As e-commerce is progressing, developers face a lack of pre-packaged front-end options. Because the front-end processes (or the “head”) were linked to the back end, there was no possibility to add new and fully customizable methods for attracting clients. Separation of back-end from front-end (template or theme) is known as headless commerce. With headless commerce, businesses can connect bespoke-built front-end to the back end with a help of API that is included in a headless commerce platform.
There are three key differences between headless and traditional e-commerce: front-end development, customization, flexibility. Let us give you a quick overview.
Headless Commerce vs. Traditional Commerce: Key Differences
1. Front-end development
Traditional commerce
It is easier to create and launch online stores using traditional e-commerce but it meets many limitations especially when it comes to design. Any modifications require lots of time to edit the database, the code, and the front-end.
Headless commerce
Headless commerce gives front-end developers the ability to create a user experience from scratch with no need to worry about changes in the back-end database thanks to API. In short, front-end developers are free from obstacles occurring during a traditional e-commerce front-end development.
2. Customization and personalization
Traditional commerce
Traditional platforms are equipped with a predefined experience for both your customer and for the administrative user with no room for customization or personalization.
Headless commerce
Since there is no front-end, developers can create their own user experience from scratch. You have greater control over the look of your online storefront and user experience for both your customer and your admins.
3. Flexibility
Traditional commerce
The front-end is closely linked with the back-end coding in traditional commerce. To apply any customization, developers need to edit coding between front-end and back-end databases that leaves no room for flexibility.
Headless commerce
Since headless commerce is separated from the front-end and back-end, it gives endless opportunities for flexibility. You can easily make any changes from implementing a custom checkout flow to adding a new field to a customer account.
If you’re open to working with developers on an ongoing basis, then a headless solution could be the right one for your business. As a web development agency with eCommerce expertise, we can work hand-in-hand with your business to help you expand your opportunities. Visit vtlabs.org today to move headless.