Mayank Patel
Nov 25, 2023
7 min read
Last updated Jan 9, 2024
Headless Commerce is a software platform that helps separate concerns between the two fundamental parts of an online store. The backend and the frontend. The backend handles the servers and the data. The front-facing part is the visual part that users interact with on their devices.
The two components communicate with each other using APIs. The servers handle all the business logic, and the APIs or endpoints send data from the server. This data is consumed by the frontend or UI.
In an eCommerce platform, we can build various features like shopping carts, payment methods, shipping methods, etc.
Headless Commerce is one of the ways to build and run an online business.
Now, one interesting thing to understand is the “headless” part of a Headless Commerce application. What does this mean?
What makes it different from the traditional commerce platforms?
We bring the best in technology and software to help build and grow your online business and services. As an established software and product development company, we house highly skilled and experienced developers. We truly understand the potential of online commerce software.
Headless commerce is a great way to build an online presence with minimum hassles. However, we also understand the benefits and limitations of it. And so should you.
In this post, we will try to find out the aspects of headless commerce in a very systematic way.
Headless commerce provides ways to develop an online store or online services by separating concerns of the backend or data handling and the frontend or the user-facing.
In simple terms, these two components are decoupled from each other. The data is received through APIs which are basically the endpoints that enable the frontend to fetch the information and handle it accordingly to create the user interface.
The “Head” in “headless” is the frontend. Headless means that the frontend is not an integral part of the setup. It can be designed, developed, and integrated as per the requirements. All the other stuff regarding the servers is already there.
To make it even more clear, we can draw an analogy of an engine. An engine can be used to make cars, pickup trucks, etc. So it’s like taking the same engine with different specifications and using it to make cars, pickup trucks, and so on.
Now what makes headless commerce interesting is that it is like a framework. All the code logic for backend is already there. All we need to put is the data that we want inside it. Then we need to connect this backend to the UI design and technology of our choice.
Unlike traditional online stores or e-commerce software, where everything works in a unified system and has to be coded exactly as the business requirements, headless commerce allows for pre-defined ways to do things.
Let’s try to understand this in a more simple way.
There are two businesses that are trying to sell things online.
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a common framework or system in place that allows one to put this common information to make two entirely different online stores?
The two stores are selling two different things, but they can use a system just to put in the data, customize the store the way they want, and start selling. Headless commerce gives the exact solution by providing a system to put all the info and let the business owners get up and running their business in minimal time.
The above infographic shows a simplified architecture of Headless Commerce. Let’s try to break it down with some explanations for better understanding.
The backend part comprises all the key fields related to an eCommerce platform. These comprise the code logic for all the operations like inventory management, user management, payment gateway integration, shopping cart logic, discount logic, and so on.
The important thing to understand here is that these fields are the most common ones in an online store. So, this can be used to fill data as per the business needs. Most code logic and processing comes out of the box via these platforms. They also take care of the security and other optimizations for an online store
For example, if a business is selling online machine parts, they can fill in the data accordingly. The same fields can be used to sell books.
Some platforms that provide this kind of setup include Contentful, Storyblok, Strapi, Prismic, and Sanity.
Now that we have a backend in place, there has to be some way for the servers to talk to the frontend or the user interface. APIs are used for it. They provide links or endpoints to be specific. These are responsible for data exchanges. They are usually RESTful APIs or the REpresentational State Transfer Application Programming Interface. They act as a bridge between the backend and the frontend parts.
JSON is a very popular format used for data exchange in the APIs
The last piece of the puzzle is the frontend. This is where all the customization happens when it comes to creating as per the designs and use cases.
Popular frameworks and libraries like React, Next.js, and similar others can be used to handle the data incoming through the APIs connected to the backend. The custom UI can be created using these technologies with the specific use cases.
This frontend can be customized for many devices and native apps. For example, the same data comes to a desktop application, online website, native mobile app online store, social media, and even smart wearables to create a complete ecosystem.
Also read: Why Next.js is a best match for startups?
Different types of frontend frameworks can be used with headless commerce platforms. These frontend platforms are very popular choices.
Below are the types with examples for the same:
Headless commerce has many traits and attributes that make it a strong contender for building scalable online businesses. Yes, there can be challenges around it that will be covered further down the post.
Let’s check how headless commerce can be a great choice while offering scalability and flexibility while putting up online stores. One thing to note is that the list below is not exhaustive and there are many other benefits too. These are the most important ones to consider.
Some advantages of headless commerce include
Since the frontend and the backend are separated from each other and the only way to communicate is through the APIs, this makes headless commerce very fast and responsive.
The amount of customization offered by headless commerce has no limits. This helps in building user interfaces in many different and creative ways making the customer experience pleasing. It also helps to work on user feedback faster.
Read More: User Feedback in Product Development: Why It Matters
Since most of the code logic is pre-defined, the development times using headless commerce are also less. It's a faster way to put your business online and get up and running.
Headless commerce allows for consistent data flows across various devices. Mobile devices and apps play a significant role in online purchases. This enables the developers to create frontend layouts for multiple mobile devices without worrying about the backend or data part of the commerce application.
They also allow for easier integration of AI/ML into the online business. Recommendation systems specific to Machine learning can help in higher sales. This also helps to provide recommendations to users based on their purchase habits.
Chatbots have been very popular nowadays. This helps the business provide customer support 24/7. Since all the logic has already been provided by the headless commerce services, it takes minimal time to integrate them with one’s online business.
Headless commerce provides cost-efficient solutions. The initial costs for setting up online stores are lower than setting up traditional commerce stores. It also provides options to include what is required. Since there are numerous services available with headless commerce providers, they can be customized as per the needs. This can help downscale or upscale as per the business requirements.
Since headless commerce offers so many out-of-the-box features to set up an online store, it also allows for faster integration of marketing and sales tools for businesses. Third-party integrations are widely available to extend customer reach. Social media can also be integrated with it making the online presence more effective and resulting in higher sales. Additionally, they have features for dashboard and analytics to monitor the online business in a very organized way.
Until now, we have been looking at the positive side of headless commerce. But it has its disadvantages and cons as well. It must be kept in mind that these disadvantages are not at all a deal breaker.
Since headless commerce provides very efficient ways to start and run a business in minimal time, they are widely adopted by many businesses. The trend is set to continue, but it is also important to understand its limitations.
Headless commerce has a few drawbacks that are worth mentioning, such as:
In this post, we discussed the key questions surrounding headless commerce. While there are effective solutions available for various business needs, such as online product and service sales, the decision to adopt a comprehensive solution like headless e-commerce ultimately depends on the product owners and their vision.
We provide software and e-commerce development services that cater to clients' needs. Headless eCommerce is a fantastic option for quickly getting started with selling products online. However, it's important to be aware of its limitations. While it offers great flexibility and customization options, it does have some constraints.
Thanks for taking the time to be here. 👍 Happy Selling!
How to Create Unique User Experiences with Your E-commerce Platform
E-commerce is a highly competitive and fast-growing industry, with millions of online stores vying for the attention and loyalty of customers. To stand out from the crowd and increase your sales, you need to create unique user experiences (UX) that delight your customers and make them want to come back for more.
UX is the overall impression and feeling that a user has when interacting with your e-commerce platform. It encompasses everything from the design and layout of your website, to the functionality and performance of your features, to the quality and relevance of your content and products.
Creating a unique UX for your e-commerce platform is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a matter of strategy. It can help you:
But how do you create a unique UX for your e-commerce platform? Here are some suggestions and best practices.
The first step to creating a unique UX for your e-commerce platform is to understand who your target audience is and what their pain points are. You need to know who you are designing for, what they are looking for, what problems they are facing, and how you can solve them.
To do this, you need to conduct user research, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and analytics. You can also create user personas, which are fictional representations of your ideal customers, based on your research data. User personas can help you empathize with your users and tailor your UX to their needs and preferences.
The next step to creating a unique UX for your e-commerce platform is to choose a suitable e-commerce platform and technology that can support your vision and goals. You have to take into account aspects such as:
One of the emerging trends in e-commerce technology is headless commerce, which is a way of decoupling the front-end and back-end of your e-commerce platform. This means that you can use any front-end technology or framework to create your user interface, while using a separate back-end system to manage your data and business logic.
Headless commerce can offer you many benefits, such as:
If you are interested in headless commerce, you can check out What is Headless Commerce?.
The third step to creating a unique UX for your e-commerce platform is to design a simple and intuitive user interface that can guide your users through their journey and help them achieve their goals. You must examine aspects such as:
When designing your user interface, you should follow some basic principles, such as:
For more tips and examples on how to improve the user interface, you can read Aligning UX with Business Goals through Design Experts
The fourth step to creating a unique UX for your e-commerce platform is to optimize your product pages and checkout process, which are the key touchpoints of your user journey and conversion funnel. You need to ensure that your product pages and checkout process are:
Also read: How Core Web Vitals Are Helpful in SEO E-commerce
The final step to creating a unique UX for your e-commerce platform is to test and improve your e-commerce UX based on user feedback and data. You need to measure and evaluate the performance and effectiveness of your e-commerce UX, such as:
To achieve this, you need to apply different tools and techniques, such as:
By testing and improving your e-commerce UX, you can ensure that your e-commerce platform is always up to date and aligned with your user needs and expectations.
Creating a unique UX for your e-commerce platform is not a one-time task, but an ongoing process that requires constant research, design, testing, and improvement. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this blog post, you can create a unique UX for your e-commerce platform that can help you attract and retain more customers, increase conversions and revenue, and build brand awareness and loyalty.
If you need any help or assistance with creating a unique UX for your e-commerce platform, you can contact us, where we offer headless e-commerce development services that can help you create more flexible and customized e-commerce experiences for your customers. We have a team of experienced and skilled developers and designers who can help you with your e-commerce project from start to finish. Reach out to us today and share with us how we can support you. 😊
Mayank Patel
Apr 3, 20246 min read
Custom Ecommerce Software Development: Key Features + Costs
The e-commerce industry, which is one of the most swiftly-growing and competitive in the world, will witness global e-commerce sales go up from $4.3 trillion in 2020 to $6.5 trillion by 2024, according to Statista. This suggests more opportunities, but also more challenges, for online retailers.
If you want to stand out from the crowd and grow your online business, you need a powerful and reliable e-commerce platform that can handle your specific needs and requirements. However, finding the right solution can be tricky, as there are hundreds of options available in the market, each with its own pros and cons.
One way to overcome this challenge is to opt for custom e-commerce development. This is a process of creating a tailor-made e-commerce platform that suits your unique business goals, preferences, and budget. With custom e-commerce development, you can have full control over the design, functionality, and performance of your online store, and enjoy the benefits of scalability, security, and flexibility.
In this blog post, we will explore the key features and costs of custom e-commerce software development, and how it can help you achieve your online retail objectives. We will also share some tips and best practices on how to choose the right custom e-commerce development company for your project.
Custom e-commerce software development can offer you a range of features that can enhance your online store and improve your customer experience. Some of the most important features are:
With custom e-commerce development, you can create a unique and attractive design for your online store that reflects your brand identity and values. You can also customize the layout, navigation, colors, fonts, and images to match your vision and style.
Custom e-commerce development allows you to add any functionality and feature that you need for your online store, such as product catalog, shopping cart, checkout, payment gateway, shipping, inventory, order management, customer service, analytics, and more. You can also integrate your e-commerce platform with other software and systems that you use, such as ERP, CRM, SCM, or EMR, to streamline your operations and data flow.
Custom e-commerce development ensures that your online store can handle high traffic and transactions without compromising speed and reliability. You can also scale your e-commerce platform as your business grows, adding new features and capabilities as needed, without affecting the existing functionality and performance.
Custom e-commerce development provides you with a high level of security and compliance for your online store, protecting your data and transactions from cyberattacks and fraud. You can also implement the necessary security measures and standards to comply with the regulations and laws of your industry and region, such as PCI DSS, GDPR, CCPA, etc.
Also read: Future of Digital Commerce: How Headless eCommerce Can Scale Your Business
The costs of custom e-commerce software development can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity and scope of your project, the features and functionality that you need, the technology stack and tools that you use, the development team and company that you hire, the timeline and quality of your project, and more.
However, to give you a rough estimate, custom e-commerce software development can cost anywhere from $10,000* to $500,000* or more, depending on the size and type of your online store. For example, a small e-commerce website with basic features and functionality can cost around $10,000* to $50,000*, while a large e-commerce platform with advanced features and integrations can cost around $100,00* to $500,000* or more.
Of course, these are just ballpark figures, and the actual costs of your project may differ based on your specific requirements and expectations. To get a more accurate and detailed estimate, you should consult with a professional custom e-commerce development company that can analyze your project and provide you with a realistic quote and proposal.
Also read: Maximizing Engagement with Headless CMS: A Marketer’s Guide to Content Agility
Choosing the right custom e-commerce development company for your project is crucial, as it can determine the success and quality of your online store. However, finding the right partner can be challenging, as there are many options available in the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
To help you make the right decision, here are some tips and best practices on how to choose the right custom e-commerce development company for your project:
Before you start looking for a custom e-commerce development company, you should do some research on your own, and define your goals, needs, and expectations for your project. You should also have a clear idea of your budget, timeline, and quality standards, and the features and functionality that you need for your online store. This will help you narrow down your options and find the most suitable company for your project.
One of the best ways to evaluate a custom e-commerce development company is to check their portfolio and reviews, and see the previous projects that they have completed and the feedback that they have received from their clients. This will give you an insight into their skills, experience, and expertise, and the quality and reliability of their work. You should also look for examples of projects that are similar to yours, and see how they handled the challenges and requirements of those projects.
Another way to verify the credibility and reputation of a custom e-commerce development company is to ask for references and testimonials from their past and current clients, and contact them directly to get their honest opinions and feedback. This will help you understand their level of satisfaction and trust, and the results and outcomes that they achieved with the company. You should also ask them about the communication, collaboration, and support that they received from the company, and how they handled any issues or problems that arose during the project.
Once you have shortlisted a few custom e-commerce development companies that meet your criteria and expectations, you should request them to provide you with a detailed proposal and quote for your project, and compare them carefully. You should look for the scope, deliverables, timeline, costs, and quality of their proposals, and see how they align with your goals, needs, and budget. You should also look for the value and benefits that they offer, and the risks and challenges that they anticipate and mitigate.
After comparing the proposals and quotes of the custom e-commerce development companies, you should choose the one that offers the best fit for your project, based on your research, evaluation, and comparison. You should also consider the culture and values of the company, and the rapport and trust that you have with them, as these factors can also influence the success and quality of your project.
Also read: Why Developers Love Working with Headless CMS for eCommerce Platforms
Custom e-commerce software development can be a great option for online retailers who want to create a powerful and reliable e-commerce platform that can meet their specific needs and requirements, and provide them with a competitive edge in the market. However, custom e-commerce development can also be a complex and costly process, that requires careful planning, execution, and management.
Therefore, it is important to choose the right custom e-commerce development company for your project, that can offer you the best solution, service, and value for your money. By following the tips and best practices that we have shared in this blog post, you can find the ideal partner for your project, and achieve your online retail objectives.
If you are looking for a professional and experienced custom headless e-commerce development company, you can contact us.
We are a leading custom e-commerce development company that can help you create a tailor-made e-commerce platform that suits your unique business goals, preferences, and budget. We have a team of expert e-commerce developers who can deliver high-quality and cost-effective custom e-commerce solutions, using the latest technologies and tools. We also provide end-to-end e-commerce services, from design and development, to testing and deployment, to maintenance and support.
We have successfully completed many custom e-commerce projects for clients across various industries and regions, and we have received positive feedback and testimonials from them. You can check out our portfolio and reviews to see some of the examples of our work, and the results and outcomes that we have achieved for our clients.
We look forward to hearing from you and helping you with your custom e-commerce development project.
Mayank Patel
Mar 29, 20245 min read
