Headless CMS Development
Sri Lanka - Contentful, Strapi
Professional headless CMS solutions with Contentful, Strapi, Sanity. Omnichannel content, API-first, modern architecture. From LKR 100,000!
Why Headless CMS?
Omnichannel
One content source, deliver everywhere
Lightning Fast
API-first, static frontends, optimal performance
Future-Proof
Content independent of technology
Flexible
Contentful, Strapi, Sanity - best for you
Headless CMS Packages
CMS Basic
- 5 Content Types
- Contentful or Strapi
- Next.js Frontend
- 15 Pages
- Content Migration (50)
- Editor Training
- 1 Year Hosting
CMS Professional
- 15 Content Types
- GraphQL API
- 30 Pages
- Multilingual Support
- Migration (500 items)
- Search Integration
- Webhooks & ISR
- LIFETIME Hosting
CMS Premium
- Unlimited Content Types
- Omnichannel Delivery
- Website + Mobile App
- Advanced Workflows
- Enterprise Migration
- Custom Plugins
- 12 Months Support
FAQ
What is Headless CMS and why is it better?
Headless CMS is the modern approach to content management, separating content from presentation for unmatched flexibility and performance. Traditional CMS (WordPress, Joomla) problem: Content and design are tightly coupled (change one, might break the other), locked into specific frontend technology (WordPress = PHP templates), hard to use same content across multiple platforms (website, mobile app, smartwatch, kiosk all need different implementations), slower performance (server renders entire page every time), limited frontend design capabilities (constrained by CMS theming), security vulnerabilities (frontend and backend together = larger attack surface), scaling difficulties (entire CMS must scale together). Headless CMS solution: Content is stored in backend only (via API), frontend is completely separate (can be React, Next.js, mobile app, anything!), content delivered via API (RESTful or GraphQL), omnichannel content delivery (one content source, deliver to website, iOS app, Android app, smartwatch, Alexa, digital signage - anywhere!), faster performance (static frontend, content fetched via fast APIs), better security (backend is isolated, no public-facing CMS admin), easier scaling (scale frontend and backend independently), modern frontend capabilities (use latest React, animations, anything possible!), better developer experience (frontend developers use modern tools, content editors use friendly CMS interface). Why Headless CMS for Sri Lankan businesses: Future-proof content (content not tied to specific technology - CMS vendors evolve, your content persists!), omnichannel ready (today website, tomorrow mobile app, next year smartwatch - same content!), better performance (Next.js frontend + API content = lightning fast, ranks higher on Google!), content team empowered (non-technical team edits content easily via CMS interface while developers build amazing frontends), scalability (as business grows, easily expand to new channels without rebuilding content!), security (API-only access to content, admin panel can be completely private), cost-effective over time (build frontend once, reuse content everywhere), modern tech stack (React 19, Next.js 15, latest web technologies). Popular Headless CMS Platforms: Contentful (our top recommendation!) - cloud-based, enterprise-grade, excellent API, content modeling, media management, localization built-in, free tier available (50,000 records!), used by Spotify, Nike, Red Bull, LKR 0/month for small projects, LKR 20,000+/month for enterprise. Strapi (best for custom needs) - open-source, self-hosted (full control!), customizable admin panel, RESTful and GraphQL APIs, role-based access control, plugin ecosystem, 100% free (self-hosted), used by IBM, Walmart, LKR 0 licensing (just hosting costs!). Sanity (developer favorite) - real-time collaboration (multiple editors simultaneously!), customizable content studio, excellent media handling, GROQ query language (powerful!), portable text (rich content), free tier generous, used by Figma, Cloudflare, LKR 0-40,000/month. WordPress as Headless CMS (familiar interface) - use WordPress admin (content team already knows it!), Next.js or React frontend, REST API or WPGraphQL, leverage WordPress plugins for content, LKR 0 for WordPress (open source), good transition for WordPress users. Others: Directus (database-first), Ghost (blogging focus), Prismic (visual editing), Hygraph (GraphQL-native). Our Headless CMS Expertise: Building headless systems since 2020 (4+ years), delivered 80+ headless CMS projects, certified Contentful partners, Strapi experts (customization, plugins, hosting), Sanity implementation specialists, Next.js integration masters (perfect combo!), content modeling experts (structure content for flexibility), API optimization (fast content delivery), omnichannel implementations (website + app + more), multilingual content management, media asset management, migration from traditional CMS (WordPress to headless transitions), training for content teams. Real Performance Impact: Client switched from WordPress to Next.js + Contentful headless: Old WordPress site loaded in 3.8 seconds, new headless site loads in 0.7 seconds (5.4x faster!), PageSpeed score improved from 58 to 97, content editors update faster (Contentful interface vs WordPress clutter), launched mobile app reusing same content (saved LKR 500K!), SEO rankings improved (faster site + better structure), conversion rate increased 94% (speed matters!). From LKR 100,000 for headless CMS integration!
Headless CMS use cases and applications?
Headless CMS powers modern omnichannel experiences across industries. E-commerce Websites: Product content managed in headless CMS (descriptions, specs, pricing, images), Next.js storefront consumes via API (lightning-fast shopping experience), same product data feeds mobile app (iOS/Android shopping apps), content updates in one place (appears everywhere instantly!), category pages, product pages, blogs all CMS-managed, marketing team updates content without developer (empowered content team!), seasonal campaigns and promotions easy to manage, A/B testing different product descriptions, multilingual product catalogs (sell globally!). Example: Furniture store uses Contentful - product database in CMS, Next.js website, React Native mobile app, in-store kiosk displays, all pulling same product content via API. Marketing Websites: Homepage, landing pages, service pages all CMS-managed, content marketing team publishes blogs/articles without code, marketing campaigns launched quickly (no developer bottleneck!), media assets organized in CMS (photos, videos, PDFs), SEO metadata managed by marketing team, A/B testing different messaging, personalized content for user segments, form submissions captured, analytics integrated. Example: Real estate agency uses Strapi - property listings in CMS, agent profiles, blog, website + mobile app share content, agents update listings themselves. News and Media Platforms: Articles and news stories in headless CMS, editors publish to website, mobile apps, RSS feeds simultaneously, breaking news pushed to all channels instantly, rich media support (images, videos, galleries, infographics), author management and bylines, category and tag management, scheduled publishing (publish articles at optimal times!), content syndication to partners, advertising content managed, comments and engagement tracked. Example: News site uses Sanity - real-time collaboration (multiple journalists writing simultaneously!), publish to web + iOS app + Android app + Apple News + Google News from one CMS. Multi-brand Websites: One CMS, multiple brand websites (e.g., company with sub-brands), shared content library (reuse across brands), brand-specific customizations, centralized content governance (consistency!), efficient content team (manage all brands from one interface), cost savings (one CMS license, multiple outputs). Example: Hotel chain uses Contentful - 15 property websites, shared content templates, property-specific content, manage all from one CMS. Mobile Applications: Content for mobile apps managed in CMS (not hardcoded!), update app content without app store resubmission (in-app messages, articles, product info, promotions all update via API!), same backend for iOS and Android, content team updates app content directly, push notifications content managed, onboarding flows editable, feature flags managed. Example: Banking app uses headless CMS - product information, interest rates, branch locations, FAQs all CMS-managed, update instantly without app release. Multilingual/International Sites: Content in multiple languages (English, Sinhala, Tamil for Sri Lanka), translation workflows built-in, content variants per region, localized media assets, locale-specific SEO metadata, launch new markets quickly (add new language). Example: E-commerce site uses Contentful localization - product descriptions in 3 languages, manage translations workflow, launch Tamil version without code changes. Corporate Intranets and Portals: Internal company information managed in CMS, employee directories, policies and procedures, announcements and news, resource libraries, department microsites, content governance for compliance, role-based content access. Example: Large company uses Strapi - employee portal, HR policies, training materials, all departments manage own content. Digital Signage and IoT: Content for digital displays managed in CMS (restaurant menus, airport information, retail displays), update remotely from anywhere, schedule content changes, different content per location, same CMS powers website and signage. Example: Restaurant chain uses headless CMS - menu boards in stores, website menu, mobile app menu all sync from one content source. Education Platforms: Course content and curriculum in CMS, learning materials, student resources, faculty profiles, event calendars, multi-campus content management, student portals, parent portals. Example: University uses headless CMS - course catalog, faculty research, news, website + student app + parent portal all from one CMS. Technology Benefits: Content modeling flexibility (structure content your way, not constrained by CMS!), version control (see content history, roll back changes), workflows and approvals (content review before publishing), scheduled publishing (publish articles in future automatically), webhooks (trigger actions when content changes - rebuild site, send notifications, update search index), content preview (see before publishing), draft and published states, asset management (organized media library), powerful search (find content quickly), APIs (RESTful, GraphQL - flexible data fetching), SDKs for all languages (JavaScript, Python, Go, PHP - integrate anywhere). From LKR 100,000 for headless CMS solutions!
How does headless CMS work technically?
Understanding headless CMS architecture helps you leverage its power. Traditional CMS Architecture (WordPress, Drupal): Database stores content, CMS backend for editing (admin panel), frontend templates built-in (PHP, Twig, etc.), server-side rendering (every page request processed by server), one application does everything (content editing, storage, rendering, delivery), tightly coupled (change one part, affects others). Headless CMS Architecture (Modern Approach): Content Repository - headless CMS (Contentful, Strapi, Sanity) stores all content, content modeling (define content types, fields, relationships), media asset management (images, videos, files organized), API layer (RESTful or GraphQL endpoints), admin interface for content editors (user-friendly). API Layer - content delivered via HTTP APIs (RESTful or GraphQL), authentication and authorization (secure API access), rate limiting (prevent abuse), caching (fast content delivery), webhooks (notify when content changes). Frontend Application(s) - completely separate from CMS (Next.js, React, React Native, anything!), fetches content via API calls, renders content beautifully (modern design, animations, interactions), can be multiple frontends (website, iOS app, Android app all using same API!), statically generated or server-rendered (optimized for performance and SEO). Example Data Flow: Content editor logs into Contentful, creates new blog post, clicks 'Publish', Contentful stores in database and makes available via API, webhook triggers (notifies Next.js site), Next.js fetches latest content via API, Next.js rebuilds static page (or ISR updates), user visits website and sees new blog post (lightning-fast static page!). Content Modeling in Headless CMS: Define content types - e.g., 'Blog Post' content type with fields (title: text, author: reference to Author, publish date: date-time, featured image: media, body: rich text, categories: multi-reference, SEO metadata: object). Relationships between content - Blog Post references Author, Author has multiple Blog Posts, Categories have multiple Blog Posts, reusable content (author bio written once, appears in all their posts!). Structured content (not just blob of HTML!) - each field is separate (title, body, image), query specific fields via API (fetch only what you need - saves bandwidth!), repurpose content easily (show title + excerpt on listing, full content on detail page). API Options: RESTful API - familiar REST endpoints (GET /api/posts, GET /api/posts/123, POST /api/posts), simple to use, well understood, sometimes requires multiple requests (get post, then get author, then get categories), can over-fetch data (get entire post when only need title). GraphQL API - query exactly what you need (no over-fetching!), get related data in one request (post + author + categories in single query!), strongly typed (know exactly what data available), growing popularity, requires learning GraphQL query language. Example GraphQL Query: query { post(id: '123') { title, publishDate, author { name, bio, photo }, categories { name }, body, seo { title, description } } } - one query gets everything needed! Headless CMS + Next.js Integration Patterns: Static Site Generation (SSG) - build time: fetch all content from CMS via API, generate static HTML for every page, deploy static files (extremely fast!), on content change: webhook triggers rebuild, new static pages deployed, best for: content that doesn't change frequently (blogs, marketing pages, documentation). Incremental Static Regeneration (ISR) - build time: generate most important pages statically, on demand: generate other pages on first request, then cache, revalidation: rebuild pages on schedule (e.g., every hour), on content change: webhook triggers revalidation of specific pages, best for: large content sites (don't want to rebuild 10,000 pages on every content change!). Server-Side Rendering (SSR) - every request: fetch latest content from CMS API, render page on server, send HTML to browser, always fresh content, slower than static (but still fast!), best for: frequently changing content (stock prices, real-time inventory, personalized content). Client-Side Fetching - page loads: static HTML with loading skeleton, JavaScript fetches content from API, updates page with content, good for user-specific content, SEO considerations (content not in initial HTML). Our Typical Stack: Next.js 15 frontend (App Router, React Server Components), Contentful or Strapi headless CMS, TypeScript (type-safe content), Tailwind CSS (styling), Vercel deployment (automatic previews, webhooks), ISR for optimal performance (fast + fresh content!). Content Delivery Network (CDN): API responses cached globally (content served from nearest location to user), reduces load on CMS (not hitting CMS database every request!), extremely fast content delivery (edge caching), cost savings (fewer API calls to CMS). Webhooks for Real-time Updates: Content published in CMS triggers webhook, Next.js receives webhook (revalidate specific page or rebuild), user sees updated content immediately, no manual build needed. Security: CMS admin panel isolated (can be completely private, different domain), API authentication (only authorized apps can fetch content), CORS configuration (prevent unauthorized websites from using your content), rate limiting (prevent API abuse), content preview (secure preview links before publishing), role-based permissions (editors can't access API keys, developers can't delete content). From LKR 100,000 for headless CMS development!
Headless CMS development timeline?
Professional headless CMS implementation from planning to launch. Timeline: 6-10 weeks typical. Week 1-2 Discovery and Content Strategy: content audit (inventory existing content if migrating), identify content types needed (products, blog posts, authors, categories, etc.), content modeling workshop (structure content for flexibility and reuse), define content relationships (what connects to what), plan content workflows (who creates, reviews, approves, publishes), select headless CMS platform (Contentful vs Strapi vs Sanity - based on needs and budget), API strategy (RESTful vs GraphQL), content migration plan (if moving from existing CMS), training needs assessment (who will use CMS, what training needed), integration requirements (email, analytics, search, etc.). Week 2-3 CMS Setup and Content Modeling: headless CMS account setup and configuration, content type definitions in CMS (create content models), field definitions and validations (title required, max length, etc.), content relationships (references between content types), media library setup (folder structure, naming conventions), localization setup if needed (multilingual content), user roles and permissions (who can edit what), API keys and security configuration, webhook configuration (notify frontend of changes), preview environment setup (see content before publishing), content entry templates (help editors create consistent content). Week 3-6 Frontend Development: Next.js or React app setup with TypeScript, CMS SDK integration (JavaScript library to fetch content), API integration (connect to CMS APIs), content fetching logic (query content efficiently), component development (render content beautifully), image optimization (CMS images optimized for web), rich text rendering (format CMS content), SEO optimization (meta tags from CMS content), preview mode (editors preview before publishing), ISR or SSR implementation (optimal content freshness), search implementation if needed (Algolia, Elasticsearch), error handling (graceful failures if CMS down), loading states (skeleton screens while fetching). Week 6-8 Content Migration and Testing: migrate existing content to new CMS (if applicable), content transformation (old format to new content models), image migration and optimization, test all content types (create, edit, delete, publish), test content relationships, test multilingual content if applicable, preview functionality testing, webhook testing (trigger rebuilds correctly), performance testing (page load times, API response times), SEO testing (metadata correct, structured data), cross-browser testing, mobile testing, content editor UAT (user acceptance testing - real editors try CMS). Week 8-9 Training and Documentation: content editor training (how to use CMS interface, create content, publish, manage media, use workflows), admin training (user management, content modeling, API keys), developer documentation (content models, API usage, deployment), content guidelines (writing style, image specs, SEO best practices), troubleshooting guide (common issues, how to fix), video tutorials (screen recordings for future reference). Week 9-10 Launch and Optimization: staging environment final testing, content review (ensure quality), production deployment (go live!), DNS and domain configuration, CDN setup (global content delivery), monitoring setup (error tracking, performance), analytics implementation (track content performance), gather editor feedback (improve workflows), performance optimization (based on real usage), SEO monitoring (Google Search Console), content velocity tracking (how fast editors create content), API usage monitoring (stay within CMS limits). Post-Launch Support (Included): content editor support (help with CMS usage), bug fixes (technical issues), performance monitoring, security updates, CMS platform updates, content model adjustments (add fields, new content types), API optimization, scaling assistance. Migration from Traditional CMS (Additional Time): Content migration can add 2-4 weeks for large sites. Assessment of existing content (WordPress posts, pages, custom fields), export content from old CMS (XML, database dumps), content transformation (map old structure to new content models), clean up content (remove old, outdated, irrelevant), test migrations (verify content integrity), redirect planning (old URLs to new), progressive migration (migrate in phases, minimize downtime). Rush Options: 4-week basic headless CMS implementation possible for simple sites (additional 30% cost), focuses on core content types and basic features, complex migrations need proper timeline (don't rush content quality!). Development Methodology: Agile sprints (2-week iterations), weekly content modeling sessions (refine as we learn!), bi-weekly demos (see CMS and frontend progress), collaborative approach (developers + content team working together), content-first thinking (structure for flexibility, not current website only!). From LKR 100,000 for headless CMS development!
Headless CMS pricing and platform comparison?
Transparent headless CMS development and platform costs. Development Pricing: Headless CMS Basic - LKR 100,000: Simple content modeling (up to 5 content types - e.g., Blog Post, Author, Category, Page, Media), Contentful or Strapi integration, Next.js frontend (up to 15 pages), basic API integration (RESTful), content migration (up to 50 items), rich text rendering, image optimization, SEO metadata, preview mode, editor training (2 hours), documentation, 3 months support, 1 year hosting. Perfect for: blogs, small business sites, portfolios with blog, simple content sites. Headless CMS Professional - LKR 180,000 (Popular!): Advanced content modeling (up to 15 content types with complex relationships), Contentful, Strapi, or Sanity integration, Next.js frontend (up to 30 pages), GraphQL API (if available for chosen CMS), content migration (up to 500 items), multilingual content support, advanced rich text (custom components, embeds), workflow and preview, search integration (Algolia), media asset management, webhooks and automated rebuilds, ISR implementation (optimal performance), content editor training (4 hours), admin training, comprehensive documentation, 6 months support, LIFETIME hosting. Perfect for: e-commerce content, news/media sites, multi-brand sites, content-heavy websites, marketing sites, corporate sites. Headless CMS Premium - LKR 320,000+: Enterprise content modeling (unlimited content types, complex relationships, content inheritance), any headless CMS (Contentful, Strapi, Sanity, or custom), omnichannel delivery (website + mobile app + other), custom CMS workflows and permissions, advanced migrations (10,000+ items, multiple sources), multilingual with translation workflows, custom content type plugins (Strapi), real-time collaboration features, advanced search (Elasticsearch, faceted search), personalization engine (show relevant content per user), A/B testing integration, custom admin panel features, CDN and caching optimization, high-availability setup, security hardening, 12 months support, dedicated account manager. Perfect for: enterprise websites, multi-site networks, international brands, complex publishing workflows, high-traffic sites. Platform Costs (Separate from Development): Contentful: Free tier - 50,000 content records, 1M API calls/month, 3 locales, perfect for small/medium sites, LKR 0/month! Team tier - 200,000 records, 5M API calls, 5 locales, LKR 20,000/month (~$65). Premium tier - custom pricing, enterprise features, LKR 100,000+/month. Our recommendation: Most Sri Lankan businesses fit in free tier! Scale to paid as you grow. Strapi (Open Source): Self-hosted - 100% free software!, you pay only for hosting (LKR 5,000-15,000/month for VPS), unlimited everything (content, users, API calls), full control and customization. Strapi Cloud - managed hosting by Strapi, LKR 0-30,000/month depending on usage, easier than self-hosting. Our recommendation: Self-hosted Strapi on our servers (included in LIFETIME hosting packages!) - best value! Sanity: Free tier - generous limits, 3 users, perfect for small projects, LKR 0/month. Growth tier - $99/month (~LKR 30,000), more users and usage, most businesses need this. Our recommendation: Great for collaborative teams, real-time editing. WordPress Headless: WordPress.org (self-hosted) - LKR 0 for software, hosting included in our packages, familiar interface for content teams. Our recommendation: Good transition for existing WordPress users, but purpose-built headless CMS better long-term. Total Cost of Ownership (5 Years): Traditional WordPress site: Development LKR 100,000, hosting LKR 15,000/year (LKR 75,000 over 5 years), maintenance LKR 120,000/year (LKR 600,000 over 5 years), security issues and downtime costs, difficult to expand to mobile app (need separate development LKR 300,000+), total ~LKR 1,075,000+. Headless CMS (Next.js + Strapi): Development LKR 180,000, Strapi self-hosted (included in LIFETIME hosting!), Next.js hosting LKR 0 (Vercel free tier for most sites), maintenance LKR 60,000/year (LKR 300,000 over 5 years) - less maintenance, fewer issues, mobile app reuses content (save LKR 200,000 on content backend!), total ~LKR 480,000, savings: LKR 595,000 over 5 years! Plus: faster performance, better SEO, omnichannel ready, modern tech stack. Add-on Services: Content migration (large sites 1,000+ items) - LKR 40,000-100,000, custom content type plugins (Strapi) - LKR 30,000 each, advanced search (Algolia, Elasticsearch) - LKR 50,000 setup + platform costs, personalization engine - LKR 80,000, mobile app development (using same CMS content) - LKR 200,000+, monthly maintenance - LKR 20,000-35,000/month (CMS management, content modeling updates, performance monitoring, scaling), content team training workshops - LKR 25,000 per session. Payment Terms: 40% project start, 40% when CMS setup complete (you can start entering content!), 20% before frontend launch, flexible for established businesses. Why Invest in Headless CMS: Future-proof (content separated from presentation, technology changes don't affect content!), omnichannel (one content source for website, apps, kiosk, anything!), better performance (static frontends, fast APIs), enhanced security (isolated backend), empowered content team (user-friendly CMS interfaces), developer flexibility (use modern frameworks, not locked in), scalability (handle growth easily), competitive advantage (faster, better UX than competitors), lower long-term costs (efficient, less maintenance). Platform Selection Help: We'll help you choose the right headless CMS based on: budget, technical requirements, content team skills, scalability needs, multilingual requirements, integration needs, hosting preferences (cloud vs self-hosted). Free consultation to determine best headless CMS for your needs! Call +94 76 688 1010 or WhatsApp. From LKR 100,000 for headless CMS development!
Modern Content Management
Expert headless CMS from LKR 100,000. Contentful, Strapi, Sanity. Omnichannel, API-first, future-proof!