What is WordPress?

First the basics: what exactly is WordPress? WordPress is an open source Content Management System (CMS) that allows you to easily set up and manage a website or blog. It was developed in 2003 and has since gained popularity as one of the most widely used CMS systems on the internet.

With a WordPress website from Get Interactive, you can easily add and manage text, images, videos and other media on your website. We also offer a large number of built-in functionalities and the options to add additional features to your website using the plug-ins we have developed. We are experienced in developing and designing unique WordPress websites. As we believe every website should be unique, this is only possible if you develop your own identity. This determines the professionalism and appearance of your website. We also ensure that you can easily edit everything within the CMS without having to code.

WordPress is easy to learn and use, even for those without too many technical skills. It has an intuitive management system and a rich array of resources, including forums, blogs and documentation.

What is a Headless CMS?

A headless CMS (Content Management System) is a type of CMS where content management is separate from its presentation. Unlike traditional CMSs, which present content via a pre-formatted theme or layout, a headless CMS makes content available via an API (Application Programming Interface) that can be used by any kind of front-end platform or application.

This means that with a headless CMS, you can manage and store content in a centralised environment, while letting its presentation depend on the specific needs of your project. For example, you can manage the content of a website with a headless CMS, while customising its layout and appearance using a separate front-end framework, such as React or Angular.

Headless CMSs have become popular because of the flexibility they offer. Because the content is separate from its presentation, you can use and reuse it in different ways, such as in mobile apps, chatbots or voice assistants. For example, if you have a website and a mobile app that need to present the same content, you can manage this content with a headless CMS and adapt its presentation to the specific needs of each platform.

What is the difference between WordPress and a headless CMS?

WordPress and headless CMSs are both useful for managing content, but they are focused in different ways. WordPress is a fully integrated CMS (Content Management System) where content management and presentation come together in one platform. This makes it easy to set up a website or blog quickly, but it offers less flexibility when it comes to using the content on other platforms.

In contrast, a headless CMS offers more flexibility because the content is separated from its presentation, but it requires more work to integrate the content with a front-end platform.

What are the benefits

WordPress is a popular “Content Management System” (CMS) used to set up and manage websites and blogs. A headless CMS is one that manages only the backend functions of a website, without providing a front-end layout or design.

Here are some advantages of WordPress over a headless CMS:

1. Easy to use: WordPress is easy to learn and use, even for those without technical skills. It offers an intuitive management system and a rich range of plug-ins and themes to help you set up and manage your website.
2. Rich in features: WordPress offers a wide range of built-in features and plug-ins to meet the needs of different types of websites. This includes support for blogs, e-commerce, forms, SEO and more.
3. Wide range of support and resources: WordPress has a large and active user community therefore we can easily and quickly provide help and support in setting up and managing your website. There are numerous blogs, forums and other resources available that can help resolve issues and improve your website.
4. Scalable: WordPress is easy to use, without too much fuss. If you want more features than just the basics, however, there are costs associated with using some plug-ins, but these are often still cheaper than setting up a website with a headless CMS.

However, a headless CMS can also have its advantages, depending on the needs of a specific website. For example, it can offer more flexibility when it comes to integrating the CMS with other systems and designing the front-end of a website. It is important to consider what best suits your goals and needs before making a decision.

WordPress as Headless CMS

Indeed, you can also use WordPress as a headless CMS (Content Management System). This means you use WordPress to manage and store content, but use another platform or application to present the content.

To use WordPress as a headless CMS, make sure the WordPress REST API is enabled. The REST API is a standard way to access WordPress content via an application programming interface (API) link. You can then use the REST API to retrieve content from your WordPress website and use it in any kind of front-end platform or application.

Once enabled, you can manage WordPress content through the WordPress management environment as usual. You can then use the REST API to retrieve the content and integrate it with another front-end platform, such as a mobile app or a static website. This provides the flexibility to use and present the content in different ways.

However, keep in mind that WordPress as a headless CMS can require more work than using a traditional, integrated CMS. This is because you have to integrate the content with another platform or application, rather than it being integrated into a pre-developed design or layout.

If you are considering using WordPress as a headless CMS, contact us. We specialise in customisation, WordPress and building API links.

We can help you take the next step!