When it comes to creating a blog or website, it’s not just about putting together a bunch of codes and calling it a day. It’s about crafting text that speaks to the reader, designing a layout that reflects the content, and of course, ensuring that everything runs like clockwork. Here at Jogajunto, this construction goes far beyond lines of code. It’s about creating experiences.
Choosing a Content Management System (CMS) is a key piece of the puzzle. It’s what makes the magic happen, bringing together developers, creatives, and you navigating on the other side of the screen. The CMS is the conductor leading this orchestra of code, design, and interaction.
But why is this so essential? A well-chosen CMS is like having the perfect plot of land to build your dream house. It allows us to grow, innovate, and adapt without missing a beat. And believe me, finding that perfect plot of land isn’t easy.
Recently, we felt it was time for a change. Here at Jogajunto, we encountered limitations that were holding us back and decided we needed a space where our creativity could run wild, without barriers.
Come with me as I share how this adventure of rethinking our tools and strategies, the challenges we faced, and the victories we celebrated. Believe me, it’s not just about technology. It’s about transformation and growth.
So, What Exactly Is a CMS?
A CMS is software that allows you to create, modify, organize, and publish digital content simply. In an ever-evolving landscape, there are numerous CMS options, each with its advantages and disadvantages, catering to different needs and situations.
Analysis of the Current CMS
Netlify isn’t traditionally known as a CMS in itself, but rather as a development and hosting platform.
This is the platform we use at Jogajunto as a CMS for our clients, a choice that brought us both advantages and challenges.
A balanced evaluation of the pros and cons of Netlify was a crucial step in forcing us to rethink and innovate how Jogajunto generates and delivers content.
Deciding on the New CMS
The changes mentioned above caused discomfort. We were hesitant about using Netlify on our clients’ websites and blogs because we couldn’t afford to be dependent on a platform to the extent of running the risk of having to make a mass change in the instances we are using for our clients.”
That’s when the exploration of possibilities began to decide on the best scenario we could achieve for the short and long term.
In the search for a new CMS, the decision was not trivial. We looked at crucial elements such as cost, flexibility, and scalability. The idea was not just to meet present demands but to be prepared for the challenges and opportunities that could arise in the future.
We invested time and effort into thorough testing, evaluating the performance of various platforms. We created prototypes and simulated real scenarios to ensure that migration and subsequent growth would be smooth.
The team’s opinion was an important pillar in this process. Conversations and feedback enriched the analysis, blending technical expertise with practical experience. We were looking for something that not only met technical criteria but also added real value to the user experience and operation as a whole. Thus, the choice of the Headless CMS became evident.
What Is a Headless CMS?
A Headless CMS is a system that allows creators to efficiently manage and store digital content without being tied to a specific presentation or platform. It separates content (backend) from user views (frontend), using APIs to deliver content flexibly to any interface or device. This provides unprecedented adaptability and customization, allowing for quick updates and a richer, more personalized user experience.
Pros: This new approach gives us greater flexibility, a feature greatly appreciated by our team. Now, we’re immersed in a vibrant community of developers and content creators who share valuable information and continue to innovate. This active community enables us to adapt easily and quickly to emerging trends and our specific needs.
Cons: The Headless CMS has its challenges. The learning curve is steeper, and managing every detail of the platform requires meticulous attention to detail. We invested time and resources in mastering every nuance, ensuring maximum utilization of its features.
The Headless CMS has proven to be an interesting option for us because it gives us the freedom to shape our projects without the constraints of third-party platforms. The expectations of positive results are tangible, and we are already seeing improvements in how we conceive, implement, and manage content. The autonomy gained not only ensures operational efficiency but also unlimited creative innovation, putting us, developers, as the drivers of our readers’ and clients’ digital experience.
My Journey from Netlify to Headless
Switching from Netlify to a Headless CMS was not just a technical upgrade - it was almost like a journey of discovery. I remember the sleepless nights, eyes glued to internet forums, and the deep discussions with the team that felt more like heated debates.
I understood that technology, even the most cutting-edge, is ultimately a tool. What really matters is how we use, adapt, and innovate with it. Netlify was a great ally, but the Headless CMS? Oh, that became our playground of creativity.
In this journey, I encountered a level of control and freedom I didn’t even know existed. Every bit of code and every custom tweak became a manifesto of our commitment to making the user feel like they own the place. It’s a ballet between cold technique and warm art, the concrete and the abstract.
Looking back today, I don’t see this switch as a period but as a springboard. It’s the start of exploring a universe of possibilities where creativity and technique hold hands. The excitement is real. It’s not just about what we’ve already done but about what’s shaping up on the horizon. The migration wasn’t just a step forward; it was a leap into a field full of promises and potential.
Rafael Araujo
— Backend developer