Headless Shopify v native liquid templates: choosing the right approach
A brand's online presence plays a pivotal role in its success, so when considering which front-end development approach is right for your ecommerce store, it often comes down to two primary options: headless Shopify using React Hydrogen framework, or the more traditional Shopify native liquid templates.
In this article, we explore the key differences between headless Shopify vs native liquid approaches, what they each entail, and which might be better suited for your specific brand requirements.
What is Headless Shopify?
In the context of ecommerce, headless Shopify refers to an architecture where the front-end presentation layer is separated from the back-end functionality. Shopify implements this headless approach powered by React Hydrogen. It involves decoupling the front end from the back end, creating a clear separation that gives brands unparalleled flexibility and customisation options.
We'd like to dispel some common misconceptions and arguments surrounding headless Shopify, emphasising that the decision to go headless should be based on your project's specific functional requirements, not because headless is simply considered "the future of front-end development".
Key Advantages of Headless Shopify vs Native Liquid
URL Structures: One clear advantage of headless Shopify is the flexibility to change URL structures, which can be crucial for preserving organic ranking when migrating a site heavily reliant on existing SEO. This is not possible with Shopify native liquid templates.
Performance Potential: While headless Shopify can lead to remarkable performance improvements, it's important to note that poorly implemented headless solutions can have terrible load speeds. Conversely, native Shopify themes with proper optimisations can achieve excellent page load times.
UX Flexibility: The ability to introduce any user experience is easier in a headless Shopify approach, but it's not impossible to achieve within Shopify native liquid templates using technologies like VueJS or React as enhancements.
Content Management: Headless Shopify excels at separating content management from theme management, but Shopify's native theme sections and third-party apps like Shogun and Syncio provide viable alternatives for managing rich content.
Brands typically favour headless architecture because it unlocks the creative freedom to build unique storefront experiences that are typically not possible on monolithic platforms. Developers are often eager to implement headless Shopify because it offers a unique level of development control and gives them the freedom to build stores with much more flexibility and tech-stack control.
Potential Drawbacks of Headless Shopify
It's important to consider the downsides of a headless Shopify approach as well:
Control Considerations: Moving to headless might result in a more specialised development stack and a potential loss of control over the theme and CMS. However, due diligence, maintaining ownership of architecture, and trusting your Shopify Agency will go a long way to mitigate this.
App Ecosystem Limitations: Going headless can restrict your ability to easily install Shopify apps. Shopify updates can still be applied to the back end but not to the front end, so apps that work seamlessly with Shopify themes may not work with a headless front end.
Complexity Factors: Headless can introduce more moving parts, but it doesn't necessarily make the project more complex; it depends on the nature of the project itself and the quality of the build.
Agility Tradeoffs: There might be less agility for smaller changes due to the need for more planning and coordination, but headless Shopify can lead to quicker deployment of larger features and better agility on a larger scale.
Cost Considerations: While the initial build of a headless store can be more expensive, the total cost of running a headless solution depends on the tech stack. The long-term cost can become more favourable due to development efficiency, code reuse, and reduced risk of code degradation, but this is primarily true if you plan to continuously invest in your tech stack, new feature rollout and innovation.
"Shopify covers 80% of our needs, and I think that's common across all merchants. It's that next 20% where headless comes in and where we really spend our time. What we're trying to do is let Shopify handle the stuff they do so well, and we can focus on what makes us unique. That's where we've really gone with our thinking around being headless."
— Benjamin Sehl, Co-founder of Kotn
What are Shopify Native Liquid Templates?
The traditional ecommerce model relies on an integrated platform that combines the front-end user interface with the back-end infrastructure and database. Within Shopify native liquid templates, the front-end code, templates and design elements are intricately connected with the back-end code responsible for handling checkout processes, payment transactions, inventory management, and other core functionalities.
When shoppers visit a product page on a Shopify store using native liquid templates, the front and back end code collaborate seamlessly, extracting data from the database to dynamically render the page. The templating system and content management tools provided by Shopify's native platform facilitate easy customisation of site content without the need to delve into the core code.
However, this architectural approach comes with a tradeoff – brands find themselves confined to the templates and functionalities dictated by the chosen ecommerce platform.
Key Advantages of Shopify Native Liquid Templates
Easier Setup and Implementation: The primary advantage of Shopify native liquid templates lies in providing an out-of-the-box solution that can be swiftly deployed. Equipped with pre-built templates and integrations, most brands can establish basic online stores within weeks, even without extensive coding expertise. Shopify's native ecommerce platform offers a rapid and uncomplicated solution to establishing an online presence quickly.
Integrated Content Management: Thanks to the built-in CMS, content changes and updates are straightforward with Shopify's traditional approach. Merchants can use drag-and-drop editors to modify content without developer assistance. This simplifies marketing efforts like launching campaigns, creating landing pages, and optimising product descriptions for SEO.
Robust Developer Ecosystem: The maturity of Shopify's native platform means there is a thriving ecosystem of developers, partners, and apps. Merchants can enhance functionality by incorporating plugins and apps to scale their ecommerce business efficiently.
Limitations of Shopify Native Liquid Templates
There are always advantages and disadvantages to any approach, so here are some drawbacks to consider when comparing headless Shopify vs native liquid:
Design Constraints: The primary drawback of Shopify native liquid templates is the restricted design flexibility. Brands find themselves working within the confines of available templates and components. While visual customisation of a Shopify theme is feasible, achieving highly distinctive experiences often requires custom theme development or HTML/CSS overrides which can lead to constraints on overall UI.
User Experience Limitations: Beyond design constraints, Shopify native liquid templates present challenges in customising the complete user experience and journey. Brands may encounter difficulties when implementing innovative layouts, personalised recommendations, or tailoring flows according to specific needs. Consequently, merchants often find themselves reliant on the UX capabilities provided by the platform, with advanced personalisation requiring custom development.
Platform Dependency: Due to the tight coupling of front and back end in native liquid templates, brands are heavily dependent on Shopify as the core platform provider. Swapping out components or connectors is not easily accomplished, often leading to migration complexities. Moreover, Shopify controls the development roadmap, which can be limiting if critical features are discontinued.
Making the Right Choice: Headless Shopify vs Native Liquid
In summary, there are numerous considerations surrounding headless Shopify vs native liquid, particularly in determining the best implementation for each brand's specific project requirements.
The comparison reveals two distinct technological approaches, each with its own merits and drawbacks. There is no universally superior choice; the most suitable option depends on aligning with specific business goals, resources, and capabilities.
Smaller brands often find Shopify native liquid templates advantageous for their quick online establishment, while larger brands aiming for advanced flexibility and omnichannel personalisation tend to lean towards the headless Shopify approach. This preference may also be influenced by the costs involved in implementing headless architecture.
As ecommerce technology continues to evolve, both options are likely to become more customisable and business-friendly, making both approaches equally important to consider.
The crucial takeaway is that brands need to thoroughly evaluate their unique circumstances to determine whether Shopify native liquid templates or headless Shopify best positions their business for innovation and growth both now and in the future.
By aligning goals and capabilities with the appropriate model, merchants can build the optimal foundation to meet current customer needs and continually enhance experiences in the years to come.