Headless CMS: Why solutions like Storyblok work perfectly fine without a "head"

"Headless CMS" sounds somewhat headless, almost chaotic, doesn't it? But make no mistake, Storyblok's operations are anything but haphazard. In fact, a Content Management System (CMS) that operates "without a head" offers several advantages over traditional solutions like WordPress. In this blog, we’ll delve into what exactly this means, how we at Momentum use Storyblok, and most importantly, why.


What is a Headless CMS?

To grasp this, we first need to clarify what Backend and Frontend mean. In the context of a website, it's straightforward: The part we see on the screen — the composition of images, text, and graphical elements — is the Frontend, or the 'Head'. Everything we don’t see, i.e., the system into which these contents are fed, is the Backend. Therefore, a Headless CMS is a tool with just a Backend and no Frontend.


Headless vs. Traditional CMS

Traditional CMS solutions like WordPress, Typo3, or Drupal have a rigid system architecture, encompassing both a Backend and a Frontend. Their templating engines, along with all other functions, are integrated and optimised for their own Frontends. While it's possible to connect additional channels such as apps or online shops, these systems weren’t originally designed for such multi-channel capabilities, often resulting in complications. Generally, companies have to manage content across multiple systems.

However, this is not the case with Headless Content Management Systems. These are purposefully built to centrally manage various channels like websites, apps, digital signage, and more, making them incredibly flexible and efficient from a technical standpoint. Headless CMSs are thus ideal for multi-channel environments and large web projects.


How Does It Work?

Content managers store individual pieces of content in the Backend in a structured and format-neutral form. Through APIs – digital interfaces – the Backend forwards these contents to various channels or Frontends. It’s only there that we integrate these content pieces into a template to be displayed as a complete page. Developers have the freedom to design and code these templates, allowing for customisation of the same content across different Frontends. This enables companies to create consistent digital experiences across all channels.

Through the API, the CMS can also pull in data from other systems, such as product databases or Digital Asset Management systems, and display them alongside its own content on the corresponding Frontends.


Why We Use Storyblok

Storyblok, an Austrian Headless CMS provider, is trusted by renowned companies like Tesla, Netflix, Oatly, and Adidas. We at Momentum also use Storyblok, particularly for multi-channel solutions. Why? For several reasons. Firstly, Storyblok’s unique visual editor makes changes incredibly easy to implement. They also offer a comprehensive app library for numerous extensions, keeping our clients at the forefront. Compared to other Headless CMS providers, Storyblok focuses on a structured content environment, making our jobs easier and saving both time and money for our clients. Last but not least, as a digital agency, we're always impressed by tools with robust workflow capabilities, excellent performance, and state-of-the-art code.

That’s why we’ve followed in the footsteps of the big names and built our own website using Storyblok (and next.js).


#CoupleGoals: Why We're Partners with Storyblok

What’s especially clever is Storyblok's Partner Programme, launched in 2019 to assist agencies like us in expanding our business and offering a Headless CMS that best suits our clients. This has fostered a truly awesome community that mutually supports and advances the tool. Being a certified partner, we benefit from co-marketing initiatives, partner listings, and comprehensive support. Our contacts at Storyblok are available around the clock, aiding us in further developing Momentum, to the benefit of not just us, but our clients as well.

Are you planning or already managing a large web project? Or looking to manage multiple channels like websites, apps, and digital signage from a single CMS? Perhaps you're just curious to learn more about what 'headless' and Storyblok actually mean?

Send us a no-obligation enquiry and together, we'll find the best fit.