Best headless cms for eCommerce 2026

So, what is the best headless CMS for e-commerce on the market?

Before we dive into that, let me share a small confession.

One of my motivations for writing this article is to see if I can rank for a highly competitive search term like “best headless CMS” or “top composable CMS.”

The key strategy? I’m publishing this on Medium, a high-domain authority site, and by getting this article out early (I’m writing this in February 2025), there’s a strong chance of securing a top ranking for 2026 search queries.

Why Are You Searching for the Best Headless CMS for E-commerce?

Most likely, because the market is saturated with choices, making it overwhelming to pick the right one.

Listicles have become a popular way to cut through the noise — allowing someone else to do the research for you. But, as I’m illustrating here, most of these lists aren’t created by impartial experts. Many are biased toward platforms they’re affiliated with or sponsored by.

A smarter way to fast-track your research is by turning to Reddit, developer forums, and online communities where professionals share their real-world experiences.

The most frequently mentioned CMS platforms tend to be the ones backed by large VC funding — which means high awareness but also increasing complexity and costs as they scale.

Inspired by Alan Gleeson’s approach to ranking the best headless CMS, this article follows a similar format, but goes further by incorporating real-world scenarios, pricing considerations, and direct experience.

With these insights, you’ll be able to choose the right headless CMS with confidence.

A Different Approach: Insights from Real Experience

Rather than just listing platforms, we’re offering insights from hands-on experience.

As an agency that has worked with multiple headless CMS and e-commerce solutions, we’ve seen firsthand that there’s no single “best” CMS — only the best CMS for a specific use case.

Our goal isn’t to promote one solution over another but to help you understand the ideal choice based on your:

• Business model (B2C, DTC, B2B)
• Content structure needs (multi-region, multi-language, omnichannel)
• Development resources (Do you have in-house developers?)
• Budget & pricing considerations

Through real-world scenarios, we’ll break down which platforms excel in different areas — helping you make an informed decision.

Let’s dive in.

List of the Best Headless CMS for E-commerce

The following represents a list of composable CMS platforms that are commonly used in e-commerce ecosystems. This selection is based on real-world industry adoption rather than scientific ranking. As with most “best of” lists, the landscape is constantly evolving, and different platforms cater to different business needs.

Directus

• Directus — Best for eCommerce, offering full control over SQL databases with a flexible API-first approach and seamless integration for complex data structures.

Strapi

• Strapi — A highly customizable, developer-friendly CMS supporting REST and GraphQL APIs, ideal for self-hosted deployments and content flexibility.

Sanity

• Sanity — A scalable, real-time CMS designed for structured content management, featuring collaborative editing, version control, and advanced querying.

Contentful

• Contentful — An enterprise-ready CMS with global scalability, multi-region content management, and extensive API integrations for structured workflows.

Storyblok

• Storyblok — A visual editor-based headless CMS enabling content teams to create and manage dynamic digital experiences with minimal developer involvement.

Payload

• Payload CMS— Best for developers seeking a TypeScript-first headless CMS with complete backend flexibility, robust access control, and seamless MongoDB integration for custom workflows and application-level logic.

Builder. io

• Builder.io— Best for marketers and designers, offering a visual drag-and-drop editor with powerful headless capabilities, ideal for creating high-performing storefronts and landing pages without relying on developers.

Each of these headless CMS solutions offers unique advantages depending on business requirements, development resources, and scalability needs. While Directus stands out as the best CMS for e-commerce, other platforms provide specialized capabilities suited for different use cases.

When to Switch to a Headless CMS for E-commerce?

When switching to or planning for a headless CMS for e-commerce, pricing is a crucial factor. It’s essential to consider not just your current costs but also where your brand will be in the next 5 to 10 years.

Choosing a headless CMS means evaluating scalability, API call limits, user roles, and pricing models.

Real-World Scenario: When Does It Make Sense to Switch?

Let’s take an example:

A fast-growing e-commerce brand with

• 5 million monthly visitors
• 50 million API calls per month
• 15+ users & roles managing content

This brand is rapidly scaling and requires a headless CMS that can handle large content volumes, localization, and omnichannel distribution.

What would be the approximate cost for each CMS at this scale? Let’s break it down.

CMS Platform	Approx. Annual Cost (may vary)	Best For
Directus	~$35,000–$40,000	Open-source, SQL database integrations
Strapi Cloud	~$40,000–$45,000	Custom headless CMS with API flexibility
Sanity	~$45,000–$50,000	Real-time content collaboration, e-commerce scaling
Contentful	~$70,000–$80,000	Enterprise-level security, global brands
Storyblok	~$35,000–$40,000	Visual CMS for marketing & content teams
Payload CMS	~$30,000–$45,000	TypeScript-first CMS with API flexibility, built-in auth, and custom backend logic.
Builder. io	~$100,000–$130,000	Visual CMS for marketers with drag-and-drop editor and headless API support.

(Note: The costs presented below are approximations based on our experience and the latest data.)

Key Considerations:

Scalability → The CMS must handle increased API calls & content requests as the brand grows.
Customization → Some businesses require deep API flexibility and custom content workflows.
Cost Efficiency → Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) while ensuring high performance.

Each CMS has different strengths. Some prioritize developer flexibility, while others focus on enterprise scalability or marketer-friendly interfaces.

When to Choose Which Headless CMS for E-commerce (With Preferred Business Categories)

Choosing the right headless CMS for your e-commerce business depends on multiple factors — content complexity, scalability needs, budget, and customization flexibility.

Unlike traditional CMS platforms, headless CMS solutions provide API-first architectures that allow brands to seamlessly manage content across multiple channels, localize efficiently, and scale globally.

Here’s a breakdown of when to choose which headless CMS based on your business category.

When to Choose Directus

Preferred Business Categories:

• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Custom Healthcare Brands (e.g., prescription services, medtech solutions)
• Hair & Beauty Treatment Brands
• Automotive & Engineering
• E-commerce Brands with Heavy Backend Requirements

Best For:

More Than Just a CMS — Directus is a hybrid between a CMS and a backend management system, making it ideal for businesses needing deep database control, custom workflows, and structured data management.

Full Control Over Infrastructure — Unlike other headless CMS platforms that rely on proprietary data structures, Directus works with existing SQL databases, giving brands full ownership of their content.

Complex Content Structures — Ideal for industrial and healthcare brands that need custom data models, intricate relationships, and highly dynamic content workflows.

Developer-First Approach — Directus is open-source and highly customizable, making it perfect for businesses with strong in-house development teams.

Self-Hosting Flexibility — Unlike fully cloud-based CMS solutions, Directus allows brands to self-host, reducing long-term costs and providing full control over security and compliance.

When to Choose Strapi

Preferred Business Categories:

• Tech-Driven E-commerce Startups
• Subscription-Based Businesses
• Developer-Focused Brands & SaaS Companies
• E-commerce Marketplaces

Best For:

Developer-First Approach — Strapi is open-source and highly customizable, making it perfect for businesses with strong in-house development teams.

Self-Hosting Flexibility — Unlike fully cloud-based CMS solutions, Strapi allows brands to self-host, reducing long-term costs and providing full control over security and compliance.

Headless API with GraphQL & REST Support — Enables seamless integration with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Magento, and custom-built storefronts.

When to Choose Sanity

Preferred Business Categories:

• Large-Scale E-commerce Brands
• High-Traffic Retailers (5M+ Monthly Visitors)
• Luxury & Fashion
• Media-Heavy Brands (Videos, Images, Blogs, Editorial Content)
• Multi-Language & Multi-Region E-commerce

Best For:

Real-Time Collaboration & Content Structuring — Sanity is built for high-volume content management, making it an excellent choice for brands that handle massive product catalogs and editorial content.

Dynamic Content Modeling — Best for businesses needing highly structured, queryable content, such as multi-regional product descriptions, AI-generated recommendations, and content personalization.

Omnichannel Publishing — Ideal for brands looking to push content dynamically across storefronts, mobile apps, and in-store experiences.

When to Choose Contentful

Preferred Business Categories:

• Enterprise-Level E-commerce
• Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) & Global Brands
• Multi-Site, Multi-Language Businesses
• High-Growth Startups Scaling Internationally

Best For:

Enterprise-Ready Scalability — Contentful is one of the most powerful headless CMS platforms, trusted by Nike, Spotify, and Glossier for global content operations.

Robust API Ecosystem — Features over 100 integrations, making it ideal for businesses relying on multiple third-party tools (PIM, DAM, CDPs, etc.).

High Security & Compliance Standards — Best for businesses needing enterprise-grade security, data compliance, and uptime guarantees.

When to Choose Storyblok

Preferred Business Categories:

• DTC Brands with Strong Marketing Teams
• Consumer Goods & Lifestyle Brands
• E-commerce Brands Focusing on Content-Driven Sales
• Retailers Prioritizing Visual Storytelling

Best For:

Marketer-Friendly CMS with Visual Editing — Unlike most headless CMS platforms, Storyblok offers a powerful visual editor, making it ideal for marketing teams that want to create content without developer dependency.

Component-Based Structure — Enables reusable content blocks, reducing redundant work when managing product descriptions, blog posts, and landing pages.

Perfect for E-commerce & Conversion-Focused Brands — Works well with landing pages, promotions, and digital experiences aimed at boosting engagement and conversions.

When to Choose Payload

Preferred Business Categories:

• High-Growth DTC Brands with Custom Checkout Flows
• Subscription-Based eCommerce Platforms
• B2B Marketplaces & Wholesale Portals
• eCommerce Startups Needing Full Stack Control

Best For:

TypeScript & API Flexibility — Great for teams building modern storefronts with custom APIs, headless commerce backends, and JAMstack setups.

Built-in Auth & Access Control — Manage customer accounts, gated content, or B2B access levels out-of-the-box.

Self-Hosted Flexibility — Own your entire stack with the ability to host Payload wherever you want, ensuring compliance and performance control.

When to Choose Builder.io

Preferred Business Categories:

 

• DTC Brands Focused on Visual Storytelling
• Omnichannel Retailers with Rapid Campaign Needs
• Subscription eCommerce Brands
• Brands Scaling via Content-Driven Growth

Best For:

Visual Storefront Editing — Empower marketers and designers to build and update product pages, landing pages, and campaigns without dev support.

Faster Time-to-Market — Drag-and-drop builder enables rapid A/B testing, seasonal launches, and dynamic page personalisation.

Performance-Optimised Delivery — Built for speed and SEO, ensuring high conversion rates with lightweight frontend delivery.

Selecting Headless CMS Platforms Based on Business Use Cases

 

3 Real-World Use Cases for Directus
(Best for businesses needing full control over backend data and CMS flexibility.)

1. Custom Automotive Parts Manufacturer — SQL-Based CMS for Inventory & Product Configurations

Scenario:
A B2B automotive manufacturer sells custom-built car parts, with different specifications based on vehicle type, dimensions, and compatibility.

Why Directus?

• SQL-based CMS allows seamless integration with existing inventory databases.
• Customizable product configurations with advanced relational data structures.
• Supports real-time order tracking and dynamic product catalog updates.

2. Hair Treatment & Skincare Brand — Personalized Consultation & Dynamic Content Delivery

Scenario:
A premium haircare brand offers personalized hair treatment plans based on user hair type, medical history, and environmental factors.

Why Directus?

• Hybrid CMS & Backend System allows for dynamic data-driven content personalization.
• API-based flexibility integrates with custom hair analysis tools and AI-driven product recommendations.
• Multi-role access control supports doctors, cosmetologists, and marketing teams managing different parts of the CMS.

3. Medical Subscription Service — HIPAA-Compliant Content Management

Scenario:
A healthcare company sells prescription-based wellness products, requiring secure data handling, content customization, and patient records management.

Why Directus?

• On-premise hosting for compliance with HIPAA & GDPR regulations.
• Role-based access control to ensure only authorized personnel manage content.
• API-driven architecture enables seamless integration with telemedicine platforms.

3 Real-World Use Cases for Sanity
(Best for brands managing large-scale content across multiple channels.)

1. Luxury Fashion Brand — Personalized Editorial Content for Global Audiences

Scenario:
A luxury retailer needs to serve region-specific content, product descriptions, and promotional campaigns across multiple countries.

Why Sanity?

• Structured content management for multi-language & multi-country setups.
• Real-time collaboration for content teams across different regions.
• API-driven publishing ensures seamless content delivery across websites, apps, and social media.

2. Multi-Category E-Commerce Marketplace — Scalable CMS for Massive Catalog Management

Scenario:
An online marketplace selling millions of products needs a CMS that scales dynamically while handling high-traffic spikes.

Why Sanity?

• GROQ-powered querying ensures ultra-fast content retrieval.
• Supports dynamic filtering & category-based product recommendations.
• Built-in content validation prevents errors in massive product catalogs.

3. Food & Beverage Brand — Interactive Recipe Content with Smart Filtering

Scenario:
A DTC food brand offers recipes, meal plans, and ingredient-based recommendations based on user preferences and dietary restrictions.

Why Sanity?

• Advanced structured content modeling supports complex recipe filtering.
• Real-time updates allow instant content modifications without downtime.
• Custom API workflows integrate with grocery delivery & nutrition tracking apps.

3 Real-World Use Cases for Strapi

(Best for developer-first teams building custom storefronts with Node.js flexibility.)

1. Luxury Furniture Brand — Headless PIM with Omnichannel API Delivery

Scenario:
A premium furniture manufacturer needs to manage complex product catalogs, each with multiple finishes, dimensions, and regional SKUs.

Why Strapi?

• Built-in REST/GraphQL APIs make omnichannel content delivery seamless.
• Easy integration with ERP and logistics via custom Node.js middleware.
• Rich media support and localized content workflows for multi-region storefronts.

2. Health Supplements Brand — Customer Profiles & Recommendation Engine

Scenario:
An eCommerce wellness brand tailors supplement plans based on customer goals and purchase history.

Why Strapi?

• Extendable content model supports customer health data and recommendations.
• Role-based access for nutritionists, marketers, and fulfillment staff.
• Works seamlessly with React/Next.js frontends and Stripe checkout logic.

3. B2B Tool Supplier — Authenticated Dealer Portals & Quote Management

Scenario:
Industrial tool supplier provides authenticated dealer portals with custom pricing and quote requests.

Why Strapi?

• Flexible user permissions and JWT-based authentication.
• CMS meets backend needs for quote forms, lead tracking, and dealer-specific catalogs.
• Easily deployable to custom servers or cloud for scalability.

 

3 Real-World Use Cases for Contentful

(Best for large teams managing complex multi-language eCommerce content.)

1. Global Fashion Retailer — Multi-Market Product Storytelling

Scenario:
A global apparel brand delivers tailored content for regional sites in 15+ languages and currencies.

Why Contentful?

• Structured content modeling for consistent storytelling across markets.
• Built-in localization support and translation workflows.
• Integrates easily with Shopify Plus or Commerce Layer frontends.

2. High-End Electronics Brand — Product Launch Microsites

Scenario:
An electronics brand frequently launches product microsites for campaigns and influencer promotions.

Why Contentful?

• Compose + Launch features enable rapid rollout of microsites.
• Live preview & scheduling tools streamline marketing ops.
• Headless architecture ensures performance and CDN-level delivery.

3. Organic Food Brand — Nutrition-Driven Dynamic Content

Scenario:
Organic food eCom store delivers recipe, nutrition, and sourcing data tailored to customer segments.

Why Contentful?

• Rich content types support recipes, sourcing maps, and seasonal promotions.
• Personalized content via connected customer profiles and CDPs.
• Scales well with modern JAMstack and static site generation tools.

 

3 Real-World Use Cases for Storyblok

(Best for marketers needing visual editing in headless architecture.)

1. Sustainable Fashion DTC Brand — Visual Page Builder with Reusable Blocks

Scenario:
A Shopify-based eco-fashion brand wants visually editable landing pages without dev help.

Why Storyblok?

• Visual editor empowers marketers to launch content fast.
• Component-based architecture ensures content reusability across storefronts.
• Works perfectly with Vue, Nuxt, and headless commerce APIs.

2. Sports Nutrition Brand — Campaign-Driven Storytelling with Localization

Scenario:
Brand runs global campaigns (Black Friday, Olympic promos) with geo-targeted content.

Why Storyblok?

• Built-in localization & story versions.
• Visual A/B test setup with field-level customization.
• Easily connects to platforms like BigCommerce or Swell.

3. Jewelry Retailer — Visual Product Discovery Experience

Scenario:
Luxury jewelry brand wants to showcase collections with interactive content and rich storytelling.

Why Storyblok?

• Image-rich modular content blocks perfect for visual storytelling.
• Custom workflows for editors, designers, and merchandisers.
• CDN-backed performance and easy Shopify integration.

 

3 Real-World Use Cases for Payload CMS

(Best for custom Node.js apps needing backend flexibility + content admin.)

1. Smart Home Device Brand — IoT Product CMS with API Control

Scenario:
An eCommerce brand selling smart thermostats, cameras, and lighting needs tight API control and data-driven UIs.

Why Payload?

• REST/GraphQL + local file access ideal for hybrid CMS/backend.
• Custom admin panel for managing device settings and firmware content.
• Easily extendable for real-time inventory and order sync.

2. Nutraceutical Brand — Complex Product Filtering & Headless Cart

Scenario:
Vitamin and supplement brand offers 1000+ SKUs with allergen tags, health goals, and region-specific labels.

Why Payload?

• Flexible schema modeling with JSON fields for deep product metadata.
• Headless cart integration via Stripe, Swell, or Medusa.
• Role-based access for warehouse team, content team, and doctors.

3. B2B Packaging Supplier — Custom Ordering Portal with CMS Backend

Scenario:
Supplies printed packaging with options for custom quotes and lead-gen forms.

Why Payload?

• Auth + access control enables client-specific ordering portals.
• Forms and content managed in same admin.
• Dev-first tooling for full extensibility and Git-based workflows.

 

3 Real-World Use Cases for Builder.io

(Best for design-led teams who want full visual control with headless integration.)

1. D2C Cosmetics Brand — Drag-and-Drop Landing Pages with A/B Testing

Scenario:
A cosmetics brand rapidly tests new offers and hero layouts for TikTok and Instagram campaigns.

Why Builder.io?

• Visual builder enables fast iteration without code.
• A/B testing and personalization built-in.
• Works with headless commerce stacks like Shopify Hydrogen or BigCommerce.

2. Furniture Marketplace — Visual Merchandising Across Collections

Scenario:
Online furniture aggregator wants to give each brand a custom storefront while maintaining unified backend.

Why Builder.io?

• Dynamic components and layout targeting by brand/vendor.
• Supports product fetching via APIs (Medusa, Commerce Layer, etc.).
• No-code experience for partners to update their own landing pages.

3. Pet Supplies Store — High-Speed, Visually-Rich Site with Headless Checkout

Scenario:
Pet brand needs a performance-optimized PWA with flexible layout editing and checkout.

Why Builder.io?

• Edge-rendered visual pages = lightning-fast UX.
• Shopify/Stripe/Medusa headless checkout integrations available.
• Powerful collaboration tools for designers and devs.

Final Thoughts

Directus → Best for industrial, medical, and backend-heavy e-commerce brands.

Strapi → Best for developer-first teams needing full control & self-hosting.

Sanity → Best for large-scale brands requiring structured content & real-time collaboration.

Contentful → Best for enterprise businesses needing high-security, multi-region capabilities.

Storyblok → Best for DTC brands with marketing-driven content workflows

Payload → Best for dev-heavy e-commerce needing custom logic, security, and full control.

Builder.io → Best for marketing-led e-commerce focused on speed, design, and easy content updates.

Book a Meeting Now

Summary

This article has attempted to illustrate that “best of” lists often lack rigor and should be taken with a grain of salt. Reviewing different headless CMS platforms is a significant task, and most lists are quickly crafted using arbitrary heuristics. This is no different.

We offer some ideas on how to shortlist below (see Appendix 1) and recommend always leaving space for a “wild card” — a newer entrant like Directus or Strapi, which focus on a narrower set of requirements but offer high flexibility and control.

So, while the insights here are valuable, take the rankings with a pinch of salt.

Appendix 1 — How to Shortlist Vendors?

So how can you narrow down the best Headless CMS for E-commerce?

It’s a challenging task — you’ve probably already spent time debating traditional (monolithic) CMS vs. modern (Composable) CMS, and now you need to evaluate different headless options.

Key Factors to Consider:

Market Leaders vs. Niche Solutions

• If you choose a market leader (e.g., Contentful, Sanity), be aware that pricing increases rapidly as API usage scales.
• Smaller entrants like Directus and Strapi offer more flexibility for brands needing custom setups.

Agency Recommendations

• Agencies often push certain CMS solutions because of partner incentives (many receive 10–15% commission from enterprise CMS providers).
• Always double-check if their recommendation truly aligns with your business needs.

G2 and Capterra Reviews

• Customer reviews from G2, Capterra, and Reddit can provide real user feedback on ease of use, scalability, and support.

New Entrants & Open-Source Options

• Platforms like Directus and Strapi are growing rapidly due to their developer-friendly, open-source flexibility.
• If your team wants full control over your CMS backend, these could be better long-term choices.

Best Tech Stack for Headless Commerce

When building a headless commerce solution, selecting the right tech stack is crucial for ensuring scalability, flexibility, and performance. Here’s a detailed look at the best tech stack components

Read this article for insights on the best headless e-commerce platforms.

Tracking and Analytics

• Google Analytics 4 (GA4): Provides comprehensive tracking and analytics for understanding user behavior and optimizing marketing strategies.
• Segment: A powerful tool for collecting, managing, and routing data to various analytics and marketing platforms.
• Mixpanel: Offers advanced analytics and user behavior tracking, helping businesses make data-driven decisions.

Advanced Analytics

• Metabase: An open-source platform for creating custom dashboards and visualizing data.
• Tableau: A robust analytics platform for in-depth data analysis and visualization.
• Power BI: Microsoft’s business analytics tool for creating interactive dashboards and reports.

Custom Dashboard Solutions

• Snowflake: A cloud-based data warehousing solution that provides scalable and secure data storage and analytics.
• Looker Studio: A tool for creating custom dashboards and visualizing data.
• Metabase: An open-source platform for custom dashboards and data visualization.

User Behavior Tracking

• Hotjar: Provides heatmaps, session recordings, and user feedback tools to understand user behavior.
• FullStory: Offers comprehensive session replay and user behavior analysis.
• Amplitude: Focuses on product analytics and user behavior tracking.

Fast Delivery and Caching

• Content Delivery Network (CDN): Services like Cloudflare, Akamai, or AWS CloudFront for fast content delivery.
• Caching Solutions: Tools like Redis or Varnish for improving performance and reducing load times.

A/B Testing and Optimization

• Optimizely: A leading platform for A/B testing and personalization.
• VWO (Visual Website Optimizer): Offers comprehensive A/B testing and optimization tools.
• Google Optimize: An integrated tool for A/B testing and personalization with Google Analytics.

User Search Queries

• Algolia: A powerful search engine that provides fast and relevant search results.
• Elasticsearch: An open-source search engine that offers advanced search capabilities.
• Typesense: A modern, open-source search engine that is easy to set up and use.

Customer Queries and Support

• Zendesk: A comprehensive customer service platform for managing customer queries.
• Intercom: A customer messaging platform that helps businesses engage and support customers.
• Freshdesk: A customer support software that offers robust ticketing and support features.

Payment Processing

• Stripe: A popular payment gateway that offers robust APIs and extensive features.
• PayPal: A widely used payment solution that supports multiple payment methods.
• Braintree: A payment gateway that provides flexible and secure payment processing.

These components form a robust tech stack for building a headless e-commerce solution, ensuring that your platform is scalable, flexible, and optimized for performance.

Our Recommendation: Why Directus and Strapi Are the Best Headless CMS Solutions

Directus and Strapi stand out as the best headless CMS solutions for e-commerce due to their open-source flexibility, scalability, and developer-friendly architecture. Unlike proprietary CMS solutions, these platforms offer full control over data, extensive customization, and seamless integrations with e-commerce ecosystems.

Open-Source Leadership

The world’s most advanced and widely adopted software solutions are open-source, proving that transparency, flexibility, and community-driven innovation drive technological progress.

Here are some examples of leading open-source projects that power global infrastructure:

1. Linux — Runs 96% of web servers, all top 500 supercomputers, and powers major tech companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon.
2. Docker — The industry standard for containerization, enabling scalable application deployment.
3. Kubernetes — The leading container orchestration platform, used for managing cloud-native applications at scale.
4. PostgreSQL & MySQL — Open-source databases powering enterprise applications for companies like Apple, Netflix, and Spotify.
5. Apache Kafka — The backbone of real-time data streaming, used by LinkedIn, Uber, and Twitter.
6. Git — The world’s most widely used version control system, enabling collaboration on software development.
7. TensorFlow & PyTorch — Open-source AI and machine learning frameworks, adopted by Google, Tesla, and OpenAI.

Just like these industry-defining technologies, Directus and Strapi offer enterprise-grade performance, security, and scalability, ensuring that businesses can own their content infrastructure without vendor lock-in.

Confused between Strapi CMS and Directus?

Read this dedicated article for a detailed comparison.

Future Trends in Headless CMS & Composable E-Commerce

AI-Powered Content Management & Personalization

• AI-driven tools like chatbots, automated tagging, and predictive content recommendations enhance engagement.

Decoupled Frontends & Developer Experience (DX)

• Headless CMS improves developer workflows by offering flexibility in front-end frameworks (Next.js, Nuxt.js, Remix, etc.).

Evolution of API-First Architectures

• Businesses are shifting towards GraphQL APIs for more efficient data fetching, improving CMS efficiency.

Major Companies Using Headless CMS in E-commerce

WALMART

To manage its vast product catalog efficiently, Walmart implemented Directus, a flexible, database-first CMS that optimized API performance and improved content accessibility. This enhanced workflow efficiency, enabling faster data retrieval and a more personalized shopping experience for millions of customers.

TOYOTA

Toyota adopted Strapi to centralize content management across its websites, apps, and IoT devices. With Strapi’s open-source flexibility, Toyota ensured seamless integration, rapid content deployment, and omnichannel consistency, strengthening its digital presence and customer engagement.

PUMA

For PUMA, maintaining brand consistency while enabling real-time collaboration was crucial. By leveraging Sanity, the brand optimized structured content management, improving efficiency across global marketing efforts and enhancing e-commerce performance in the competitive sportswear industry.

KFC

KFC turned to Contentful to power its digital menus, promotional campaigns, and localized content across different regions. With Contentful’s streamlined content management, KFC achieved faster updates, reduced operational costs, and a more engaging digital ordering experience.

STORYBLOK

To provide a seamless, localized experience across its franchises, Pizza Hut integrated Storyblok, enabling easy content creation and updates while maintaining global brand identity. This resulted in faster deployment, improved user experiences, and increased online orders, solidifying its position in the food delivery market.

When Will the Project Start Reaping Benefits?

We have determined the cost of implementing a headless CMS for e-commerce. Based on our experience, the projected payback period for transitioning to a headless CMS ranges from 3 to 5 months.

Consider the Following Scenario:

Step 1: Assumptions

Let’s assume:

• Your e-commerce brand generates $10,000,000 (10 million) in monthly revenue.
• Your net profit margin is 18%, meaning your monthly net profit is $1,800,000 (1.8 million).
• You are currently using a monolithic CMS like Adobe Experience Manager, paying $1,200,000 (1.2 million) annually (~$100,000 per month) in licensing and other fees.
• After migrating to a headless CMS like Directus or Strapi, your new cost is $60,000 (60k) annually (~$5,000 per month).
• Due to better performance, faster content management, and omnichannel consistency, your operational costs decrease by 35%.
• Your Conversion Rate (CVR) increases by 15% post-migration.

Step 2: Calculate the Overall Conversion Rate

• Mobile traffic: 70%, Desktop traffic: 30%.
• Current Conversion Rates: 3.5% for mobile, 5.5% for desktop.

(70%×3.5%)+(30%×5.5%)=4.2%(70\% \times 3.5\%) + (30\% \times 5.5\%) = 4.2\%(70%×3.5%)+(30%×5.5%)=4.2%

Step 3: Estimate the Potential Conversion Growth

After migrating to a headless CMS, conversion rates are projected to increase by 15% due to faster page loads, improved content personalization, and SEO optimization.

(70%×3.5%×1.15)+(30%×5.5%)=4.8%(70\% \times 3.5\% \times 1.15) + (30\% \times 5.5\%) = 4.8\%(70%×3.5%×1.15)+(30%×5.5%)=4.8%

Step 4: What Are the Results?

Your new overall conversion rate is 1.14x the current rate.

• Projected monthly revenue: $11,400,000 (11.4 million), an increase of $1,400,000 (1.4 million) per month.
• New monthly net profit: $2,052,000 (2.05 million), an increase of $252,000 (250k) per month.
• Annual profit increase: $3,024,000 (3 million).
• Operational cost savings (35% reduction): Assuming operational costs of $3,000,000 (3 million) per month, a 35% reduction saves $1,050,000 (1.05 million) per month or $12,600,000 (12.6 million) annually.

Total Additional Revenue and Savings After Migration:

• $252,000 (250k) extra monthly net profit
• $1,050,000 (1.05 million) saved in operational costs per month
• $95,000 (95k) saved in platform fees per month
• Total additional monthly savings and profit: $1,397,000 (1.4 million)
• Total additional annual savings and profit: $16,764,000 (16.7 million)

Payback Period Calculation

• Assuming a $150,000 (150k) CMS migration cost
• With additional profit and cost savings of approximately $1,400,000 (1.4 million) per month, the migration pays for itself in just 3 to 5 months.
• If revenue scales up further, the payback period could be even shorter.

Investing in a headless CMS should not only be about cost — it should also drive business value by improving agility, performance, and user engagement. Businesses must consider the ROI that a headless CMS provides over time.

Faster Time-to-Market

• Rapid product launches — A headless CMS allows brands to quickly deploy new products, campaigns, and regional stores without waiting for full-stack development.
• Marketing teams gain autonomy — Content editors can update websites and digital experiences without developer intervention.

Performance & SEO Benefits

• Headless CMS improves Core Web Vitals by reducing page load times with decoupled content delivery.
• Optimized metadata and structured content ensure better search engine indexing, boosting organic rankings.

Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)

• Personalized content delivery based on user behavior leads to higher engagement and increased conversion rates.
• Faster load times improve checkout completion rates, reducing cart abandonment.

Reducing Tech Debt Over Time

• Traditional monolithic CMS platforms require frequent rework and migrations, leading to technical debt.
• A modular, API-first CMS allows businesses to incrementally update and extend features without major redesigns.

Performance, Scalability, and Flexibility

How Headless CMS Impacts Website Speed

Decoupled architecture delivers content faster by separating the front-end from the back-end.
CDN and caching strategies optimize content delivery for global users, reducing latency and load times.

Managing High Traffic & Seasonal Spikes

Auto-scaling infrastructure ensures that traffic surges during sales or product launches don’t impact site performance.

Serverless CMS options dynamically allocate resources, keeping costs low during low-traffic periods.

Example: A DTC skincare brand running influencer marketing campaigns ensures its CMS can handle sudden traffic spikes without slowing down.

Security & Compliance Considerations

1. Data Privacy & Compliance Regulations

GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA-compliant solutions ensure that customer and patient data is protected.
Automated data retention policies prevent non-compliance issues.

2. Role-Based Access & Permissions

User permissions and access controls limit who can edit or publish sensitive content.
Multi-team collaboration allows marketers, developers, and compliance teams to work efficiently.

3. API Security & Data Encryption

End-to-end encryption for secure data transmission.
OAuth & SSO integrations for streamlined authentication and user management.

Example: A healthcare enterprise ensures that only HIPAA-compliant APIs are used for secure patient record management.

Summary

Transitioning to a headless CMS can significantly increase conversion rates, reduce operational costs, and improve content management efficiency. By investing in a headless CMS, you can expect substantial returns within 10 to 12 months, making it a worthwhile investment for any e-commerce business looking to scale content operations and enhance digital experiences.

About Us

We are Weframe Tech, a leading provider of open-source-based headless CMS and composable content solutions. Our mission is to empower businesses with scalable, flexible, and high-performance content management systems that drive growth and innovation.

Our Vision

To be the most trusted and innovative leader in open-source headless CMS and composable content technologies.

Why Work with Us?

• Expertise in Headless CMS Solutions: We specialize in Directus, Strapi, and other open-source headless CMS platforms, ensuring seamless content management for businesses of all sizes.
• Proven Results: We have helped brands managing over $100M in e-commerce revenue significantly cut costs — reducing TCO by over $1M annually by eliminating high licensing fees and improving operational efficiency.
• Optimized Content Performance: Our solutions have enabled businesses to increase content engagement rates by 20% while reducing time-to-market for updates by over 40%.
• Tailored Strategy & Implementation: We customize our solutions to fit your specific business requirements, whether it’s multi-language content, structured data management, or API-driven personalization.

Get in touch for a consultation on how to future-proof your content management strategy.

About the Author

Vipul Uthaiah is the COO and Founder of Weframe Tech, a global leader in open-source headless CMS and composable content solutions. With years of experience in scaling content-driven businesses, Vipul specializes in helping brands transition from traditional CMS models to API-first, headless architectures. He is passionate about open-source technologies, digital transformation, and building future-ready content ecosystems.