Headless commerce is revolutionizing the eCommerce landscape with its flexibility and customization options for online stores. BigCommerce is a leading eCommerce platform embracing this trend by supporting headless architecture. In this post, we will explore some of the top headless CMS examples that integrate seamlessly with BigCommerce, empowering merchants to create unique and powerful shopping experiences. 

Understanding Headless CMS Examples

What is a Headless CMS?

A headless CMS decouples the content management backend from the frontend presentation layer. This separation allows for greater flexibility and efficiency in managing digital content.

In eCommerce, headless CMSs enable companies to manage and update content across multiple platforms simultaneously, rather than individually. This one-to-many approach streamlines the process of keeping sites up-to-date. With a single update, changes can be deployed across numerous platforms instantly, without platform-by-platform modifications.

Among headless CMS examples is where a product’s price changes or receives an upgrade. In a headless CMS setup, you would only need to make this change once in the backend. The updated information would then automatically propagate to all connected frontend touchpoints, such as websites, mobile apps, and IoT devices. This approach saves time and ensures consistency across all customer-facing channels.

How Does a Headless CMS Work?

A headless CMS leverages APIs and microservices to distribute content across various channels, including mobile applications, external platforms, and diverse digital touchpoints.

Content management is centralized in a single interface, typically a cloud-based SaaS solution. Content editors work within this unified environment to make updates. These changes are then automatically disseminated to other channels through plugins or RESTful APIs.

This architecture marks a shift from traditional, monolithic platforms to a more flexible approach. The headless CMS model aligns with contemporary omnichannel sales strategies, facilitating efforts such as localization. By decoupling content management from content presentation, it enables businesses to adapt quickly to new channels and market demands.

Headless CMS vs. Traditional CMS

Before going into headless CMS examples, take a look at the differences between headless CMS and traditional CMS. A conventional CMS is typically tailored for a single website and specific use case. These systems are often self-hosted and have a limited scope. For businesses with straightforward, single-site requirements, a traditional CMS may be adequate.

In contrast, a headless CMS, such as Drupal in headless mode, is engineered to distribute content across multiple platforms and devices. While a traditional CMS focuses on building and managing a single website, a headless CMS can simultaneously manage content for numerous digital touchpoints.

The architecture of a headless CMS enables rapid deployment and management of content across a wide array of platforms. This makes it particularly valuable for companies seeking agility and scalability in their digital presence. Instead of being confined to a single website, businesses can efficiently manage content across multiple sites, apps, and devices, allowing for faster market responsiveness and broader reach.

Top Headless CMS Examples on BigCommerce

Below are some specific headless CMS examples of how this architecture has improved creativity and enhanced BigCommerce design solutions and systems to better support a brand’s ability to manage their site. 

Skullcandy

Skullcandy is a brand that’s built a strong community around music and action sports. Their products sell well because fans connect with the brand’s culture.

Skullcandy wanted a website that could show off their products while also telling stories about the art and culture behind their brand. They had a specific challenge: how to run their 18-month Moods campaign smoothly.

They used BigCommerce’s open SaaS platform and combined it with a headless CMS to solve Skullcandy’s challenge. This hybrid approach allowed us to:

• Create flexible page structures and components.
• Let the team preview content before publishing.
• Schedule updates to go live automatically, even outside of business hours.
• Make changes without needing help from developers.

This solution didn’t just work for the Moods campaign. Skullcandy now uses this approach for other parts of its website too. It gives them the freedom to be as creative as they want with their brand presentation, without technical limitations holding them back.

Yeti Cycles

Yeti Cycles is among other headless CMS examples combined with a powerful CMS, to help them keep their design quality high, even after the initial site launch.

They wanted to maintain their design quality for future campaigns, content updates, and product launches. They needed tools that would let them do this independently. To achieve this, they:

• Created a design system with reusable components.
• Developed a digital style guide for brand consistency.
• Set up a system allowing the team to build new pages and add content easily.

The headless approach, which is API-first, made it easier to connect and simplify backend systems. This resulted in a fully integrated backend that’s set up for better site analytics. This setup gives Yeti Cycles more control over their site’s look and performance, while also providing valuable insights to improve their online sales.

Black Diamond Equipment

Black Diamond, a popular outdoor brand, had trouble showing off their great content on their old website. The old system was limiting and expensive to change.

They decided to switch to a new approach using BigCommerce and a headless setup, similar to what Skullcandy and Yeti Cycles did. This new system lets them mix their amazing photos and stories with their products in a way that really connects with their customers.

Now, Black Diamond can do much more than just update their website. They can create entirely new pages and content easily, without needing lots of technical help. This means they can keep their website fresh and exciting, showing off their brand’s love for outdoor adventure in the best way possible.

Enhancing Headless CMS with Atom8 and BackOrder

While headless CMS provides flexibility in content management, Atom8 and BackOrder from GritGlobal complement this setup on BigCommerce by enhancing operational efficiency and sales potential.

Atom8, an all-in-one BigCommerce Automation app, streamlines BigCommerce processes, boosting overall efficiency and sales. It automates routine tasks, allowing businesses to focus on strategic growth.

BackOrder, on the other hand, enables stores to profit from out-of-stock items. As the fastest solution for selling stockless products, this BigCommerce BackOrder product helps over 900 stores turn sold-out products into revenue opportunities, maximizing sales potential even when inventory is limited.

Together, these tools enhance the advantages of headless CMS examples, building a more robust and profitable eCommerce ecosystem.

To Conclude

Headless CMS solutions offer BigCommerce merchants unprecedented flexibility and control over their content management and delivery. By decoupling the front-end presentation from the back-end infrastructure, businesses like the headless CMS examples above can create unique, omnichannel experiences that drive engagement and conversions. Ready to explore how a headless CMS can transform your BigCommerce store? Contact us today to discuss your project and find the perfect content management solution for your business!