A headless storefront is a web application, and someone has to deploy it, configure its environments and keep it running. Platforms like Vercel and Netlify remove most of the server management, but they still need to be set up and operated with care. Build settings, environment variables, caching, domains, redirects and access all need an owner.
Many brands come out of a headless build with a working site and no clear answer to who looks after this once the launch team moves on. We take that on as part of ongoing support.
What we manage
- Environments. Production, staging and preview environments, each with the right data, API keys and integrations.
- Preview deployments. A shareable preview for every change, so merchandising and marketing can review work before it goes live.
- Release process. Branching, code review, automated checks and release timing planned around campaigns and peak periods.
- Rollback. A tested way to return to the previous version quickly if a release causes problems.
- Edge and caching. Caching rules, image optimization, redirects and edge functions configured for speed and correctness.
- Access and secrets. Team permissions, environment variables and credentials managed and reviewed.
Vercel and Netlify
We run NextJS storefronts on Vercel, which is developed by the team behind NextJS, and use Netlify for sites on other frameworks or where it is already in place. Both offer automatic preview deployments, global edge delivery and rollback to earlier deploys. The choice comes down to your framework, existing setup, the features you need and cost.
Peak periods
Before major sales events we agree on a release freeze with you, review caching and usage limits, and confirm that monitoring and contacts are in place. That keeps last-minute deploys out of the hours that matter most, and means everyone knows who to call if something does go wrong.
Documentation
Every environment, setting and release step is written down. If you later bring the work in-house or change partners, the knowledge goes with the code.
Deployment and environment management is part of our ecommerce maintenance and support service. It pairs with error monitoring, so problems are tied to the release that caused them, and with headless storefront development for new builds. For framework background, read NextJS vs Vue.js for ecommerce.