What is content modelling for headless CMSes?

A content model refers to the structured organization, representation, and management of all types of content assets within a digital platform or application. It is a systematic approach to organizing content, defining content types, and specifying relationships between various content elements.

In headless website development using a headless CMS such as Sanity or Strapi, content modelling involves creating a clear and well-defined blueprint for all content types, which allows for composable architectures and enables the creation of personalized experiences.

An effective content model provides cross-functional teams with a common language for content creation and ensures that content is delivered consistently across digital channels and devices.

What does content modelling look like in real life?

A content model is a structured way of organizing a website's content. It defines the types of content that will be published, along with their purpose, structure, format, and relationships. In other words, a content model is like a blueprint that guides content creators on what type of content to produce, how to produce it, and where it should be published.

A real-life content model typically consists of different types of content, such as articles, images, videos, podcasts, and social media content. Each content type has its own set of attributes, such as title, body text, author, category, tags, location, date, and duration. These attributes are used to categorize and organize the content within the model.

The relationship between the different types of content is another important aspect of a content model. For instance, articles can have related images, videos, or social media content. Similarly, videos can have related articles or images. This relationship between different types of content allows them to work together to provide a complete and engaging user experience.

Some businesses have successfully implemented content models that are modular in structure. A modular approach allows for easy scalability and content reusability. For example, a modular content model may consist of individual pieces of content that can be combined and repurposed in different ways to create personalized experiences for users.

One such successful implementation is the Unsplash content model. Unsplash is a popular stock photography website that has a content model that consists of photos, collections, and topics. The photos are the primary content type, while the collections and topics represent the structure and organization of the content.

Another example of a successful implementation is NPR's content model. NPR's content model includes content types such as articles, audio, and video. The model is designed to allow for easy repurposing of content across various digital channels, including mobile apps and social media platforms.

In today's digital landscape, an API-first approach to content management systems is increasingly becoming necessary. APIs allow content creators and developers to access and manipulate content effectively from different systems and devices. API-first content management systems enable businesses to organize, manage and publish structured content across different channels, devices, and user experiences.

A real-life content model consists of different types of content with various relationships between them. A modular approach to content creation and structuring allows for scalability and reusability, something that has been seen in successful implementations like Unsplash and NPR. An API-first approach to content management systems is becoming increasingly important in managing structured content.

The core concepts of headless content modelling

Headless content modelling is a modern approach to organizing and managing a website's content. It relies on the separation of content from presentation, which allows for greater flexibility and adaptability across different digital channels and user experiences. In this article, we'll explore the core concepts of headless content modelling and how they work together to create effective content models.

Separating content from presentation is a fundamental principle of headless content modelling. This means that the content and design components of a website are developed and managed separately from one another. A headless CMS (content management system) facilitates this by providing a backend system wherein content is created and stored in a structured and modular format. The CMS then delivers the content to various front-end systems, such as mobile apps, websites, and social media platforms, where it is presented to the user.

Modular content is another critical concept in headless content modelling. It refers to the practice of breaking content down into reusable components or modules, such as content types, fields, and elements. Content types represent the types of content that will be created, such as articles, podcasts, or videos. Fields refer to the attributes of each content type, such as the title, body text, author, or date. Elements are individual pieces of content that can be reused and combined to create new and dynamic experiences for users.

The modularity and flexibility of headless content modelling allows content creators and developers to streamline their process of producing content. It enables them to create content that is adaptable to different digital channels and user experiences, resulting in a more future-proof approach to content management. With headless content modelling, content can be leveraged across different platforms, including emerging channels such as voice assistants, chatbots, and augmented reality applications.

Composable architectures are also an important aspect of headless content modelling. They enable users to create and adapt content quickly and efficiently, using a range of building blocks designed for specific use cases. This approach makes it easier to design and develop new content experiences, without the need for significant changes to the underlying system architecture.

In conclusion

Headless content modelling is an essential approach for modern content creators who need to produce engaging content that is adaptable across an ever-increasing range of digital channels and devices. By separating content from presentation, using modular content, and embracing composable architectures, businesses can create effective content models that deliver rich and dynamic experiences for users.