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Headless CMS Development

Fast, custom websites built with Next.js and Payload CMS, with an editor your team can use, and honest advice on when WordPress is the better choice.

A headless CMS separates where content is edited from how the website displays it. 1REALTOUR builds headless sites with Next.js and Payload CMS, an open-source TypeScript CMS that runs inside the Next.js app and gives editors a full admin panel. We recommend headless when it solves a real problem, and we still build WordPress sites when that is the simpler, cheaper fit.

What you get with Next.js and Payload

Payload describes itself as a Next.js fullstack framework. From one configuration it provides an admin panel, a database with migrations, REST and GraphQL APIs, authentication, access control, file storage and live preview. Because it runs inside the same Next.js project as the website, there is one codebase to host, update and secure.

  • Content types designed around your business, such as services, projects, locations and team members
  • Live preview so editors see changes before publishing
  • Fast page loads from static and server rendering
  • Role-based access for editors, reviewers and admins
  • Structured content that can feed the website, an app and other channels
  • Full control of the code and data, with no license fees

When headless is the better choice

  • The site needs custom features, client portals or app-like screens next to marketing pages
  • Performance and Core Web Vitals matter and plugin bloat keeps undoing the work
  • Content needs a strict structure, such as a large project portfolio with consistent fields
  • The same content must appear on the website, in a mobile app or in other systems
  • You want fewer moving parts to patch than a plugin-heavy WordPress install

When WordPress is the better choice

Headless is not automatically better. WordPress has a huge plugin ecosystem, a familiar editor and many people who can maintain it. If your site is mostly pages and blog posts, if your team relies on page builders like Elementor, or if you need common features like booking or memberships off the shelf, WordPress is often faster to launch and cheaper to run. We build and maintain both, so our recommendation is not tied to one stack.

A headless build costs more up front and depends on developers for new layouts and features. We explain that tradeoff before you commit. Hosting is different too: a headless site needs a Node.js host and a database rather than standard WordPress hosting, and we set up and run that environment for you.

Editing that does not need a developer

The admin panel is designed around your content, not a generic page builder. Editors fill in clear fields and choose from approved layout blocks, which keeps pages consistent and accessible. We train your team, write short guides and set permissions so people only see what they need.

For existing WordPress sites, we migrate content into Payload, map every old URL to its new address with redirects, and keep SEO fields, structured data and tracking intact.

What's included

  • Content model and information architecture
  • Next.js front end design and build
  • Payload CMS admin and content types
  • Live preview and editor roles
  • SEO fields, sitemaps and structured data
  • Content migration from WordPress or other platforms
  • Hosting, deployment and backups
  • Editor training and guides

How we work

  1. Step 1

    Assess

    We review your content, features and team to decide whether headless or WordPress fits.

  2. Step 2

    Model

    We design content types and page blocks around how you publish.

  3. Step 3

    Build

    We build the Next.js site and Payload admin and migrate existing content.

  4. Step 4

    Launch and train

    We launch with redirects and tracking in place and train your editors.

Technologies we use

Industries we serve

Frequently asked questions

What is a headless CMS?
A headless CMS stores and manages content separately from the website that displays it. Editors work in an admin panel, and the website or app pulls content through an API or directly in code. This gives developers full control over design and performance.
What is Payload CMS?
Payload CMS is an open-source TypeScript content management system that runs inside a Next.js application. It provides an admin panel, database, APIs, authentication, access control and live preview from one configuration.
Is a headless CMS better than WordPress?
A headless CMS is not always better than WordPress. Headless suits custom features, strict content structures and performance-sensitive sites. WordPress suits content-focused sites that rely on plugins and page builders. 1REALTOUR builds both and recommends based on the project.
Can my team edit a headless website without a developer?
Editors can update text, images, projects and pages in the Payload admin panel without a developer. New layouts or features still need development work. 1REALTOUR trains editors and provides guides at launch.
Can 1REALTOUR move an existing WordPress site to Payload CMS?
1REALTOUR migrates WordPress content into Payload CMS, rebuilds the design in Next.js and maps every old URL to its new address with redirects to protect search traffic. SEO titles, descriptions and structured data are carried over so the new site starts with the same search information as the old one.

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Whether you're launching a new business, redesigning your website, or looking for a long-term digital partner, we're ready to help you create a digital presence that supports sustainable business growth.

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