordPress beyond your theme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In this scenario, you would still be able to use all the platform\u2019s backend functionality, but it would become a reactive system. Content would wait to be called upon and respond accordingly. This is in stark contrast to the current, more proactive way that WordPress pushes or delivers content to primarily browser-based sites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, what if you love your theme and how it looks online? If you want to have your cake and eat it too, there is<\/em> a solution. You can create a “decoupled” CMS<\/a> using WordPress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Standard WordPress has the front and back ends coupled. They coordinate read and write calls, in order to present your site to its end users. However, decoupling the front and back ends enables you to get the best of both worlds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you decouple your CMS, you end up with more of a chimera. Not only will your database of content be able to present a more traditional display to the front end, but you can also use API calls from a wider variety of devices to access your content. In a headless-only setup you lose that traditional, theme-based, frontend display option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are plugins available<\/a> to uncouple your WordPress front end and back end, but it\u2019s important to be prepared for what that means. Decoupling can mean you must have a more hands-on approach<\/a> to site maintenance, security, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). In addition, you\u2019ll lose the standard live preview you\u2019re used to with a coupled WordPress structure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you have a better understanding of the mechanics and architecture of a headless CMS, and what it might look like in WordPress core, let\u2019s talk about what you can get out of taking this approach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps the best thing you can do with a headless CMS is essentially future-proof your WordPress content<\/a>. As long as the API endpoint still exists, content can be called forth. A headless CMS means you\u2019re creating a developer-focused, API-first system, rather than focusing on how the backend administration will feed the frontend design. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, going headless enables you greater flexibility in migrating content if you need to, since you won\u2019t be tied so tightly to themes and plugins. From a marketing standpoint, you\u2019re also able to create personalized customer journeys, without filing a ticket every time you want to add or change some content. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a great option for developers who want to deliver content to both Android and iOS platforms from the same back end. Another use case for a headless structure is websites or applications that use JavaScript frameworks like AngularJS, VueJS or React<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At this point, we\u2019ve already mentioned a few of the benefits of going with a headless WordPress architecture for your content management. However, there are plenty of additional advantages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you consider the many benefits of decoupling your WordPress<\/a> structure, it might be just what you need. This is especially true if you are comfortable developing outside the standard CMS package, and you want your content to be accessible on all devices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you get started, however, it\u2019s worth noting that there are<\/em> some drawbacks to taking WordPress into a decoupled or headless state. If you have a small website that delivers simple content, you\u2019ll likely want to review these potential issues before taking the plunge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you consider the needs of your site and what you want to achieve, you can decide if a headless WordPress approach is right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Moving to a headless CMS could open up new doors for your content, but it doesn\u2019t eliminate the need for reliable hosting<\/a>. Here at WP Engine, we have support and information<\/a> that might help if you plan on using WordPress to create a headless CMS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a hosting company that has optimized our offerings specifically for WordPress sites, WP Engine can help you with the platform-specific aspects of your site. This includes troubleshooting REST API issues and standard WordPress functionality problems, along with providing fast and reliable hosting services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Headless WordPress content management offers a lot of options for developers and users who are concerned about designing content delivery for the “next big thing.” Here at WP Engine, we have the best resources<\/a> for WordPress users and developers who are looking to extend WordPress through the REST API and headless content management. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is a headless CMS?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Headless WordPress CMS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Decoupled vs headless CMS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Utilizing a headless CMS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What can you do with headless WordPress?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Headless WordPress benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Potential issues with a headless WordPress site<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hosting a headless WordPress site<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Find more freedom with WP Engine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n