Combine Contentstack’s Release Workflows with Netlify’s Deploy Previews. Create a workflow automatically generating a deploy preview whenever content is moved to a new workflow stage.
6. Strapi
Screenshot from: strapi.co, July 2024.
Strapi is a popular open-source headless CMS that prioritizes developer experience and customization.
It’s been used as a backend for developer-focused SaaS applications. Custom content types mirror application data structures, while the plugin system allows application-specific features to be added to the admin panel.
Why It’s Good:
Fully customizable API with the ability to define endpoints and logic.
Extensive plugin library for extending functionality.
Open-source, self-hosted option for maximum control.
GraphQL support is available in addition to REST and JSON:API.
Potential Drawbacks:
It requires more technical setup and maintenance than hosted solutions.
Less built-in functionality out-of-the-box compared to paid options.
Tips and Tricks:
Utilize Community and Custom Plugins to add project-specific features.
Leverage Strapi’s JWT authentication to secure API access.
Use Strapi’s Draft System for content staging and approval workflows.
Best Hack:
Deploy Strapi on Heroku with PostgreSQL database. Set up GitHub integration in Heroku to automatically deploy from a repository branch. Any custom plugin code changes pushed to GitHub will trigger a rebuild of the Strapi backend on Heroku.
7. Directus
Screenshot from: directus.io, July 2024.
Directus is a unique headless CMS that sits on top of new or existing SQL databases, instantly providing RESTful API and GraphQL endpoints.
It’s proven helpful for projects with existing SQL databases. Installing Directus on top provides an instant content management layer and API without data migration. The platform allows for tailoring the admin panel to project needs.
Why It’s Good:
Instantly generates APIs from new and existing SQL databases.
Supports various SQL databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MS-SQL, Oracle).
Extensible platform with custom endpoints, webhooks, and event hooks.
Open Data Platform for powering data-driven projects beyond typical CMS use cases.
Potential Drawbacks:
Requires SQL database skills for initial setup and data modeling.
Less content-focused out-of-the-box compared to other headless options.
Tips and Tricks:
Use Directus Fields to shape how your database data is presented in the admin.
Leverage Flows for automating data processing tasks on backend events.
Enable Data Accountability for granular activity tracking and versioning.
Best Hack:
Connect Directus to Metabase for powerful data visualization. By leveraging Directus’ SQL mirroring, Metabase can query and chart your content data directly, enabling advanced content analytics and reporting dashboards.
8. Umbraco Heartcore
Screenshot from: umbraco.com/products/umbraco-heartcore/, July 2024.
Umbraco Heartcore is the headless offering from the team behind the popular open-source Umbraco CMS.
It’s a natural fit for existing Umbraco users looking to adopt a headless architecture.
Document Types and Templates from the standard Umbraco CMS can be reused in Heartcore, easing the transition for content editors and .NET developers.
Why It’s Good:
Smooth transition path for existing Umbraco users.
.NET-based for integrating with Microsoft stack.
Umbraco Cloud for managed hosting and deployment.
Familiar, feature-rich editor experience.
Potential Drawbacks:
Less adoption compared to some other headless options.
Requires .NET development skills for implementation.
Tips and Tricks:
Use Umbraco’s Compositions for reusable content structures.
Leverage Umbraco Deploy for moving content and configuration between environments.
Explore the Umbraco Marketplace for editor and developer tools.
Best Hack:
Integrate Umbraco Heartcore with Azure Cognitive Services for AI-powered content features. By calling Azure’s APIs from an Umbraco Controller, you can add capabilities like automated tagging, sentiment analysis, and image recognition to your editorial workflow.
9. Kontent.ai
Screenshot from: kontent.ai, July 2024.
Kontent.ai differentiates itself with features geared towards content operations and planning. It’s been successfully used for large-scale content marketing initiatives.
The content calendar provides a high-level overview of content across channels while ‘Assignments’ and ‘Tasks’ keep teams in sync.
Why It’s Good:
Structured, reusable content models and components.
Collaboration features like suggestions and comments.
AI-powered content insights for optimizing content performance.
Potential Drawbacks:
Relatively higher pricing compared to some other options.
Less developer-focused compared to highly extensible options like Strapi.
Tips and Tricks:
Use Linked Items to connect related content across your project.
Set up Webhooks to trigger builds or notifications on content changes.
Customize the Web Spotlight interface for a tailored, inline preview experience.
Best Hack:
Sync Kontent with Airtable for a versatile content planning setup. Use the Kontent webhooks to send content data to Airtable. Then, leverage Airtable’s views, filters, and fields to plan and track your content production pipeline.
10. Prismic
Screenshot from: prismic.io, July 2024.
Prismic is a developer-friendly headless CMS focusing on sliced-based content modeling and multi-language support.
It’s been used for multilingual documentation sites with modern frameworks like Nuxt.
Prismic’s slices allow for componentizing common elements like code snippets and callouts, while the localization features enable translation management.
Why It’s Good:
Content Slices for modular, reusable page components.
Strong multi-language features with built-in translation management.
API browsers and development kits for popular frameworks.
Simple, clean UI for content editors.
Potential Drawbacks:
Fewer collaboration and workflow features compared to some enterprise options.
Slice-based model can take some getting used to for traditional CMS users.
Tips and Tricks:
Utilize Slice Machine for local Slice development and testing.
Set up preview URLs to preview on-page content before publishing.
Use Prismic’s Integration Fields with tools like Shopify and Magento for e-commerce projects.
Best Hack:
Integrate Prismic with Cloudinary for advanced media management. Using a webhook to send Prismic image data to Cloudinary, you can leverage Cloudinary’s transformation and optimization capabilities while managing images within your CMS.
Choosing The Right Headless CMS For Your Needs
To select the ideal headless CMS, consider these factors:
Content Complexity: Match your content structure needs with platform capabilities (e.g., Contentful for complex hierarchies, Strapi for customizable architecture).
Team Skills: Align with your team’s tech expertise (e.g., Hygraph for GraphQL users, Directus for SQL pros).
Localization: For multilingual content, prioritize platforms with strong localization features, such as Contentstack or Contentful.
Integration: Ensure compatibility with your existing tech stack through APIs, SDKs, or plugins.
Collaboration: For large teams, consider platforms with advanced workflow management (e.g., Kontent.ai) or real-time collaboration (e.g., Sanity).
Pricing and Scalability: Balance cost with features and growth potential. Open-source options like Strapi offer savings, while enterprise solutions like Contentful provide high-end features.
Explore options, run proof of concepts (POCs), and gather team feedback before deciding.
A well-chosen headless CMS and ongoing optimization will equip you to handle current and future content challenges.
More resources:
Featured Image: A9 STUDIO/Shutterstock