Mayank Patel
Nov 30, 2023
6 min read
Last updated Jan 9, 2024
Technology has enabled developers to build complex software products in effective ways. User experience is the central goal of any application. And why not? They are the ones going to use the services.
Taking the context of online shopping, we all love to shop online. It's so easy to order anything online from the comfort of our homes with just a few clicks.
It’s a hit of dopamine for our brains every time we click that “Buy Now” button on eCommerce applications like Amazon, Flipkart, and similar other platforms.
Sure, the user experience is great.
Looking at it from a developer’s perspective allows us to see the engineering that goes into making such platforms.
The architecture of an eCommerce application serves as the backbone of the entire platform. Headless CMS is one of the approaches to architect the same.
The core principle of Headless CMS allows developers to implement functionalities with flexibility. Making it a bit less abstract, Headless CMS allows for separating concerns for the backend or the servers and the frontend.
Everyone talks about the user experience or the customer experience. Luckily for developers, headless CMS also takes care of the developer experience along with the users.
As a leading software development company, Linearloop advocates for the user as well as the developer experience. We know the complexities and challenges in developing great solutions and products. eCommerce is a very lucrative and effective way to sell online.
Using a headless CMS is one of the best ways to get up and running without sacrificing reliability. Additionally, it adds to a better developer experience with scale.
In this post, we will walk you through a holistic overview of Headless CMS for eCommerce with the following topics.
Headless CMS is exactly what it sounds like. It is a backend-only setup that uses an API-first approach. The head is the frontend part. This is where the developers can use a frontend framework of their choice.
Headless means there is no frontend to it. All the server logic is already pre-defined and available to use with a frontend of our choice.
For example, the frontend can based on React, Angular, Vue, or something else. There are no limits to it. It can be frameworks like Next.js, Nuxt.js, and similar others. Note that these are some of the most popular JavaScript libraries in the software world.
These frontend libraries (or frameworks) or “Head” get all the data through the APIs. And this pre-assembled data and logic from the backend.
Now the backend is where most of the magic happens.
The CMS or the content management system is the data store. This data store has already the schema, data models, security features, scalability features, and all the things ready to be served through the API endpoints. They usually follow the RESTful or GraphQL approach and protocols for data transfers.
This indeed does all the heavy lifting for the application. Since developers don’t have to write every piece of code for the servers, they can put all their effort into consuming the data and using it across various devices or platforms or channels taking care of the frontend part.
This approach is very effective in the eCommerce domain.
Since there are so many common workflows in eCommerce software like inventory management, product lists, categories, discounts, shipping methods, and similar things, the developer experience is just so much better.
Popular platforms that provide Headless CMS for eCommerce include Contentful, Storyblok, Sanity, and Prismic.
As per the explanation above, below is the general architecture of a Headless CMS
The gist of headless CMS has already been explained in the previous section of the post. Now go through some points that make headless CMS a go-to approach for developers:
Since there are so many types of developers out there preferring one frontend library or framework over the other, headless CMS provides them this flexibility. They can choose frontend of their choice like React, Angular, or Vue to build the eCommerce platform the way they want.
Considering there are so many devices and ways to sell products online, developers don't have to worry too much about the server or the data part. The data is already provided through the APIs. Much of the heavy lifting is done by the servers.
This also enables them to use this data and create layouts for many different platforms and devices. For example, the same data can be used to develop a desktop app, a native mobile app, a POS (Point of Sale), or any other platform.
eCommerce deals with actual money. While things are sold online, there are just so many transactions happening through it. Building servers in-house for eCommerce purposes and ensuring security for them can be an issue. Risks such as cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injections, DDoS attacks, and data breaches can put a huge dent if not properly taken care of.
Other security features like authentication methods, HTTPS, CORS policy, rate-limiting, SSL encryption protocols, and similar features can be cumbersome to implement from scratch. Since all these are pre-handled by the CMS, developers can focus on implementing frontend business logic rather than worrying about the server-side logic for handling data.
eCommerce focuses on selling to the masses. Scalability can be a huge factor in determining the fate of a business. Headless CMS offers just that. Since the frontend and the backend are decoupled from each other, both parts can be adjusted as per the requirements.
Developers can easily utilize the pre-built features to adjust the software according to traffic or needs. It can be scaled up or scaled down. Since most of such platforms are cloud-based, this pushes for handling high user traffic without hassles and optimized costs
Since we already have data coming through the APIs from the Headless CMS, the frontend frameworks can use many techniques like code splitting, lazy loading, and caching to make the application more performant.
Frontend frameworks like Next.js and Nuxt.js love this approach and are built on top of these features. Developers heavily rely on these features for maximum performance.
Headless CMS uses a decoupled approach making the data re-usable consistently across many platforms. All the data relationships are pre-defined and available through the API calls, there are no limits to how they can be utilized.
For example, the same central data repository can be used for web apps, mobile apps, or even social media eCommerce channels. All developers need to do is define relationships of content and use those in the way they want.
The decoupling of the frontend and the backend also allows for better resource allocation as per the requirements. Managing also becomes easy with Headless CMS.
This also allows developers to use tools, languages, and frameworks of their choice. This increases the productivity of developers since there are fewer constraints or rigid requirements that can be project-specific.
Headless CMS allows the mix and match of the technology and features as per the needs. Once they are selected and integrated as per the requirements, they can be customized in many ways.
Additionally, tools like analytics, dashboards, and monitoring features are also available in most modern Headless CMS. This reduces the additional overhead of implementing such tools from scratch.
Headless CMSs are being used by so many tech giants. eCommerce can be very resource-intensive when it comes to operations. The technology stack is also very difficult to set up on our own since there are so many that go into putting them together.
Companies like IKEA, Nike, Puma, and many more use them for their eCommerce purposes. This also helps developers and companies rely on headless CMS for enterprise-level projects.
In this section, we will go through some of the most popular headless CMS platforms for eCommerce. It must be noted that they are highly customizable and they have many use cases.
We will also see some related companies and frameworks powered by them:
Contentful is a very popular cloud-based Headless CMS platform. It can help you make online content management very flexible.
Some features of the Contentful Headless CMS include:
Strapi is another great tool for Headless CMS platforms. It is open-sourced and has excellent community support. It is very popular with technical bloggers. As of November 2023, it has around 57.4K GitHub stars.
Some features of Strapi include:
Prismic is also a popular Headless CMS platform that supports a variety of programming languages. It is also used by tech heavyweights such as Netflix and Google.
Some features of Prismic include:
Sanity is another excellent choice in Headless CMS cloud platforms. It is highly customizable and is widely used by mega corporations across the globe.
Some features of Sanity include:
Storyblok is an enterprise-level headless CMS platform with immense capabilities.
Some features of Storyblok include:
In this post, we took a holistic approach to present Headless CMS for eCommerce, especially for developers. Because, Why not? Just like the user experience, developer experience is equally important.
Linearloop believes that software development is a wholesome effort. Yes, user experience has to be the core ingredient in a product. Headless CMS provides ways to not only build some very successful eCommerce products but also help developers improve productivity by providing many tools of their choice and preferences. And this indeed, is the mantra of why developers love to work with Headless CMS for eCommerce as do we.
Thanks for sticking to the end. See you again soon with more of such great content.
Happy Coding 😊!
E-commerce Sales Funnel Audit
You have built an impressive e-commerce site, stocked with products that should be flying off the virtual shelves. You’ve got a sleek design, catchy product descriptions, and a fast-loading site, but somehow, visitors aren’t converting like you expected. Where are they falling off?
An e-commerce sales funnel audit might be your golden ticket. Think of it as a health checkup for your funnel. It dives deep into each step of your customer’s journey—from the moment they click your ad to that final “Place Order” button.
By understanding exactly where customers are dropping off, you can make precise adjustments that turn browsers into buyers, building a seamless path to purchase that keeps them coming back.
This extensive blog embarks on an exploration of pivotal stages within the sales funnel at the time of eCommerce app development, the profound significance of conducting routine audits, coupled with practical tactics to refine your funnel for superior effectiveness.
The eCommerce funnel template illustrates the journey a shopper takes, from initial awareness to final purchase. Each stage is critical, guiding potential customers to make informed decisions.
An E-commerce Sales Funnel Audit helps businesses identify inefficiencies and improve customer satisfaction at every stage of the funnel.
When embarking on an audit, zeroing in on specific e-commerce funnel metrics proves vital for grasping overall performance and pinpointing areas primed for enhancement.
Also Read: Custom E-commerce Software Development: Key Features + Costs
Employing a checklist can usher in efficiency during your audit:
Embarking on an audit systematically is crucial to gaining insights that can drive practical improvements.
Common setbacks consist of:
Also Read: Best Enterprise eCommerce Solution in 2024
Once you’ve uncovered issues through the evaluation process, the subsequent step involves enacting transformations rooted in actionable insights obtained during the analysis.
Collaborating with a Top CRO Agency in India equips you with expert insights tailored to enhance your sales funnel grounded in established industry norms and analytical strategies. Such agencies proffer customized solutions that resonate with your specific business objectives, harnessing sophisticated analytical tools to glean profound insights into user behaviors.
Upon finalizing your audit and highlighting crucial areas requiring enhancement, it becomes vital to undertake actionable measures referencing these insights.
A successful sales funnel demands continual assessment; routine audits guarantee adaptability to evolving market dynamics and consumer behaviors.
An effective E-commerce Sales Funnel Audit is far from a one-off endeavor; it’s an ongoing journey that demands vigilance and flexibility as consumer tastes evolve alongside technological breakthroughs in digital marketing today! By comprehensively understanding each segment of the funnel and leveraging insights obtained from regular audits—you’ll be primed not just to bolster conversion rates but also to significantly enhance overall business performance!
At Linearloop, we excel in delivering holistic e-commerce CRO services, assisting businesses like yours to fine-tune their sales funnels for peak efficiency! Our dedicated team focuses on formulating bespoke strategies specifically designed to drive results aligned with your distinct business ambitions! If you're poised to elevate your e-commerce strategies to unprecedented levels—reach out to us today to discover our array of services poised to aid you in reaching those lofty goals!
Mayank Patel
Nov 12, 20246 min read
How much does it cost to make an eCommerce app?
In the ever-evolving realm of digital interaction, cultivating a robust online identity takes precedence for enterprises striving to connect with broader demographics and enhance revenue. One remarkably potent method to realize this goal lies in the creation of a mobile commerce application. Nevertheless, the eCommerce app development cost might significantly influence the decision to venture down this path.
The advent of mobile commerce represents a transformative force affecting businesses, irrespective of their size. As per Statista, projections suggest that mobile e-commerce transactions could represent an astonishing 72.9% of all e-commerce sales by 2021. This observable shift underlines an escalating necessity for maintaining a formidable mobile footprint while showcasing the remarkable potential for enterprises to engage with a larger consumer base via such applications.
Nonetheless, embarking on the journey of e-commerce application development often demands considerable capital investment, making it imperative to grasp the elements influencing e-commerce mobile app development cost. By dissecting the expenditures tied to various phases in the development journey and weighing the ramifications of features, aesthetics, and platform selections, enterprises are empowered to make wise choices regarding their mobile initiatives while ensuring they gain optimal value from their financial commitments.
The e-commerce app development cost can fluctuate dramatically based on multiple influential factors, spanning from the intricacy of the application to its embedded features, the selected platform, and the geographical placement of the development crew. Let’s delve into each element more thoroughly:
1. App Intricacy: One of the foremost contributors to e-commerce app development cost resides in its sophistication. A straightforward application boasting fundamental elements such as product directories, shopping carts, and payment processors may require an investment ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. Conversely, an intricate app incorporating advanced functionalities like tailored suggestions, augmented reality features, and multi-vendor capabilities could surpass $100,000.
2. Features and Functions: The inclusion of specific characteristics and functionalities in the e-commerce mobile app development cost. Some prevalent features that tend to elevate costs encompass:
3. Platform Selection: The decision regarding the platform also plays a critical role in shaping the cost of e-commerce app development cost. Crafting native applications for both iOS and Android yields higher expenses compared to devising a cross-platform application utilizing frameworks like React Native or Flutter. Nonetheless, native apps typically enhance user experience and performance.
4. Location of Development Team: Finally, the geographical location of the development team significantly impacts e-commerce mobile app development costs in India versus other regions. Engaging developers situated in India often proves to be a more economical choice compared to those in the United States or Europe, with costs potentially ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for a basic app. However, it becomes vital to juxtapose cost against quality, ensuring that the development team possesses the requisite skills and experience to deliver a successful project.
Also Read: How to Create Unique User Experiences with Your E-commerce Platform
To provide a clearer picture of the e-commerce app development cost, let us dissect the financial implications tied to each phase of the development journey of eCommerce app developers:
In the realm of eCommerce app features, certain fundamental features are crucial for creating a successful platform:
Also Read: 5 Hacks/Techniques to improve e-commerce sales funnel
When it comes to selecting an e-commerce app development company, several key factors warrant careful consideration:
At Linearloop, we take pride in our status as one of the premier e-commerce app development companies in India. Our dedicated team brings extensive expertise in creating top-notch e-commerce applications for enterprises, regardless of size. We leverage cutting-edge technologies and adhere to best practices to guarantee that your application is user-friendly, secure, and primed for success.
Creating an e-commerce application can represent a considerable financial commitment; however, it also serves as a formidable asset for boosting sales and expanding your business horizons. By comprehending the various elements that impact e-commerce app development costs and selecting the most suitable development partner, you can build an application tailored to your business objectives while delivering an exceptional user experience for your clientele.
At Linearloop, we dedicate ourselves to supporting businesses of all sizes in realizing their e-commerce aspirations. We are a reputed e-commerce app development company that guides you through the entire process of e-commerce app development, from initial planning and research right through to deployment and beyond. Reach out to us today to discover more about our e-commerce app development services and how we can assist you in elevating your business to new heights.
Keep in mind that while e-commerce app development costs represent one aspect to consider, it is equally essential to prioritize the creation of an app that is user-friendly, engaging, and rich in features to address the specific needs of your target audience. By investing in a high-caliber e-commerce application, businesses can unlock a plethora of new avenues for growth and triumph in the swiftly evolving landscape of mobile commerce.
Mayank Patel
Sep 25, 20246 min read
