The two main options available to eCommerce organisations today for their technology architecture are headless and traditional. Conventional eCommerce is based on a single platform that combines the database and back-end infrastructure with the front-end user experience. Headless eCommerce’s front and back ends are separated, interacting through APIs rather than coupled code. This makes the user experience more adaptable and customisable. Thus, what choice ought eCommerce companies to select? The ideal technology model for your company will depend on its unique objectives, resources, and capabilities. Although headless eCommerce allows more omnichannel personalisation, traditional eCommerce is easier to deploy. This essay examines the differences between headless and traditional eCommerce. It offers recommendations on which option to select depending on your time, money, and technological know-how needs.
What is Headless Commerce?
Headless e-commerce refers to a system or approach that refrains from defining the ideal one by not having a front end. In other words, the front-end and back-end have been separated, and you are free to redesign the user experience or live in a tightly connected environment. Rather, you can create any front-end experience you like and use a RESTful API to access all the sophisticated e-commerce features from the backend.
Key features of headless commerce
- Decoupled architecture: Keeping the front and back ends apart makes it possible to design and maintain the storefront and other components independently.
- Flexibility and agility: Businesses can quickly embrace new technologies, make adjustments, and test out different front-end experiences thanks to the decoupled structure.
- Omnichannel capabilities: Headless commerce allows online retailers to provide a unified customer experience on various platforms, including voice assistants, mobile apps, websites, and Internet of Things devices.
- Faster time-to-market: Updates and new features can be added more quickly because the front and back end can be built independently.
Headless commerce can be used on a varied number of platforms like magento, woocommerce, shopify, bigcommerce, etc., and provides excellent Headless
Bigcommerce solutions and
headless Shopify solutions.
Pros of Headless eCommerce
Total Customisation and Design Freedom
Brands have total control over the front-end code base’s visual style and layout while using headless. This eliminates the need for pre-made templates and allows for pixel-perfect customisation in line with branding requirements. According to a 2020 survey,
more than 60% of eCommerce executives thought headless commerce could increase site conversions and engagement rates. Headless websites’ adaptable and customisable canvas fosters creativity and opens doors for improving the user experience.
Experience Omnichannel on All Devices
Optimised for all devices, headless architecture easily facilitates omnichannel experiences. Regardless of the platform—web, mobile, wearables, or emerging—the front end may change to deliver an optimal user experience everywhere. Early in 2023,
74% of worldwide retail website traffic and 63% of online orders were placed by smartphones alone.
Cons of Headless eCommerce
Enhanced Intricacy in Design and Execution
Headless eCommerce’s primary drawback is its initial difficulty. Advanced web development abilities are needed to build and connect the front-end and back-end systems for brands. Because significant bespoke development is required, the overall implementation costs are two to three times greater than typical eCommerce. Additionally, timelines are lengthier.
Expenses up front and the requirement for developer skills
With headless, ongoing management and maintenance are considerably more difficult. For new features or experience modifications, strong coordination between
Headless ecommerce development service’s design and development teams is required. The brand must work long-term with a
headless ecommerce development agency to evolve the site if they need in-house tech expertise, which will increase expenses.
What is Traditional eCommerce?
The term “traditional commerce” describes the traditional method of conducting business, which entails handling both the front-end (facing customers) and back-end (business operations) components of an e-commerce website using a single platform or system. The front-end and back-end of the website are closely connected under this architecture; therefore, updates or changes made to the front-end frequently necessitate corresponding changes to the back-end.
Keyfeatures of traditional eCommerce
- Monolithic architecture all-in-one: The front and back end are integrated into a single system.
- Limited flexibility: It might be difficult to swiftly introduce new templates, features, or technologies because changes made to the front end frequently need changes to the back end.
- Centralised management: One system handles all aspects of the online store, such as functionality, design, and content.
- Slower time-to-market: Longer development and deployment cycles may result from traditional commerce’s tightly interconnected structure.
Pros of Traditional eCommerce
Simpler to Assemble and Use
Traditional eCommerce systems offer an out-of-the-box solution that can be easily set up, which is its main advantage. Most firms canlittle technical knowledge to establish simple online storefronts in weeks when using pre-built templates and integrations. Given that in 2022, almost
one-third of small businesses will not have a website, traditional eCommerce platforms offer a convenient and practical way to establish an online presence this year and take advantage of the expanding eCommerce market.
Content Management System Integration
With traditional eCommerce, content updates and modifications are also simple because of the integrated content management system. Merchants don’t need IT assistance to edit content using drag-and-drop editors. This makes marketing tasks easier, such as campaign launches, landing page creation, and SEO-optimized product descriptions.
Cons of Traditional eCommerce
Limited Flexibility in Design
The lack of design freedom on standard eCommerce platforms is their largest drawback. Brands have to operate within the limitations of the components and templates that are accessible. While some visual customisation is feasible, HTML/CSS overrides or significant theme creation are needed to create truly unique experiences. Particularly for creative brands, this restricts branding.
Difficult to Customise User Experience
Traditional eCommerce makes it difficult to customise the entire customer experience and journey in addition to its design constraints. Brands need help to test out creative layouts, tailored suggestions, or unique flows. Because of this, merchants rely heavily on the UX features that the platform provider provides. Advanced personalisation calls for knowledge of custom development.
Comparing the Key Differences:
Flexibility and Architecture
The architecture of traditional eCommerce is closely coupled, meaning that the front and back end are connected within the same platform. This restricts the ability to update or change specific parts without impacting the system as a whole. However, headless commerce provides a decoupled architecture that lets companies choose the best-of-class options for every facet. Because of its adaptability, firms may customise and adjust their online storefronts to meet changing customer needs.
Development and Maintenance
Because they frequently have drag-and-drop functionality and user-friendly interfaces, traditional eCommerce systems are more accessible to companies with less technical know-how. Most of the development and upkeep work, such as hosting and security updates, is handled by these platforms. Beyond the offered templates, nevertheless, customisation can call for coding expertise or the assistance of developers. Due to its developer-centric nature, headless commerce demands additional technical know-how. If a business decides to use headless commerce, qualified developers from a
headless commerce company will be required to create and manage the front front end and back end independently. Although it may need more work at first, you will have more control and can adjust the system to fit your needs as a business. These advancements facilitate quicker page loading, enhanced scalability, and superior overall performance. Although traditional eCommerce platforms are typically dependable, they may need help managing large traffic influxes or intricate integrations.
Performance and User Experience
Traditional eCommerce platforms frequently offer easily customisable pre-designed templates and themes that enhance user experience. But, there might not be as many customisation choices available, making it difficult for companies to give their clients genuinely distinctive and engaging experiences. Because headless commerce separates the front end and back end, it gives you the flexibility to create unique user interfaces that precisely complement your brand. Improved user experiences customised for particular target populations may arise from this. Headless commerce benefits from utilising contemporary technology, like API-driven architectures and microservices, which enhance performance.
Conclusion
When considering traditional versus headless eCommerce, one encounters two distinct technological approaches, each with advantages and drawbacks. There is only one universally superior option; the best choice depends on how well it aligns with your business goals, resources, and capabilities. In this context, DIT India is the best company, renowned for its expertise, innovation, and commitment to delivering tailored solutions that surpass client expectations. With a team of seasoned specialists and a track record of success, DIT India offers comprehensive eCommerce solutions that cater to firms of all sizes and industries. Smaller brands typically find traditional commerce platforms advantageous, as they facilitate quick online setup. Conversely, larger brands seeking heightened flexibility often opt for
headless commerce solutions to empower omnichannel personalisation.