Build a Custom Headless CMS (using Next.js and Strapi)

Traditional CMS platforms like WordPress are tightly coupled with the frontend, making them less flexible for modern omnichannel delivery. Headless CMSs allow content to be managed separately and delivered via APIs to web apps, mobile apps, or IoT devices, offering unmatched flexibility and scalability.

Using Strapi as a backend CMS engine, and Next.js for frontend content rendering, you can build a customizable platform where admins define content types (e.g., Blogs, Products, Events), manage entries, and deliver structured content via REST or GraphQL APIs to multiple channels.

Admins use Strapi to create content types (like blogs, products, testimonials) through a no-code UI. They add, update, or delete content. The frontend (built with Next.js) fetches this content via APIs and dynamically renders it. Users access blazing-fast, SEO-optimized, and fully customizable web pages.

• Admins define custom content types and create structured entries inside Strapi Admin Panel.
• Next.js frontend fetches and dynamically renders content using REST or GraphQL endpoints.
• Content delivery is decoupled — can serve multiple frontends, mobile apps, or marketing sites.
• Roles, permissions, and API tokens are managed inside Strapi to control data access.
• Optional plugins like image optimization, email notifications, or content workflows enhance functionality.

• Strapi Official Documentation
• Next.js Official Guide
• Building a Blog with Strapi and Next.js
• Deploy Strapi CMS on Render or Railway
• Using SWR for Efficient Data Fetching in Next.js
• Headless CMS vs Traditional CMS: Key Differences