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What is Headless Commerce? A Detailed Guide!
Table of contents
In the world of eCommerce, flexibility is everything. If you want to build your online store exactly the way you want – without being limited by the constraints of a traditional eCommerce platform – that’s when headless commerce comes in.
Let’s look at the stats:
Headless commerce is projected to grow at a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.5% through 2027, reaching a market value of $32.1 billion.
Think of it like building a website without being restricted by the "template" your eCommerce platform gives you. Want to sell via your website, mobile app, and social media all at once? No worries – Headless commerce lets you deliver a seamless, personalized shopping experience across multiple touchpoints, without being tied to a single platform or system.
In today’s guide, we’ll help you navigate all aspects related to the headless commerce approach, including types, benefits, and much more. Stick to the end so that you don’t miss out on any important information.
What is Headless Commerce?
Let’s first understand what exactly “headless” in headless commerce means –
The term "headless" in headless commerce refers to the "head" being the front-end (the user interface or customer-facing part of an eCommerce site, like the website or app) and the "body" being the back-end (the system that manages products, payments, orders, etc.).
Let’s now understand what is headless commerce?
Headless eCommerce is an approach that separates the front end (what customers see) and the back end (where data is managed) of an online store.
This is done via API (Application Programming Interface), allowing data to the exchanged smoothly between them. This separation provides greater flexibility and customization, enabling businesses to create unique, tailored customer experiences.
This setup means businesses can implement new ideas on the front end. It includes testing a new website design or mobile app layout, without needing to change anything on the back end. At the same time, they can update or experiment with the back end without affecting the customer experience on the front end.
Unlike traditional eCommerce, where both are tightly connected. Headless eCommerce allows businesses to use any custom front-end design or technology while still relying on a stable back-end system for inventory, orders, and payment processing.
In short, headless commerce keeps the two sides connected while allowing businesses to innovate quickly by making changes to each independently. This approach is highly flexible and enables a seamless customer experience across multiple platforms.
Example:
Let’s say a company sells skincare products online and wants to offer a highly interactive shopping experience through a mobile app, website, and smart mirrors in-store.
With a headless eCommerce setup, they can use a single back end for all these channels. It ensures that product information, stock levels, and customer accounts are consistently up-to-date.
The design team can then create unique, optimized front ends for each channel—like a visually engaging mobile app, a user-friendly website, and an interactive smart mirror display—all powered by the same back-end data.
Headless Commerce: Latest Statistics & Data
Check the following headless commerce statistics and data:
How Does Headless Commerce Work?
Let’s understand how headless Commerce works:
- Back End Stores Data: The back end manages inventory, product details, customer information, and payments. This part of the system is stable and remains the same regardless of how or where customers access it.
- APIs as Connectors: APIs act like messengers, allowing the front end to "talk" to the back end. Whenever a customer takes action—like viewing a product or making a purchase—the API pulls the necessary information from the back end.
- Front End Displays Data: Different front ends, like a website, mobile app, or even smart devices, can then display this information in unique ways tailored to each platform.
In short, headless eCommerce allows brands to have a consistent back end but customized front ends for different customer experiences.
3 Types of Headless eCommerce
Here, we’ve listed 3 types of headless commerce. Let’s discuss:
1. API-Driven Headless eCommerce
In API-driven headless eCommerce, the front-end and back-end are connected via APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). These APIs allow the front-end to pull data from the back-end (such as product information, inventory, orders) and display it to users across multiple channels.
How it works: The front-end (website, app, or any other digital interface) requests data from the back-end through APIs. The back-end handles the core eCommerce functions (like payment processing and inventory management), while the front-end only handles presentation and user experience.
Benefit: This model offers the highest level of flexibility, enabling businesses to integrate different third-party services (like marketing tools, CRMs, or payment gateways) seamlessly.
2. CMS-Integrated Headless eCommerce
CMS-integrated headless eCommerce involves using a headless Content Management System (CMS) to manage and deliver content (like product descriptions, images, blogs, etc.) independently from the eCommerce platform’s back-end. The CMS is responsible for content management, while the eCommerce back-end handles product and transaction management.
How it works: The CMS allows marketers and content creators to update and manage the content of the site via an easy-to-use interface. This content is then delivered to various front-end platforms (website, mobile apps, etc.) through APIs, while the back-end manages eCommerce functions.
Benefit: This model is ideal for businesses that prioritize content-heavy sites and need to frequently update content (e.g., blogs, product pages, promotions) without impacting the eCommerce functionality.
3. Progressive Web App (PWA) Headless eCommerce
PWA (Progressive Web App) headless eCommerce combines the flexibility of headless architecture with the performance and user experience benefits of PWAs. A PWA is a web application that functions like a native mobile app, offering offline capabilities, fast load times, and a mobile-first experience.
How it works: In a PWA headless eCommerce setup, the front-end (the web app) is decoupled from the back-end, and PWAs fetch data from the back-end via APIs. The PWA offers an app-like experience on mobile and desktop, including push notifications and offline functionality, while the back-end remains responsible for core commerce functions.
Benefit: PWAs deliver an app-like experience on the web, which boosts engagement, increases conversion rates, and improves load times, especially for mobile users. It's perfect for businesses aiming for high performance, especially on mobile devices.
Headless Commerce vs. Traditional Commerce vs. Microservices
Here we’ve listed the differences between headless commerce, traditional commerce, and microservices. Let’s understand in detail:
| Feature | Headless Commerce | Traditional Commerce | Microservices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Decouples front-end (UI) from back-end (commerce engine) | Monolithic: Front-end and back-end tightly integrated | Breaks down the system into independent, small, self-contained services |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible, can customize both front-end and back-end | Limited flexibility; changes to front-end often require back-end changes | Highly flexible; each microservice can be independently updated or replaced |
| Customization | High level of customization for different devices and channels | Less customizable; relies on pre-designed templates or themes | Each microservice can be customized individually (e.g., payment, shipping) |
| Development Speed | Faster front-end changes, but requires more development resources for integration | Slower to change, as updates require modifying both front-end and back-end | Fast development cycles for specific services, but more complex to manage |
| User Experience | Provides a highly tailored UX for different platforms (web, app, IoT, etc.) | Uniform, traditional website-based UX | Can provide highly specialized UX for each service, but coordination is needed |
| Integration | Uses APIs for integrations between front-end and back-end, and with third-party tools | Limited to the built-in integrations; less flexible in terms of APIs | Each microservice communicates with others via APIs, making integrations easier but complex to manage |
| Scalability | Scalable, easy to add new devices, platforms, or touchpoints without disrupting the back-end | Harder to scale as changes affect both front-end and back-end | Highly scalable, as each service can scale independently |
| Maintenance & Upgrades | Requires separate management of front-end and back-end; can be more complex to maintain | Easier to manage as everything is integrated, but changes require more testing | Each service is managed separately, which can simplify updates but adds complexity in coordination |
| Development Cost | High initial development cost due to customization, but can reduce long-term costs | Lower initial costs but may lead to higher long-term costs due to limitations in flexibility and scalability | Initial development may be costly and complex due to managing multiple services |
| Time to Market | Faster time to market for front-end updates, but initial setup can take longer | Slower to market due to the tight integration of front-end and back-end | Faster time to market for individual services, but coordination between microservices can delay overall project delivery |
| Example Use Cases | Large, omnichannel businesses needing personalized experiences across platforms | Small-to-medium businesses looking for a simple, single-site solution | Large enterprises needing highly specialized, independent services for different business functions (e.g., payments, order fulfillment) |
What are the Benefits of Headless Commerce?
Following, we’ve listed top 5 benefits of headless commerce. Let’s discuss:
1. Flexibility & Customization
With the Headless eCommerce architecture, you can design and optimize the front-end for many touchpoints, such as websites, mobile apps, voice assistants, etc. It makes it easier to create highly personalized experiences for your customers. Whether you need to update the look or incorporate new technologies, you can quickly adapt and change.
2. Faster Time to Market
This division speeds up the deployment of new features, upgrades, or campaigns because front-end changes don't require back-end rebuilding. As a result, businesses remain adaptable and can respond quickly to changes in the market or customer demands.
3. Improved Performance & Speed
Faster load speeds and a more seamless user experience are associated with greater SEO rankings, lower bounce rates, and happier customers. Speed is particularly crucial for eCommerce since slow websites can have a detrimental impact on conversions and sales.
4. Scalability
As new devices or technologies (like wearables and augmented reality) become available, you may include them into your eCommerce ecosystem without having to completely overhaul the system. This ensures that your business can adapt to new possibilities and challenges without being limited by outdated technology.
5. Omnichannel Experience
Customers will always have a seamless experience with your brand, regardless of where they interact with it. In order to obtain consistent product and customer data, customers can, for example, start their shopping on a mobile app, continue on a website, and complete the transaction on a voice assistant.
3 Real-Life Examples of Headless Commerce
Here we’ve thoroughly discussed top 3 popular headless commerce examples. Let’s learn:
1. Nike
Nike, a well-known producer of athletic apparel, has implemented a headless eCommerce model. It helps Nike improve consumer satisfaction and provide a more flexible, personalized shopping experience.
Moreover, Nike is able to provide information to several touchpoints. It includes website, mobile app, and social media channels, without being constrained by the conventional eCommerce strategy. As it maintains a clear separation between its front-end and back-end.
This enables companies to incorporate cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to make product recommendations and to provide smooth, customized experiences for different client groups.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Highly Customized Front-End Experience | Delivers a tailored and visually appealing interface that aligns with brand identity and enhances user engagement across devices. |
| Seamless Integration with Mobile Apps and Other Touchpoints | Offers smooth connectivity with mobile apps, IoT devices, and other digital platforms, enabling a unified shopping experience. |
| Advanced Personalization Using Customer Data | Utilizes customer data to deliver personalized recommendations, offers, and content, increasing customer satisfaction and retention. |
2. Amazon
Amazon uses a headless architecture in part to manage its marketplace's enormous volume and intricate user interface. Amazon's backend technology is modular, allowing for a range of customer-facing experiences across platforms.
This includes mobile applications, Alexa-powered voice shopping, and even third-party websites, despite the strong connection between its app and website. Their API-first architecture enables faster updates, more flexibility, and support for a range of devices and experiences.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| API-Driven Architecture for Scaling | Facilitates seamless integration with various services and allows for rapid scaling to meet growing business demands. |
| Multi-Device and Multi-Platform Experience | Ensures consistent and responsive shopping experiences across desktops, mobiles, tablets, and other digital touchpoints. |
| Highly Dynamic and Personalized Product Recommendations | Utilizes data-driven algorithms to offer tailored recommendations, increasing engagement and conversion rates. |
3. L'Oréal
The multinational cosmetics behemoth L'Oréal has expanded its online presence and offered highly customized purchasing experiences using headless eCommerce.
To provide a consistent and customized experience across several touchpoints. It includes social media platforms, branded websites, and even AR-powered try-on experiences, the company employs a headless system.
For skin analysis and product suggestions, L'Oréal incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), into its headless eCommerce backend.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Integration with AR and AI for Personalized Beauty Experiences | Enhances user engagement by allowing virtual try-ons and customized product recommendations powered by AI. |
| Consistent User Experience Across Various Touchpoints | Provides a unified and seamless experience whether users access the platform via mobile, desktop, or in-store kiosks. |
| Customizable and Fast Content Delivery | Ensures rapid loading times and enables tailored content for different regions, languages, and customer preferences. |
Top 3 Headless Commerce Platforms
Following, we’ve discussed top 3 headless eCommerce platforms. Let’s discuss:
1. Shopify Plus
One of the popular eCommerce platforms, Shopify Plus offers headless capabilities. Shopify Plus allows businesses to decouple the front-end from the back-end through storefront APIs.
Shopify Plus allows brands to create fast and interactive storefronts for mobile, video games, and other platforms. It also interfaces seamlessly with systems, including CMS, ERP, PIM, and CRM. It works best for corporate enterprises and mid-market.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| API-First Architecture | Shopify Plus offers robust APIs that allow for advanced front-end customization and integration with various tools, such as payment gateways, CRM, and ERP systems. |
| Ease of Use | The platform is designed to make it easy for merchants to efficiently manage their eCommerce operations. |
| Scalability | Ideal for large, rapidly growing businesses that require a platform to handle high traffic volumes and extensive product catalogs. |
| Best For | Perfect for brands seeking flexible, enterprise-level headless solutions and seamless access to Shopify’s extensive app ecosystem. |
2. BigCommerce
BigCommerce is a flexible, API-driven platform that makes headless eCommerce easy for businesses. Also, BigCommerce enables customers to design distinctive front-ends and utilize its extensive commerce engine. It assists to handle orders, payments, items, and much more.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Open APIs | Allows seamless integration with third-party apps and offers customization options for the front-end experience. |
| Built-In Features | Provides a range of built-in tools such as multi-channel selling and marketing features out-of-the-box. |
| Multi-Channel Flexibility | Supports sales across web, mobile, marketplaces, and social media platforms, ensuring a seamless omnichannel experience. |
| Best For | Ideal for merchants seeking an enterprise-grade, highly customizable, and scalable eCommerce platform with seamless omnichannel integration. |
3. CommerceTools
CommerceTools is a cloud-based, headless commerce platform offering extensive eCommerce capabilities across multiple touchpoints. It includes mobile apps, websites, VR, and voice assistants. It's a powerful choice for businesses that must create unique, dynamic customer experiences across several touchpoints.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| API-First Architecture | Fully API-driven, enabling the separation of front-end and back-end with easy third-party integrations. |
| Scalability & Flexibility | Ideal for businesses needing complex, multi-region, multi-brand, and multi-channel solutions. |
| Microservices-Based | Modular microservices allow businesses to scale and use only the needed services, providing greater efficiency and flexibility. |
| Best For | Works best for both B2C and B2B enterprises requiring highly customizable, scalable, and future-ready solutions. |
How Much Does Headless Commerce Cost?
The cost of headless commerce depends on various factors, including the platform, customization needs, and the scale of the business.
For enterprise-level headless commerce solutions, such as Shopify Plus or CommerceTools, cost ranges from $15,000 to $1,20,000 or above. It includes setup, licensing, and ongoing maintenance. Additional costs may arise for front-end development, third-party integrations, and API management.
Smaller businesses or those with simpler needs may find more affordable headless solutions. But it's generally more expensive than traditional monolithic eCommerce platforms due to the need for greater technical resources and flexibility.
Get in touch with Apptunix to execute your headless eCommerce strategy while minimizing costs and expertise to scale your business.
How Apptunix Will Assist You With Headless eCommerce?
Apptunix is a leading eCommerce app development company specializing in headless commerce solutions. We help businesses build flexible, high-performance online stores by decoupling the front-end from the back-end. This enables personalized user experiences across multiple devices while enhancing scalability, performance, and seamless integrations with tools like analytics and CRM.
With Apptunix, you can easily implement omnichannel strategies, stay competitive, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Our expert developers and designers will create a robust headless eCommerce platform to drive your business growth.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q 1.What is Headed vs Headless Commerce?
- Headed commerce refers to traditional eCommerce platforms where the front-end (what the customer sees) and back-end (the underlying system) are tightly integrated.
- Headless commerce decouples the front-end from the back-end, allowing greater flexibility to customize the user experience across multiple platforms using APIs.
Q 2.Who Should Invest in Headless Commerce?
Headless eCommerce is ideal for companies selling across multiple channels, those focused on delivering superior customer experiences, and businesses looking to quickly test and launch new ideas.
It benefits B2B, B2B2C, D2C, and large B2C businesses, especially in industries like manufacturing, wholesale distribution, automotive, FMCG, HVAC, industrial machinery, food and beverage, and aerospace.
It’s a great fit for companies facing increasing complexity and seeking flexibility in their eCommerce strategy.
Q 3.Is Shopify Headless Commerce?
Shopify can be used in a headless configuration through its Shopify Plus plan, allowing businesses to separate the front-end and back-end using APIs for greater flexibility and customizations, though Shopify by default is not headless.
Q 4.What is the Difference Between Headless and Traditional eCommerce?
Traditional eCommerce platforms have a tightly integrated front-end and back-end, limiting flexibility in design and channels. Headless eCommerce decouples these layers, offering greater flexibility to customize user experiences, integrate with third-party tools, and deliver content across multiple touchpoints.
Q 5.What is Composable Commerce?
Composable commerce is an approach that allows businesses to build their eCommerce platforms by assembling different best-of-breed, modular components, such as payment systems, CMS, and search engines. This approach offers flexibility, enabling businesses to choose the most suitable solutions for each part of their system and easily swap or upgrade components as needed, without overhauling the entire platform. It supports rapid innovation and scalability, allowing businesses to adapt to changing market demands.
Q 6.How to Know if Headless Commerce is Right for Your Business?
Headless commerce is ideal for businesses that need flexibility, scalability, and a personalized customer experience across multiple channels (e.g., web, mobile, IoT). If your business requires customized front-end designs, seamless integration with third-party tools, or rapid updates to the user interface without disrupting back-end operations, headless commerce could be the right choice. It’s especially suitable for large businesses or those with complex, multi-channel operations looking to stay ahead of technological trends.
Q 7.What is the main purpose of headless commerce?
The main purpose of headless commerce is to separate the front-end (customer-facing) experience from the back-end (commerce engine), allowing businesses to have greater flexibility and control over how they deliver content, products, and services across multiple channels.
This approach enables faster customization, seamless integration with third-party tools, and a more personalized user experience, while also making it easier to scale and adapt to new technologies. By decoupling the front-end and back-end, businesses can quickly update and innovate their customer-facing interfaces without impacting the core commerce functionality.
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Introducing Nalini, our tech-savvy content expert with 7+ years of experience in technical content writing. With a knack for making complex ideas simple, she turns intricate tech concepts into engaging reads. Whether you’re delving into mobile app development, AI, or blockchain, she is your go-to technical expert. Beyond the tech world, you’ll find her immersed in Anime, exploring mobile trends, or enjoying badminton and Foosball.
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