Publishers and content-heavy brands
Teams with thousands of articles and slow, crowded page templates. You get a headless CMS with defined content models and editor roles, plus pre-rendered pages that load quickly.
Headless / Jamstack development
For content-heavy brands and multi-channel teams that need fast pages and an editing workflow they control. We build separate CMS and front-end systems linked by APIs.
- Headless CMS setup with editor roles and content models
- Jamstack front ends with pre-rendered, fast-loading pages
- API integrations for forms, search, analytics and commerce
Quick answer
Headless / Jamstack development is a way of building a website in which the content system, the front end and other services run separately and connect through APIs. Pages are often pre-built and served as static files. Pugmarks Media builds these sites for content-heavy brands, online stores and teams that reuse content across channels.
01Overview
What is headless / Jamstack development?
Headless / Jamstack development is a method of building websites where the content system, the visual front end and supporting services are separate parts that talk to each other through APIs (application programming interfaces, which are agreed ways for software to exchange data). Editors manage content in one tool, and a separate front end displays it.
"Headless" refers to removing the "head", the part of a CMS that draws pages, and keeping only the content store. "Jamstack" describes a common way to build the front end: JavaScript, APIs and pre-built pages that are served from a content delivery network (CDN), a set of servers placed close to visitors.
Here is a concrete example. A publisher keeps articles, authors and categories in a headless CMS. A front end built with a JavaScript framework fetches that content, builds each page ahead of time and serves it as a fast static file. When an editor hits publish, the affected pages are rebuilt.
The same content can also feed a mobile app or a second website without being copied by hand. Search, forms and checkout can be added as separate services connected through APIs.
The trade-off is more moving parts than a single WordPress theme setup. You manage a CMS, a front end and hosting as distinct pieces, so the approach suits teams with enough content, traffic or channels to justify it. Our web development team can help you judge whether it fits.
02Fit
Who headless / Jamstack development is for
Online stores outgrowing their theme
Retailers whose storefront theme limits layout, speed or merchandising. You get a custom front end connected to your commerce platform through APIs, with the catalog and checkout kept where they are.
Multi-channel marketing teams
Teams publishing the same content to a website, an app and other screens. You get one content store that feeds each channel through APIs, so editors update content once.
Multi-region and multilingual businesses
Companies running several languages or regional sites from separate installs. You get a shared content model with locale fields, so regional editors work in one system with their own roles.
Teams replatforming a legacy CMS
Businesses stuck on an ageing monolithic CMS where every change needs a developer. You get a migration plan, a new editing workflow and a front end your developers can change without touching the CMS.
03Scope
What's included
- Headless CMS setupWe configure a headless CMS with content models, editor roles and approval flow. Editors at publishers and marketing teams manage content without touching code.
- Content modelingWe define fields and relationships for pages, posts and products, then review sample entries with your editors, so content can be reused across the website, apps and other channels.
- Jamstack front endWe build statically generated or server-rendered pages in a modern JavaScript framework, served from a CDN. Teams with slow, template-heavy sites gain a faster, more controllable front end.
- API integrationsWe connect forms, search, analytics and commerce services through APIs. Online stores can keep their existing catalog and checkout while gaining a custom storefront.
- Reusable design componentsWe design page layouts and reusable components that your team approves before build. Marketers can assemble new pages from approved blocks instead of requesting new templates.
- SEO-ready structureOur SEO specialists review URLs, metadata, redirects and rendering during the build, so a move to a headless site does not undo the search visibility you already have.
04Process
How our headless / Jamstack development works
6 steps. You always know what's next.
The same path for every engagement.
1About 1 week (estimate)
Run discovery and site audit
We hold a discovery call and audit your current site, content and integrations. You provide goals, access to existing systems and sample content. You receive a written scope covering content types, templates and services to connect.
21-2 weeks (estimate)
Plan the architecture
We choose the headless CMS, front-end framework, hosting and API map, and explain the trade-offs. You review and approve the plan before any build work starts. You receive a written architecture document.
31-2 weeks (estimate)
Model the content
We define fields and relationships for pages, posts and products, then test them with sample entries. You provide your editors' feedback. You receive a content model and editor roles ready for the CMS.
42-3 weeks (estimate)
Design templates and components
We design page layouts and reusable components that match the content model. You review and approve designs before development. You receive a template set covering each page type on the site.
52-6 weeks (estimate)
Build front end and integrations
We build statically generated or server-rendered pages and connect them to the CMS by API, along with forms, search, analytics or commerce. You receive a staging site to test.
61-2 weeks (estimate)
Test, launch and hand over
We check speed, content previews, redirects and integrations on staging, then launch on your approved plan. You provide final sign-off. You receive editor training and documentation, then monthly reporting.
05Deliverables
What you get
| Deliverable | What it is | Cadence | Starts in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery and site audit | Review of current site, content and integrations | One-time | Week 1 |
| Written scope | Content types, templates and services to connect | One-time | End of discovery |
| Architecture document | Chosen CMS, framework, hosting and API map | One-time | After scope approval |
| Content models | Fields and relationships for pages, posts and products | One-time | After architecture approval |
| Headless CMS setup | Editor roles, approval flow and content models in place | One-time | After content modeling |
| Jamstack front end | Pre-rendered or server-rendered pages served from a CDN | One-time, with revisions | After plan approval |
| API integrations | Connections for forms, search, analytics and commerce | One-time | Alongside front-end build |
| Editor handover | Walkthrough of the CMS for your editorial team | One-time | Before launch |
| Progress report | Written update on work done and next steps | Monthly | First month of work |
06Compare
Headless / Jamstack development: in-house team, agency or Pugmarks Media
Swipe to compare →
| Criteria | In-house | Typical agency | Pugmarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to start | Depends on hiring and onboarding | Depends on sales and team availability | Discovery call and site audit first, then an agreed plan |
| Specialization | Strong knowledge of your product; framework skills vary | Broad skills across many project types | Web development and SEO in one team, 25+ SEO specialists |
| Reporting | Internal updates, format set by your team | Varies by contract | Monthly reporting |
| Cost model | Salaries, tools and hiring overhead | Project fee or retainer, varies by agency | Scoped to templates, content types and integrations; see pricing page |
| Risk | Key-person dependency if specialists leave | Quality depends on the team assigned | Plan approved by you before any changes go live |
| Flexibility | High control, limited by headcount | Often limited by contract scope | Scope adjusted at plan stage; ongoing support can be discussed |
07Cost
What does headless / Jamstack development cost?
The cost of headless / Jamstack development depends on scope: the number of templates and content types, the services to connect through APIs, how many locations or languages the site covers, and how much custom front-end work your market demands. Projects are priced per project, with no ongoing term. For a quote, share your current site and goals through our contact page, or see how we structure fees on the pricing page.
Package prices are published so you can compare before you call.
See all packages11Years in business
08Proof
Results for clients like you
Only results our clients have approved for publication. No made-up logos or numbers.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question?
Ask us directly. We reply with honest next steps, even if that means we're not the right fit.
Ask our teamIs headless CMS better than WordPress?
Neither is better in every case. A headless CMS suits teams that publish to several channels or need a custom, fast front end. WordPress suits simpler sites that need quick setup and many ready-made plugins. The right choice depends on your content volume, team skills and how many places the content must appear.
How long does a headless website take to build?
Most headless builds take longer than a theme-based site because the CMS, front end and integrations are built separately. Timing depends on the number of templates, content types and connected services. We give estimates after the discovery call and site audit, and agree them in writing before build work starts.
How much does headless development cost?
Cost depends on scope: templates, content types, integrations, languages or locations, and how much custom front-end work is needed. Projects are priced per project with no ongoing term. For a quote, share your current site and goals through our contact page or review the pricing page.
Is Jamstack good for SEO?
Jamstack can support SEO because pre-built pages load quickly and are easy for search engines to crawl. Speed alone does not decide rankings, though. Titles, structured content, internal links and redirects still need planning, and results are not guaranteed. Our team handles web development and SEO together, so these points are covered during the build.
Can I keep my existing online store and go headless?
Yes, in most cases. A headless front end can connect to your current commerce platform through APIs, so the catalog and checkout stay where they are. Compatibility depends on the platform's API. We check this during discovery. See our Shopify development agency page for store-specific work.
Who owns the code after a headless project?
You own the code we write once the project is paid in full. At handover you receive the source code and repository access. Open-source libraries used in the build stay under their own licences, so those terms continue to apply to those components.
Is headless development right for a small business site?
Often not. A small brochure site with few pages and one editor is usually simpler and cheaper to run on a standard CMS. Headless fits when you have large content volumes, several channels, or a storefront limited by its theme. We can tell you honestly after reviewing your site.
Can we start with a small pilot before committing?
Yes. A pilot is a short, fixed-scope project that shows how we work before a longer engagement. Scope, deliverables and timeline are agreed in writing up front, and there is no obligation to continue afterward. Contact us to discuss what a pilot could cover for your site.
09Keep reading
Related services and guides
Our headless work sits alongside [[link:/services/web-development/laravel|Laravel development]], [[link:/services/web-development/magento|Magento development]] and Shopify development agency, plus our [[link:/blog/web-development|web development articles]] for comparing platforms.
Services
Guides
Proof
- Case studies
- Web design & development portfolio
- Client reviews
- Pricing
Free resource
The SEO checklist
The checks we run first on every site, as a one-page list.
Get the checklistGet in touch
Talk to our team about your headless build
We start with a discovery call and site audit, then agree a plan with you before any changes go live.
