# Headless Websites ## Headless CMS agency: flexible, fast, independent ### The Benefits of Headless Websites - **Performance and SEO**: Optimised loading times support Core Web Vitals, user engagement and SEO rankings. - **Full design freedom**: New pages and layouts are assembled from ready-made components, without rigid CMS templates and usually without developer support. - **Central content control**: Manage content once and deliver it consistently across all channels (website, app, shop). - **Extensible via API**: New technologies and channels can be connected, and the platform grows with you without forcing a relaunch. ## We build websites that **grow with your business** Digit-One is a **Sanity partner** and a **Storyblok partner**: as a headless CMS agency we advise on the choice of system, develop the frontend with Next.js and look after your website after go-live. We also have experience with Contentful. Headless means: your content lives in a **structured CMS**, your frontend stays free, fast and independent. Because the two are separate, we work modularly: your team assembles new pages and landing pages itself from ready-made components. That is how we work ourselves: this website runs on Sanity and Next.js, and our team maintains it in Sanity Studio. **Cleanly structured content** also helps search engines and AI systems understand your website better. And when your project grows beyond the website, the path continues to a [digital experience platform](https://www.digit-one.com/en/web/digital-experience-platforms-dxp) without starting over. We are based in **Bregenz** and work with teams in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. ## Which CMS **for whom**? First things first: all three systems are API-first, run on **Next.js** in our stack, and we set up **visual editing and live preview** in every one of them. The difference is not capability, it is philosophy. ### Storyblok: visual from the first minute Storyblok is **built visual-first**: the editor shows the real website out of the box, components give your team freedom with guardrails. An easy route to independent content work, with localisation right in its visual context. ### Sanity: structured data, a studio made to measure Sanity treats content as **structured data** and makes the editing interface fully customisable: we build the studio exactly around your workflows. Add **real-time collaboration** like in a shared document. The choice when data model, workflows and integrations get demanding. ### Contentful: governance for large organisations Deliberately clear structures, roles and approval processes, proven at scale. The fit when **compliance and reliability** matter more than maximum customisation. How to decide between staying and switching after the Salesforce acquisition is explained in our decision guide: [Switch from Contentful or stay](https://www.digit-one.com/en/contentful-switch-or-stay). We work with all three systems and recommend based on your use case, not our preference. View Case [b_smart hotel group](https://www.digit-one.com/en/cases/b_smart) Digital identity with character. Scalable for 20+ properties and as personal as a handshake at reception. ![Luftaufnahme des b_smart hotel in Widnau mit Villa und modernem Neubau vor Bergkulisse](https://www.digit-one.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fp48sl94f%2Fproduction%2Fcbd2f6dc2fc48866953bf50e0029d8500909bab4-1920x1438.jpg&w=1920&q=75) ## Corporate Website ### Storyblok ### Headless CMS Storyblok and Sanity are our main focus: what they can do, when they fit and how we work with them. For Contentful, there is a decision guide. ## The **three systems** in detail ## Storyblok agency The CMS built to be visual: your team edits the real website right in the editor, components provide freedom with guardrails. Strong for multilingual presences and multi-site setups. [https://www.digit-one.com/en/web/headless-websites/storyblok](https://www.digit-one.com/en/web/headless-websites/storyblok) Visual-First Multi-Site ### Sanity agency Content as structured data and a studio we build exactly around your workflows: freely modelled, collaboratively edited in real time and open to any integration. [https://www.digit-one.com/en/web/headless-websites/sanity](https://www.digit-one.com/en/web/headless-websites/sanity) Structured Content Realtime ### Contentful: switch or stay Contentful is part of Salesforce. Our decision guide shows what is settled, what is still open and how to decide between staying, checking or switching. [https://www.digit-one.com/en/contentful-switch-or-stay](https://www.digit-one.com/en/contentful-switch-or-stay) Governance Decision guide [Let's talk](https://www.digit-one.com/en/contact) ## What **Our Clients** Say ## Digit-One has perfectly implemented our vision [Read more](https://www.digit-one.com/en/cases/darbo) ![Porträt von Klaus Darbo, Vorstand bei Darbo](https://www.digit-one.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fp48sl94f%2Fproduction%2F56f12e85ee78c0787164552b20cb896c735a4cc8-524x350.jpg&w=1920&q=75) Klaus Darbo Board member @ Darbo Corporate Website UI/UX Design Wordpress Digit-One quickly understood our needs and swiftly translated them into an appealing overall concept. We are very satisfied with the result, which has also been very well received by our customers. ### As General Manager of SUSTAINX, I can highly recommend Digit-One. [Read more](https://www.digit-one.com/en/cases/sustainx) ![Porträt von Sven Steinert, Director & General Manager bei SUSTAINX](https://www.digit-one.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fp48sl94f%2Fproduction%2F30d06a3059389c19e76cd37e6cf7efeb49e5fbb2-6720x4480.jpg&w=1920&q=75) Sven Steinert Director & General Manager @ SUSTAINX Corporate Website Wordpress UI/UX Design They brilliantly captured our mission in the design and functionality of our new website. Their deep understanding of our focus on sustainability is evident in every detail. Their dedication to our project, combined with their professionalism and efficiency, resulted in a user-friendly platform that perfectly resonates with our community of sustainability professionals. In short, Digit-One exceeded all our expectations. They were (and continue to be) an invaluable partner on our journey and are an excellent choice for any organization looking to enhance its digital presence. ### A one-two with Digit-One to create the new website [Read more](https://www.digit-one.com/en/cases/bundesliga-rookie-award) ![Porträt von Nicolas Bretz, Associate Director bei WWP](https://www.digit-one.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fp48sl94f%2Fproduction%2Fcac583055b7ced7575e571c4fca3cb93f8ad8f4c-1923x2560.jpg&w=1920&q=75) Nicolas Bretz Associate Director @ WWP Website Headless UI / UX Design We have come to know Digit-One as a reliable partner with whom we can go the extra mile, even when faced with tight deadlines. The friendly exchange on equal terms and the joint effort to work together in the interests of the customer make the collaboration particularly pleasant. Together, we have already launched and relaunched several website projects for DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH. Whether it's social walls, Mapbox, or security updates, Digit-One has proven to be a well-coordinated team that communicates and impresses with quick passing between us and the customer. [Let's talk](https://www.digit-one.com/en/contact) ## How a **headless project** works with us It starts with your content and goals. How long a project takes depends on its scope. ## Workshop: goals and content Goals Content model We clarify what the website should achieve, which content exists and who maintains it. This produces the content model, the foundation for everything that follows. ### Design and components UX/UI Design system Design and development work hand in hand from the start. We design components that your team later uses to assemble pages itself. ### Setting up the CMS Roles Editing We set the system up around your workflows: content types, roles and an editing interface in which your team quickly finds its way. ### Frontend and integrations Next.js Integrations We develop the frontend with Next.js, including visual editing and live preview. CRM, PIM, shop and other systems are connected via API. ### Testing and migration Test environment Redirects Before launch we test in dedicated test environments. Your existing content moves over in a structured way, and clean redirects help preserve your rankings. ### Go-live and operations Training Operations Your team is trained, we go live and, if you wish, stay your point of contact for operations, updates and further development. [Discover all cases](https://www.digit-one.com/en/cases) Hungry for more? Discover Case Study [HARTL Haus](https://www.digit-one.com/en/cases/hartl-haus) A presentation like a house: clear, well thought out, told with aesthetic care. Built headless on Sanity, turning inspiration into planning and interest into enquiries. ![HARTL HAUS: Hand hält ein Modellhaus auf einer Wiese](https://www.digit-one.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fp48sl94f%2Fproduction%2Fb993ef4b8e592c6c5c6a9ad9c273c36b4bdf6990-1920x1382.jpg&w=1920&q=75) ## Sanity ### Agile Webdevelopment ### UI/UX Design [b_smart hotel group](https://www.digit-one.com/en/cases/b_smart) Digital identity with character. Scalable for 20+ properties and as personal as a handshake at reception. ### Corporate Website ### Storyblok ### Headless CMS [Bundesliga Rookie Award](https://www.digit-one.com/en/cases/bundesliga-rookie-award) Interactive voting for up-and-coming talent: engagement and enthusiasm ![Bundesliga Rookie Award: Kampagnenmotiv mit drei Fußballspielern](https://www.digit-one.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fp48sl94f%2Fproduction%2F8d9bc7c3fcb89cfd3e5a2b71a7e258d92c0db9b0-1920x1080.jpg&w=1920&q=75) ### Corporate Website ### Headless CMS ### Contentful ## Projects we're **proud of** ## Not sure **which setup** fits? Headless is a tool, not an end in itself. In the first call we look at your content, your team and your systems and give you an honest recommendation: sometimes that is a lean setup, sometimes the full platform architecture. ### When headless pays off - Several languages, markets or brands run on one platform - The same content appears on website, app and shop - Connections to CRM, PIM or shop are part of the project ### When a classic CMS is enough - The website is manageable and has standard requirements, and [WordPress](https://www.digit-one.com/en/web/wordpress) is then often the pragmatic choice - There is no need for several channels, languages or complex structures - Budget and timeframe deliberately call for a lean solution As a first step, our [comparison of Sanity, Storyblok and WordPress](https://www.digit-one.com/en/headless-cms-comparison) can help. Get in touch ### Islam Mechtijev ![Porträt von Islam „Sami“ Mechtijev, Director Web & Dev-Ops und Co-Founder bei Digit-One](https://www.digit-one.com/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fp48sl94f%2Fproduction%2Fb7efcc5ffb54b0c383108137ad22722a4107fb23-1920x1152.jpg&w=1920&q=75) Director Web & DevOps, Co-Founder @ Digit-One Interest piqued? I'd be happy to tell you more! [+43 664 168 39 47](tel:+436641683947) Let's talk Let's talk about your website project [hello@digit-one.com](mailto:hello@digit-one.com) ## Worth knowing [Built for Humans and AI Agents: Our First Look at Vercel Shop](https://www.digit-one.com/en/insights/vercel-shop-headless-shopify-nextjs) [PHP vulnerability php2shell: What companies need to do now](https://www.digit-one.com/en/insights/php-vulnerability-php2shell) [Getting quoted by AI: how we build sites for ChatGPT, Claude & Co.](https://www.digit-one.com/en/insights/ai-ready-websites) ## What is a headless CMS? A headless CMS separates content management from the frontend: content is maintained centrally and delivered via APIs to websites, apps or stores. The “head”, the hard-wired presentation layer of classic systems, is gone. The result: free choice of frontend technology, often better performance and content that can be reused anywhere. We mainly work with Sanity and Storyblok and also have experience with Contentful. ### Headless or WordPress: which fits us? [WordPress](https://www.digit-one.com/en/web/wordpress) has its place: for manageable websites with standard requirements it is often the pragmatic choice, and we use it ourselves with our own boilerplate. Headless pays off as soon as performance, multiple channels or languages, complex structures or long-term extensibility matter. The honest answer depends on your project: that is exactly what we clarify in the first call, with an open mind. ### Sanity, Storyblok or Contentful: who decides? We make the choice together with you, based on your use case. All three can power modern websites with visual editing and live preview, but the philosophy differs. [Storyblok](https://www.digit-one.com/en/web/headless-websites/storyblok) is built visual-first: your team edits content directly on the real page and can easily work independently. [Sanity](https://www.digit-one.com/en/web/headless-websites/sanity) shines when data model, workflows and integrations get demanding, with a made-to-measure studio and real-time collaboration. Contentful scores with governance and clear processes in large organisations. The recommendation follows your case, not our preference. ### Which headless CMS is the simplest? That depends on who works with the system day to day. For editorial teams, Storyblok is often an easy way in, because the editor shows the real website. Sanity fits when content is highly structured and reused in many places. We then build the studio around your workflows. Contentful brings clear structures and roles and, depending on the plan, approval workflows. So the simplest system is the one your team finds easy to work with. We are happy to work out which that is in the first call. ### How do SEO and AI visibility work with a headless website? Very well, if built properly. Headless frontends can be delivered lean and fast, which creates a good foundation for Core Web Vitals and technical SEO. Add clean rendering, structured data and a well-thought-out information architecture. The same structured content also helps AI search understand your content better. There is no guarantee of being cited in AI answers, but we factor in [SEO & AI visibility](https://www.digit-one.com/en/services/seo-ai-visibility) from day one on every project. ### What does a headless website cost? It depends on scope. The main cost drivers: number of page types and modules, languages and markets, integrations (CRM, PIM, shop) and design ambition. A focused website is far leaner than a multi-site setup with several brands. We calculate every project individually. The first call is free and non-binding, and afterwards you get a reliable assessment. ### How long does a headless project take? We do not quote a flat duration. Three things take the most time: clarifying content and content model, developing design and components, and migrating and testing existing content. The clearer goals and content are at the start, the faster it goes. After the workshop we plan the timeframe together with you. ### Will we lose our Google rankings when switching to headless? There is no guarantee, but a switch can be planned so that the risk of losing rankings stays as small as possible. That includes a clean mapping of old to new URLs, permanent redirects, carried-over titles, headings and structured data, and an updated sitemap. Afterwards we check the development in Search Console. According to [Google](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/crawling-indexing/site-move-with-url-changes), temporary fluctuations are normal, rankings settle down over time, and permanent redirects do not cause a loss of PageRank. ### Can we really maintain content ourselves? Yes, that is the core of our work. We build **section-based**: your team assembles pages from ready-made modules, builds landing pages without a developer ticket and sees changes live in preview. This **editor experience** decides whether a CMS works in daily life, which is why we take it as seriously as design and code in every project. ### Does headless work for Shopify stores too? Yes. With headless commerce, Shopify remains the commerce system in the background and the frontend is built separately, for example with Next.js. Whether that pays off for your store depends on requirements and effort: [Shopify Hydrogen or Next.js](https://www.digit-one.com/en/shopify-hydrogen-vs-nextjs) shows which routes exist. Editorial content then often comes from a headless CMS such as Sanity. You can find more about our Shopify services on the [Shopify page](https://www.digit-one.com/en/shopify). ### What happens after go-live? We remain your point of contact. On request we take over operations, updates and further development, so that CMS and frontend grow with your team. What that covers in detail, from hosting and maintenance to clearly defined response times, is described under [Hosting & Service](https://www.digit-one.com/en/services/hosting-and-service). ### Where are you based, and who do you work for? Digit-One is based in Bregenz, Austria. Our clients are brands and mid-sized companies in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. The team plans, designs and develops in-house and keeps running projects after go-live.