Headless is considered a new breeze in the e-commerce industry. Thanks to its outstanding advantages, Headless has become the preferred website model in e-commerce development. Many businesses like Lancome, BMW, and Nike have succeeded in converting their websites to the Headless model.

In the previous article, we introduced the concept of headless as well as its benefits. Following on from the previous section, this article will analyze the cost of building a headless commerce and why you should hire a headless commerce agency to implement your project. In addition, we also provide a headless development process that you can refer to for your project.

Why Should You Hire A Headless Development Agency?

Headless commerce is typical of a different structure compared to normal websites. Frontend and backend of Headless commerce are developed separately and connected through API. Also thanks to this feature, Headless commerce has many outstanding advantages. However, developing a website according to the headless model is somewhat complicated because of the different structures. That is the reason that most businesses choose to use development services from suppliers.

Improve Performance

Experts with extensive experience in headless development can help you solve problems faster. Besides, they also act as consultants to advise on building your website development strategy. Your project will be guaranteed to meet the schedule as well as ensure quality.

Time To Market 

Building a headless e-commerce website is not a simple task. However, agencies often have support teams with professional members that will help you complete the project much sooner than building your own. With experience as well as knowledge, they know how to solve problems in a short time. That way you can also launch your project soon.

Outstanding From Competitors

Working with a headless e-commerce development agency can also help you to stay ahead of the competition. With a headless commerce solution, you can quickly implement new technologies and innovations, as they become available. This can help you to stay ahead of the curve and deliver a cutting-edge shopping experience to your customers.

Secure And Reliable

Finally, working with a headless e-commerce development agency can help you to ensure that your solution is secure and reliable. A headless commerce solution is typically built using modern, certain technologies, and a good development agency will have experience implementing security solutions for their clients. This can help you to protect your customers' data and ensure that your solution is always available and functioning optimally.

Overall, there are several benefits to working with a headless e-commerce development agency for your next project. With a headless commerce solution, you can enjoy increased flexibility and scalability, improved performance, a more seamless omnichannel experience, the ability to stay ahead of the competition, and a secure, reliable solution. Whether you are looking to improve your existing e-commerce platform or to build a new solution from scratch, working with a headless e-commerce development agency can help you to achieve your goals and deliver a superior shopping experience to your customers.

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How Much Does A Headless Commerce Project Cost?

The cost of hiring a headless e-commerce development agency will depend on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the project, the expertise and experience of the development team, the tools and technologies being used, and the level of customization required. On average, the cost of headless e-commerce development can range from $10,000 to $200,000 or more, with projects on the higher end of this spectrum typically involving more complex requirements and more experienced development teams.

One factor that will impact the cost of headless e-commerce development is the complexity of the project. The more complex the project, the higher the cost will be, as it will require more time and resources to develop. 

Another factor that will impact the cost of headless e-commerce development is the expertise and experience of the development team. Teams with more experience and expertise will typically charge more for their services, as they have a deeper understanding of the tools and technologies involved and can deliver higher quality work more efficiently. If you require a more experienced development team, you can expect to pay a higher rate for their services.

The tools and technologies being used will also impact the cost of headless e-commerce development. Some technologies may require additional licensing fees or be more difficult to work with, which can drive up the cost. Additionally, the choice of technology will impact the development timeline, as some technologies may be faster to develop than others. For example, a development team experienced in working with a particular technology may be able to deliver a project in a shorter timeframe, which will lower the overall cost.

Finally, ongoing maintenance and support will also impact the overall cost of the headless e-commerce solution. Maintenance and support will be required to keep the solution up-to-date and functioning optimally, and the cost of these services will depend on the level of support required and the frequency of updates.

The cost of hiring a headless e-commerce development agency can vary widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of the project, the expertise and experience of the development team, the tools and technologies being used, and the level of customization required. It's important to consider all of these factors when determining the cost of a headless e-commerce project and to work with an experienced development team to ensure that you get the best possible solution for your business needs.

Step-by-Step Guide To Develop A Headless Commerce Website

Headless E-commerce Website Planning And Requirements Gathering

Define Business Goals

Before diving into the development process, defining your business goals and objectives for the headless commerce website is crucial. Consider factors such as target audience, product offerings, competitive landscape, and desired user experience.

Identify Functional Requirements

Based on your business goals, identify the core functionalities your website should have. This may include features like product browsing, search functionality, shopping cart, user authentication, payment processing, order management, and more. Create a list of these functional requirements.

Analyze Technical Requirements

Next, analyze the technical requirements needed to support the identified functionalities. Consider factors such as hosting infrastructure, scalability, security, performance, integrations with third-party services (e.g., payment gateways), and content management.

Create A Project Roadmap

Based on the identified business and technical requirements, create a project roadmap that outlines the key milestones, deliverables, and timeline for the development process. This roadmap will serve as a guiding document throughout the project.

Setting Up The Development Environment

Backend Environment

• Choose a Programming Language and Framework: Select a programming language and framework that aligns with your project requirements. Consider factors such as performance, community support, available libraries, and your team's expertise.
• Install Necessary Tools and Dependencies: Once you've chosen a programming language, install the necessary tools and dependencies. This typically includes a package manager for managing dependencies, a code editor or integrated development environment (IDE), and a runtime environment specific to your chosen programming language.
• Set Up a Local Development Server: Configure a local development server to test your backend code. This can be done using tools like Node.js built-in development server or frameworks like Express.js or Django, which provide server functionality out of the box.
• Configure a Database: Set up a database management system (DBMS) that is compatible with your chosen programming language and framework. Configure the database connection and create the necessary tables or collections.
• Integration with Headless CMS: If you have chosen to integrate a headless CMS into your architecture, follow the CMS provider's documentation to set up the necessary connections and APIs. This may involve configuring access tokens, API keys, or webhooks.

Frontend Environment

• Select a Frontend Framework or Library: Choose a front-end framework or library that suits your project requirements. Install the necessary tools and dependencies using a package manager.

• Set Up Project Scaffolding: Create the basic structure of your frontend application using the framework's CLI or manually configure the project. Set up a local development server to serve your front-end application.

• Styling and UI Frameworks: Choose a CSS preprocessor or CSS-in-JS solution for managing your styles. Utilize UI component libraries to speed up development and maintain consistent styling.

Version Control

• Choose a Version Control System: Select a version control system (VCS) and set up a Git repository for your project.

• Establish Branch Management: Define a branch management strategy to facilitate collaboration within your team.

• Code Review and Collaboration: Encourage code reviews and utilize collaboration tools for effective teamwork.

• Remote Repository and Hosting: Set up a remote repository for your codebase and choose a hosting platform for deployment.

Designing The User Interface

Information Architecture

Define a clear information architecture that organizes your website's content and establishes a logical structure. Consider the hierarchy of pages, categories, and subcategories. Identify key touchpoints where users will interact with the website.

Wireframing And Prototyping

Create low-fidelity wireframes to outline the basic layout and structure of each page. Once the wireframes are finalized, create high-fidelity prototypes using design tools.

Visual Design

Develop the visual design of your headless commerce website based on your brand guidelines and target audience preferences. Consider typography, color schemes, iconography, and other visual elements that align with your brand identity.

Responsive Design

Ensure that your website is responsive and optimized for different devices and screen sizes. Implement responsive design techniques like fluid grids, flexible images, and media queries.

Backend Development

Define API Endpoints

Identify the necessary API endpoints for handling various functionalities of your headless commerce website. This includes endpoints for product retrieval, user authentication, cart management, order processing, and more.

Implement API Endpoints

Using your chosen backend framework, create the necessary routes and controllers to handle the defined API endpoints. Implement the logic for retrieving and manipulating data from the database, integrating with third-party services, and enforcing business rules.

Authentication And Authorization

Implement user authentication and authorization mechanisms to secure your API endpoints. Use techniques like JSON Web Tokens (JWT) or OAuth for authentication and role-based access control (RBAC) for authorization.

Integrations

Integrate with third-party services, such as payment gateways or shipping providers, to enable smooth transactions and order fulfillment. Follow the documentation of the respective services to establish the necessary connections and handle API communication.

Frontend Development

Set Up Routing

Configure the routing system provided by your frontend framework to handle different URLs and map them to the corresponding components. Define routes for pages like product listings, product details, cart, checkout, and user authentication.

Build Components

Break down your UI into reusable components that represent different parts of your website. Create components for headers, footers, navigation menus, product cards, search bars, forms, and other UI elements. Ensure these components are modular, maintainable, and follow best practices.

Connect To Backend APIs

Use libraries like Axios or Fetch to make HTTP requests from your frontend application to the backend API endpoints. Implement the necessary logic to fetch data and update the UI based on the API responses.

Implement State Management

Choose a state management solution like Redux, MobX, or React Context API to manage application-level state. Implement the necessary actions, reducers, and selectors to handle data flow and maintain a consistent state throughout the application.

Implement User Authentication

Create authentication components and workflows to allow users to sign up, log in, and log out. Use tokens or session management techniques to persist user sessions and handle authenticated routes.

Handle Forms And Validation

Implement form components and utilize form validation libraries to ensure data integrity and provide a seamless user experience. Validate user input on both the front end and back end to prevent malicious or invalid data.

Integrate With Payment Gateways

If your headless commerce website involves processing payments, integrate with payment gateways like Stripe, PayPal, or Braintree. Follow their documentation to implement payment processing and handle secure transactions.

Testing And Quality Assurance

Unit Testing

Implement unit tests to verify the individual functions and components of your codebase. Use testing frameworks like Jest, Mocha, or Jasmine to create test cases and assertions. Aim for good test coverage to ensure code reliability.

Integration Testing

Perform integration testing to verify the interaction between different components and modules. Test API integrations, data flow, and overall system behavior. Utilize tools like Cypress, Selenium, or Puppeteer for automated browser testing.

User Acceptance Testing

Involve real users or testers to perform user acceptance testing. Collect feedback, identify usability issues, and make necessary improvements based on user insights.

Performance Optimization

Optimize your website's performance by implementing techniques like code minification, bundling, lazy loading, caching, and image optimization. Use performance monitoring tools to identify bottlenecks and improve loading times.

Security Audit

Perform security audits to identify and fix potential vulnerabilities. Protect user data, implement proper encryption, and follow best practices to prevent common security threats like cross-site scripting (XSS) or SQL injection.

Deployment And Maintenance

Build And Deployment Process

Set up a build process to compile and bundle your front-end code for production. Use tools like Webpack or Babel to optimize and transform your code. Configure deployment scripts to automate the deployment process.

Hosting And Server Configuration

Choose a hosting provider that meets your scalability and performance requirements. Configure the hosting environment, including server setup, security measures, and SSL certificates. Ensure that your backend APIs are properly configured and accessible.

Continuous Integration And Deployment (CI/CD)

Implement a CI/CD pipeline to automate the build, testing, and deployment processes. Utilize tools like Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, or CircleCI to set up continuous integration and automatic deployments.

Monitor And Maintain

Monitor the performance and stability of your headless commerce website. Use monitoring tools to track metrics like response time, server load, and error rates. Perform regular maintenance tasks, such as database backups, security patches, and system updates.

Headless Commerce Successful Examples

Nike 

Nike is one of the fashion brands at the forefront of new technology approaches to improve the customer experience. New to the mobile-first orientation, Nike quickly realized that they needed an outstanding improvement solution for their website. Most websites when operated on mobile devices are not as good as they are on computers. Headless is seen as the best solution that can help Nike solve their problem: improve website performance on mobile devices and improve customer experience.

This strategy has helped Nike surpass Adidas in holding the online retail market share of the fashion industry. Along with that, Nike's website recorded more than 60 million pageviews in just 1 month.

Target

Similar to Amazon and eBay, Target is also one of the major online retailers in the US. However, unlike the rest of the e-commerce platforms, Target has a large chain of stores stretching across the United States. To attract users to buy online, the target quickly approached the campaign to convert its existing website to a headless commerce model. The Headless model allows Target to synchronize data to optimize the overall customer experience. Users can view products on one device and checkout on another. As a result, Tarrget's order conversion rate is superior to that of the previous time.

Lancôme 

Lancôme is one of the high-end French cosmetic brands, so most of the factors that can affect the quality of services are paid special attention by Lancôme. Website is one of them.

Lancôme is also one of the first cosmetic brands to pioneer in converting websites to a headless model. Don't disappoint anyone. The headless commerce model has helped Lancôme increase the conversion rate by 17% higher than before.

Under Armour

It can be said that Under Armor is one of the outstanding examples of the successful application of the headless model. Although the time Under Armor started applying Headless, it was still very new. However, Under Armour received a lot of fruit when their revenue increased to double digits, a return rate that was three times higher, and a pre-bounce that was reduced by 65%. All because users can order on Under Armor's website quickly and easily.

Debenhams

Considered the largest department store chain in the UK with more than 2 hundred physical stores spanning many European countries such as the United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland,... However, under the impact of the pandemic, Debenhams faced many difficulties when the trend of online shopping increases rapidly. In addition, they face the increasing cost of renting real estate.

However, the strategy of improving the website to meet the demand for online shopping saved Debenhams from the brink of collapse, even though it had previously closed 22 stores and laid off 1200 employees. Then, Debenhams saw a 40% increase in mobile revenue and another 20% increase in conversions, which in turn drove their online growth to be above market.

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Platforms Offer Headless Commerce Service

Shopify Plus

Shopify Plus is a popular platform that offers headless commerce capabilities. It provides APIs and SDKs to build customized storefronts while leveraging Shopify's robust backend for managing products, orders, and inventory.

- Pros:

• Robust backend infrastructure with reliable hosting, security, and scalability.
• Extensive range of themes and apps available in the Shopify App Store.
• Seamless integration with popular payment gateways and third-party services.
• Easy-to-use interface for managing products, orders, and inventory.
• Dedicated support and resources for Shopify Plus users.

- Cons:

• Limited customization options compared to fully custom-built solutions.
• Higher pricing compared to other platforms, especially for larger businesses.
• Limited control over backend functionality and system architecture.
• Advanced customization may require knowledge of Liquid, Shopify's templating language.

Magento Commerce

Magento Commerce is another powerful platform that supports headless commerce. It offers extensive customization options, APIs, and a wide range of extensions. You can build your front end using modern JavaScript frameworks and connect it to the Magento backend.

- Pros:

• Highly customizable platform with extensive flexibility to create unique user experiences.
• Robust feature set for managing complex product catalogs, promotions, and customer segments.
• A large community of developers and a wide range of extensions and integrations are available.
• Supports headless architecture with its extensive APIs and integration capabilities.
• Scalable solution that is suitable for businesses of all sizes.

- Cons:

• Higher development and maintenance costs due to its complexity and resource-intensive nature.
• Requires technical expertise to fully leverage its capabilities.
• Hosting and infrastructure setup can be more complex compared to other platforms.
• The steeper learning curve for developers compared to other platforms.

BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a flexible headless commerce platform that provides APIs and tools to build custom frontends. It offers scalable hosting, built-in security features, and integrations with popular payment gateways.

- Pros:

• User-friendly interface with easy-to-use backend management tools.
• Flexible and scalable solution suitable for businesses of all sizes.
• Robust API capabilities for building custom frontends and integrating with third-party services.
• Built-in security features and reliable hosting infrastructure.
• Competitive pricing options compared to other platforms.

- Cons:

• Limited customization options compared to fully custom-built solutions.
• Advanced customization may require knowledge of Stencil, BigCommerce's templating language.
• Some features and functionalities may require additional app integrations or development work.

Contentful

Contentful is a headless content management system (CMS) that integrates well with headless commerce platforms. It allows you to manage and deliver content to multiple channels, including your headless commerce front end. Contentful provides a user-friendly interface for content editors and powerful APIs for developers.

- Pros:

• Powerful headless content management system (CMS) with a user-friendly interface.
• Offers flexible content modeling and management capabilities.
• Well-documented APIs and extensive developer resources.
• Ability to manage and deliver content to multiple channels, including headless commerce frontends.
• Integrates well with headless commerce platforms and other third-party services.

- Cons:

• Additional development work is required to build the front end and integrate it with commerce functionalities.
• Pricing can be higher compared to traditional CMS platforms.
• May require technical expertise or development support for advanced customization.

Are You Ready To Build Your Headless Commerce Website?

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the steps involved in building a headless commerce website, it's time to bring your vision to life. Whether you're a business owner, developer, or entrepreneur, creating a headless commerce website can unlock endless possibilities for your online business.

To embark on this exciting journey, consider partnering with a reputable headless development agency. Our expertise, experience, and specialized knowledge in headless architecture can ensure a smooth and successful implementation of your project. 

At CMSMART, we are a leading headless development agency with a proven track record in delivering cutting-edge headless commerce solutions. Our team of experts is well-versed in the latest technologies, best practices, and industry trends. We take a collaborative approach, working closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and deliver customized solutions that drive results. Here is our process for a customized website project:

• Initial Consultation: This step involves having an initial discussion with the client to understand their customization needs and objectives. It helps establish a clear understanding of the project scope and client expectations.
• Requirement Gathering: In this phase, detailed information about the desired customizations is gathered. This includes identifying specific changes, new features, and integrations required for the WooCommerce website.
• Analysis and Feasibility Study: The consultant analyzes the current WooCommerce setup and assesses the requested customizations’ feasibility. Potential challenges, limitations, and risks are evaluated during this phase.
• Solution Proposal: A comprehensive proposal is prepared, which outlines the recommended solutions to address the client's customization requirements. It includes the scope of work, timeline, cost estimates, and potential impacts on the website.
• Client Review and Discussion: The proposal is presented to the client for review and discussion. The client provides feedback, raises concerns, and suggests modifications if necessary. The goal is to ensure a shared understanding and agreement on the proposed solutions.
• Development and Implementation: Once the proposal is finalized, the actual development and implementation of the customizations take place. This can involve modifying the codebase, configuring plugins, or integrating third-party tools.
• Testing and Quality Assurance: Thorough testing is conducted to ensure the customizations function as intended. This includes functional testing, compatibility testing across different devices and browsers, and addressing any identified bugs or errors.
• Deployment and Launch: Once the customizations have been thoroughly tested and approved, they are deployed to the live production environment. Additional testing is done to ensure a smooth transition and to minimize any disruptions during the website launch.
• Post-Implementation Support: After the launch, the consultant provides ongoing support to address any post-implementation issues or questions. This includes bug fixes, assistance with managing customized features, and providing recommendations for future updates or enhancements.

By choosing us as your headless development partner, you can benefit from:

• Expert Guidance: Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the process, from architecture design to implementation and deployment. We'll ensure that your headless commerce website is optimized for performance, scalability, and user experience.
• Customization: We understand that every business is unique. We'll work closely with you to understand your specific requirements and tailor a solution that aligns perfectly with your brand, audience, and goals. Your headless commerce website will stand out from the competition and deliver a personalized user experience.
• Seamless Integrations: We have extensive experience in integrating headless commerce websites with various third-party services, including payment gateways, shipping providers, and marketing automation tools. We'll ensure that your website seamlessly connects with the necessary systems, providing a smooth and cohesive user experience.
• Ongoing Support: Our commitment doesn't end with the launch of your website. We provide reliable ongoing support and maintenance services to keep your headless commerce website running smoothly. Our team is always available to address any issues, implement updates, and provide assistance whenever you need it.

Take the next step in your e-commerce journey by partnering with CMSMART. Contact us today to discuss your project, get a detailed cost estimate, and learn how our expertise can help you build a powerful and successful headless commerce website.

Remember, the world of headless commerce is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead of the curve can give you a competitive edge. Let us be your trusted partner in harnessing the potential of headless architecture for your online business.

Rose Helen

Shop Owner

Rose Helen is a highly accomplished Ecommerce Project Consultant with a strong background in managing and guiding successful e-commerce projects. With her exceptional expertise and strategic mindset, she helps businesses achieve their goals in the digital marketplace.
With years of experience, Rose Helen possesses an in-depth understanding of e-commerce platforms, technologies, and best practices. She works closely with clients to analyze their needs, develop tailored strategies, and execute effective project plans that drive growth and success.
As an Ecommerce Project Consultant, Rose Helen excels at overseeing project lifecycles, from inception to completion. She ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with the highest level of quality. Her exceptional project management skills enable her to effectively communicate with stakeholders, manage resources, and mitigate risks throughout the project journey.
Rose Helen is a strategic thinker who leverages her extensive knowledge to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation. She provides valuable insights and recommendations to optimize e-commerce processes, enhance user experiences, and increase online sales.
With her strong communication and collaboration skills, Rose Helen builds strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders. She fosters a collaborative environment, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment with business objectives.
Beyond her technical expertise, Rose Helen is dedicated to delivering exceptional client service. She goes above and beyond to understand her clients' unique requirements and provide them with personalized solutions that drive tangible results. Her commitment to client success is evident in her approach and the long-term relationships she builds.
Rose Helen's passion for e-commerce, coupled with her extensive experience and project management skills, makes her a valuable asset for organizations looking to thrive in the digital landscape. With her guidance, businesses can navigate the complexities of e-commerce projects and achieve their objectives with confidence and success.