Headless: for when you've outgrown the Shopify templates

Go headless with Shopify

For when you’ve outgrown the template and need something that's fully your own.

What is headless commerce?

Headless means seperating the front-end (what your customers see) from the back-end (where your data and operations live). In case of Shopify, this means using Shopify for the commerce engine in the back-end, while building a custom front-end on top. Meaning you can create a digital storefront completely customized for your, your customers, and your goals.

When you go headless, you're finally done fighting templates. The sky is the limit: your design and UX can be whatever you dream up. But don't be fooled: headless isn’t just a tech upgrade. It’s a strategic move. Done right, it unlocks faster go-to-market, stronger brand differentiation, and higher conversion rates. Done wrong? You’ll end up with something fragile, slow, or impossible to maintain.

That’s why architecture, performance, and smart integration matter from day one. Unless you feel like this is the time to experiment with your core revenue stream.

Is headless the right choice for me?

Headless isn’t the default option for good reason - but for the right brand, at the right stage, it’s a potential game-changer.

You should start thinking headless when your current setup starts holding you back instead of pushing you forward. Meaning your Shopify theme is too limiting, your design team wants more creative freedom, or your business logic is too complex for a standard solution.

Maybe you’re scaling internationally, juggling multiple storefronts, or want tighter integration with a CMS, ERP, or custom product logic. That’s when you should look into building a headless structure.

Remember: a well-built Shopify theme can take you surprisingly far. Headless adds complexity, and with it, more decisions and moving parts. That’s why we always start by asking: what are you trying to achieve? Then we figure out together if headless is the right way to go, or a more standard setup could help you out.

When should you look for a partner to help you out?

Let's be honest: headless is incredibly powerful - but it's far from plug-and-play.

When you’ve outgrown Shopify’s standard front-end limitations, and want full control over your customer experience, or integrate a plethora of custom tools - you'll have to have the technical knowhow to do so.

Even if you've got a solid in-house dev team, a strategic partner will help you avoid common pitfalls and get it right the first time. And trust us, that's far from overkill. It's a smart and strategic move.

dear digital is your partner in crime

Headless is complex and we like it that way. At dear digital, we don’t shy away from technical depth or strategic decisions. We embrace them. We’ve guided ambitious brands through advanced Shopify setups with intricate integrations under the hood. Yup, we know what we're doing!

We’re not just here to implement tools, we’re here to deliver outcomes. That means thinking beyond the build: how your stack supports your team, how your customers experience your brand, and how your commerce engine can scale without friction. From architecture to implementation, we focus on long-term value, not just quick wins.

And above all? We’re a team you’ll enjoy working with. Professional, yet approachable. Honest, curious, responsive. We cut through the buzzwords and focus on what matters: a bold, future-proof setup that helps you grow. No enterprise fluff, just senior-level expertise and a clear path forward.

If you’re looking for a strategic partner who thinks beyond your launch, takes care of all the technical hassle, and is experienced in setups that are scalable and easy to manage: we’re your crew.

The way we work

At dear digital, we don’t believe in copy-paste processes. Every brand, every company is different! This means that the way we work flexes around your specific needs.

That being said, over the years we’ve noticed that most clients thrive when we follow a clear, structured path. It gives space for creativity, while keeping us aligned and moving fast.

Here’s what that typically looks like:

Define

During this phase, we make sure we're aligned with your company and brand. We do this by taking an in-depth look at your company, drawing the architecture of the systems that could benefit you, and diving deeper in the customers, the tone of voice and other brand fundamentals.

Design

In the Design phase, we make a first proposal of our design system. Then, we get to work wireframing for your brand, within design system, and make sure everything follows your brand guidelines. During this process, there's several moments for you to give feedback and share your thoughts.

Develop

Here, the true magic happens! We start configuring your Odoo platform. During this time, we make sure everything is working properly, so you end up with an ERP that's ready to go. And of course, we make sure you know your way around the Odoo platform and can use it from day one.

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Let's discuss if headless is the right path for you

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