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Going headless on WordPress is a relatively new concept that’s been gaining momentum among web developers and designers in the last few months.
WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) and is the simplest way to create a website or a blog. It powers just over 43% of websites. It also dominates the CMS market share at a staggering 62.1%.
If you’re new to the concept, you’re probably interested in learning how it works and whether it’s the right solution for your web development project.
In this blog, we’re answering the question that many web developers want to know: Is going headless on WordPress worth it?
What Is Headless WordPress?
First, let’s start with an overview of the term “headless WordPress”.
This is a concept that involves separating WordPress’ back-end development from its front-end. This approach allows developers to use WordPress for content management while using other modern web frameworks as the front-end.
In a headless WordPress website, you continue to take advantage of WordPress as the content repository and management system while having the front-end user interface built using completely different and customisable technology.
Most developers prefer JavaScript frameworks for the website front-end, and going headless on WordPress offers dual advantages - a familiar back-end editing experience with the option of picking a modern front-end tech stack.
Should you choose headless WordPress development? Let’s weigh the pros and cons of this decision.
Pros of Going Headless on WordPress
Developing a headless WordPress website can be advantageous in certain situations.
Customisation and Flexibility
Separating the front and back end of your website opens up almost infinite customisation possibilities. You can make the most of modern JavaScript frameworks such as React, Angular, and Vue, and customise the client-facing interface to your client’s liking. Going headless on WordPress opens up different customisation options that are otherwise limited in traditional WordPress templates.
Developing a headless WordPress website means you’re not constrained to using WordPress’ template structure. You have the flexibility to create immersive web experiences including single-page applications, progressive web apps with app-like interactions, and so much more—the sky’s the limit.
Multi-Platform Content Delivery
Headless WordPress also allows you to easily integrate content across multiple platforms and touch points.
Let’s assume you want to integrate your blog or any other section from your WordPress website into your mobile app. Going headless on WordPress allows you to bring the WordPress data into other apps and use different technologies to deliver the same content across mobile apps, IoT devices, and more.
Faster Performance
Web developers are finding that headless WordPress websites run perform faster. Using technology such as React, you can focus on delivering efficient code to avoid unnecessary processing on pages. This results in leaner page widths and improves load times compared to conventional WordPress themes.
Better Experience for Developers
When you’re going headless on WordPress, you don’t have to use PHP and can instead use modern languages like Python, JavaScript, and Go to build the project’s front-end architecture.
Modern front-end elements also allow you to reuse code and maintain a codebase, making it easier to implement important features like web page accessibility.
Cons of Going Headless on WordPress
While a headless WordPress experience offers some standout benefits, it also has a few downsides.
More Complex
A headless WordPress development model will make your project more complex compared to managing a single, integrated system.
Managing two separate systems means you need to configure, secure, optimise, and maintain both systems, translating to more IT overheads.
Potential Compatibility Issues
During updates, compatibility issues may arise between the disjointed front-end and WordPress back-end systems. A plugin update, a front-end code change, or a change in WordPress REST API can disrupt the integration between the two ends. These issues can be handled, but they’re still a hassle.
Higher Cost of Custom Front-End Development
Going headless may also cost more than using WordPress on the front and back ends. A custom front-end interface needs a dedicated developer, who can plan and build the client-side system from scratch using JavaScript or Python, instead of a WordPress theme. If you’re a business owner, you need to account for the time, effort, and additional budget required for this exercise.
Higher Maintenance Costs
Finally, separate front-end and back-end platforms on a project warrant separate maintenance. This translates to more complex and time-consuming maintenance tasks for your team, especially if you’re developing at scale. This could add to an additional burden for the project management team.
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When Is Headless WordPress Development Worth It?
There are a few occasions where headless WordPress Development might make the most sense for you:
When Customisation is Non-Negotiable
If your project needs highly customised experiences tailored to the client’s unique needs, you’ll appreciate the customisation freedom offered by going headless. You’ll get full control over your front-end development and presentation.
Large Complex Sites and Applications
As websites and applications grow in size and complexity, a headless approach allows you to implement intricate functionality without any constraints.
Deliver Content Across Platforms
Go headless if you’re looking to deliver content in a cross-platform manner, across diverse platforms including websites, apps, and IoT devices. Going headless on WordPress supports an optimised multi-channel strategy.
Test Your WordPress Website for Issues with QualityHive
Whether or not you choose a headless WordPress website for your next project depends on your personal preferences, your project’s needs, your development team, and other factors.
If you have smart, capable teams to work separately on front and back ends, it makes sense to go for headless. If you’re a freelancer with limited experience with distributed systems and their deployment, you may want to stick with a more traditional WordPress setup.
Whichever option you choose, we recommend using QualityHive to support your web development and design efforts. Our feedback management tool offers cutting-edge features to streamline feedback and help you spot errors generated during development. You can continue to build top-tier projects while our tool supports you in your testing and QA needs.
Learn more about QualityHive’s extensive features and pricing, with monthly and yearly plans to choose from.
Start looking forward to feedback with QualityHive. Book a demo today.
