Additional Development Work: Headless CMS is built keeping developers in mind; therefore, many systems do not include intrusive content creation tools, such as a WYSIWYG editor for live preview. You will have to spend more time training your non-technical team.
Need for a dedicated frontend developer: High flexibility in a headless CMS makes the architecture more complex. Since multiple components are associated with the CMS, they should be designed, managed, and maintained properly. Any failure in the process can lead to performance and reliability issues.
Limited support for certain features: Headless CMSs support new technologies, including IoT devices. However, to reap the full benefits, you must have a team of developers specializing in different programming languages and front-end development technologies.
Lack of Themes and Plugins: A headless WordPress setup cannot access the vast library of WordPress themes and plugins. This can be a disadvantage for non-technical users who rely on these tools for website customization.
Learning Curve for Developers: Headless WordPress requires developers to understand WordPress and the selected frontend technology. This can create a steep learning curve and require additional training or hiring specialized developers.
Use Cases for Headless WordPress
Headless WordPress is a powerful way for developers to create unique frontends using modern frameworks. This is done by separating the frontend presentation layer from the backend content management system (CMS). Here are a few use cases for Headless WordPress:
Single Page Applications
A single-page application is a web application that presents all of its information on a single page. In a SPA, only a few pieces of information must be updated at a time, while most of the page remains the same. For example, when browsing through your email, you'll notice a few changes during navigation—the sidebar and header remain untouched as you go through your inbox. The SPA only sends the necessary information with each click, and your browser renders that information. This differs from a traditional page load, where the server renders a full page with every click you make and sends it to your browser.
Progressive Web Apps
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) provide an app-like experience on the web and can be made with headless WordPress. PWAs use service workers' manifests and other web-platform features in combination with progressive enhancement to give users an experience comparable to native apps.
Users benefit from several advantages of PWAs, including the ability to install them, responsive design, progressive enhancement, re-engagement, linking, discoverability, network independence, and security.
E-commerce websites
Headless WordPress can also be used to build E-commerce Websites. Developers can use a headless CMS to create custom e-commerce experiences integrating various e-commerce platforms and payment gateways. With a headless CMS, developers can create custom e-commerce experiences that integrate with various e-commerce platforms and payment gateways.
Multisite Networks
If you are running multiple sites under one WordPress installation, going headless can be beneficial. A multisite network can have its front end be headless, allowing for more flexibility in design and development. Each site can have its front end communicating with the same backend, allowing for a more consistent user experience across all sites.
Mobile Apps
Headless WordPress can create mobile applications that access content through APIs. Developers can create custom mobile applications that offer users the best possible experience, including push notifications and offline content access.
Chatbots
Headless WordPress can be used to power chatbots. Developers can create chatbots that retrieve data from WordPress through APIs. This can be used to create custom chatbots for various applications like customer service, booking appointments, and more.
IoT (Internet of Things) devices
An IoT device is any object with a sensor attached to it that can transmit data to other objects or people with the help of the internet. IoT devices include wireless sensors, software, actuators, and computer devices. They are attached to a particular object that operates through the internet, enabling the transfer of data among objects or people automatically without human intervention.
For instance, the IoT systems in your car can identify traffic ahead and automatically send a message of your impending delay to the person you are about to meet. Even a pacemaker can be an IoT device that seamlessly communicates with other machines for greater ease and convenience.