Headless & API-First Architecture

Headless: content via API. API-First: the API as foundation.

Your current site may mix content, logic and presentation in one monolithic tool. Result: every change is slow, every evolution (mobile app, new language, design overhaul) calls everything into question.

Headless architecture separates content from presentation. A headless CMS exposes your data via a REST or GraphQL API; developers freely build one or more frontends (site, app, display) that consume this API. API-First means the API is designed as the core of the system: reusable, documented, stable.

We apply these principles with Directus and Astro for fast, performant and maintainable delivery. Discover below the concrete benefits of this approach.

Decoupling principle

Content is created and stored once; it is served via an API. Each frontend (website, mobile app, dynamic display) fetches the data and displays it as needed. No duplication of content logic.

Headless and API-First benefits

Multi-channel: one content, multiple experiences.
Performance: optimized frontends (static, cache).
Teams: back-office and frontend can progress in parallel.
Evolution: change frontend without touching content.

Our stack: Directus + Astro

Directus provides the content API (REST, GraphQL); Astro generates fast pages (SSG/SSR). We configure schema, permissions and integration for reliable delivery.

Headless and API-First principles

Headless architecture separates content (stored and managed in a CMS) from its presentation. The CMS exposes data via an API; frontends (sites, apps) consume this API and display content their way. One content, multiple channels.

In an API-First approach, the API is not a by-product: it is the core of the design. It is designed to be consumed by multiple clients, tested and maintained. Quality and longevity guaranteed.

Combined benefits: multichannel (one content, web + mobile + displays), performance (optimised frontends, cache), teams (back-office and frontend in parallel), evolution (change frontend without touching content).

JAMstack and technical integration

JAMstack = content and logic via APIs, pre-generated or on-the-fly markup. We use Astro for rendering (SSG/SSR) and Directus for the content API. Fast sites, SEO-friendly, hostable anywhere.

Directus + Astro integration: TypeScript typing from the schema, data fetching at build (SSG) or on demand (SSR), cache and error handling. We configure the whole setup for reliable deliveries.

Best practices: consistent content schema, appropriate API permissions, cache strategy (build time vs on-demand), draft preview. We document and train your teams on using the headless stack.

JAMstack Astro Directus SSG SSR Directus Integration Astro TypeScript Cache Best Practices Schema Cache Preview

Use cases and when to choose headless

Typical use cases: showcase sites and blogs (rich content, SEO), business applications with editorial content, multilingual portals, omnichannel experiences (web + mobile + displays). Headless architecture fits all.

When to consider headless: multichannel project, SEO and performance requirements, legacy site overhaul, need for reusable APIs. We help you scope the project and choose the stack.

We support evaluation and implementation: audit of existing setup, headless or hybrid recommendation, API and schema design, Directus + Astro integration, training. You benefit from our headless and API-First expertise.

Use Cases Multichannel Web Mobile Portals Evaluation Multichannel Performance Migration Support Audit Design Training

Choosing headless and API-First architecture means investing in:

centralized content exposed via a single, reusable API,
multiple channels (web, mobile, IoT) without duplicating logic or content,
performant frontends (JAMstack, cache, SSG/SSR) with a direct impact on SEO,
controlled technical evolution: change frontend without touching content.

We implement this architecture with Directus and Astro for concrete, lasting results. Contact us to discuss.