Payload CMS Website Development LondonPayload CMS websitesTypeScript-first, code-native.
WebAnts is a London Payload CMS agency. We build custom Payload CMS headless backends, Next.js frontends and full-stack platforms — TypeScript-first, built-in auth, database-agnostic, self-hostable. No deposit required.
15+
Payload CMS projects shipped
3–8 wks
Typical project delivery
4.9★
Average client rating
£0
Deposit — milestone payments only
14
Countries served
What is Payload CMS
The TypeScript-first CMS built for developers.
Starting from
£3,000
Flat quote · No prepayment · 3–8 wk delivery
Payload CMS is a TypeScript-first, open-source headless CMS that runs natively inside a Next.js project — your schema is code, your auth is built in, and your data lives in your own database. WebAnts is a London Payload CMS agency building custom platforms for SaaS startups, fintech companies, developer tools, and agencies needing a white label CMS partner.
Unlike Strapi, Payload is TypeScript-first — no code generation step, your schema types flow directly into your frontend components. Unlike Contentful or Sanity, Payload is self-hosted: no per-seat pricing, no vendor lock-in, no API-call billing. We also build on Sanity.io and other headless CMS platforms — we recommend the right tool for your team and requirements.
We handle Payload + Next.js full-stack builds, multi-tenant SaaS platforms, migrations from Strapi and Sanity, custom plugin development, and production deployments on Vercel, Railway, or your own server. Flat written quote after a free 30-minute discovery call.
Why Payload CMS
Six reasons Payload wins for TypeScript teams.
Schema as code. Built-in auth. Database-agnostic. Payload is the CMS built for developers who want full control without sacrificing editorial quality.
01
TypeScript-first — your schema IS your types
Payload collections, globals, and fields are defined in TypeScript. The same types that define your content model flow through your Next.js frontend — no type-generation step, no runtime mismatch. Refactor a field and the compiler catches every broken reference.
02
Built-in auth — no third-party required
Payload ships with a complete authentication system including JWT, cookie-based sessions, password reset, and API key generation. Role-based access control is defined in TypeScript alongside your collections — no separate auth service, no plugin, no monthly cost.
03
Database-agnostic — PostgreSQL, MongoDB, SQLite
Payload supports PostgreSQL (via Drizzle ORM), MongoDB, and SQLite. No CMS vendor dictates your database choice. Deploy to Vercel Postgres, Neon, Supabase, Railway, MongoDB Atlas, or your own server — your data lives where you want it.
04
Self-hosted — full data ownership
Payload runs on Vercel, Railway, Render, DigitalOcean, or your own server. Your content never lives on a CMS vendor's infrastructure. No per-seat pricing, no API-call billing, no vendor lock-in — ever.
05
Native Next.js integration — App Router, Server Components
Payload 3 is built to run inside a Next.js project as a monorepo. The Payload admin panel and your Next.js App Router frontend share the same deployment, the same TypeScript types, and the same database connection — with zero API latency between CMS and site.
06
REST and GraphQL APIs auto-generated
Payload automatically generates REST and GraphQL APIs from your collection and global schema — no additional configuration. Every field, relationship, and access control rule is reflected in the API. Use whichever your frontend or third-party integrations need.
What we build
12 Payload CMS services.
From a headless backend to a full-stack multi-tenant SaaS platform — all built in-house in London with TypeScript throughout.
01
Custom Payload CMS Headless Backend
Payload CMS backend built from your content requirements — collections, globals, fields, relationships, hooks, and access control all in TypeScript. Deployed to Vercel, Railway, or your own infrastructure with REST and GraphQL APIs configured.
02
Payload CMS + Next.js Full-Stack Build
Payload and Next.js in a monorepo — one codebase, one deployment, zero API latency between CMS and frontend. App Router, Server Components, live preview with Next.js Draft Mode. Your content team uses the Payload admin; your users see a fast Next.js frontend.
03
Payload CMS Access Control & Auth Setup
Role-based access control designed in TypeScript — admin, editor, viewer, API key, and custom roles. Collection-level and field-level permissions. Built-in Payload auth (JWT + cookies) with password reset, email verification, and optional OAuth.
04
Payload CMS with PostgreSQL or MongoDB
Database setup and configuration for your chosen adapter — PostgreSQL with Drizzle ORM on Neon, Supabase, Vercel Postgres, or Railway; MongoDB on Atlas or Railway. Schema migrations, indexes, and query optimisation included.
05
Payload CMS REST & GraphQL API
REST and GraphQL APIs auto-generated from your Payload schema, with custom endpoints for any business logic not covered by the generated API. API documentation, Postman collection, and TypeScript client types delivered as part of every project.
06
Payload CMS Content Modelling Consultation
Content model design before development starts — collections, globals, field types (blocks, arrays, relationships, rich text), and access control mapped to your editorial and application requirements. Saves significant rework cost downstream.
07
Payload CMS Live Preview Setup
Live preview wired into Next.js Draft Mode — editors see content changes rendered in the actual frontend before publishing. Preview iframe in the Payload admin panel. Used for marketing sites, product pages, and editorial content.
08
Payload CMS Migration (from Strapi / Sanity)
Content migration from Strapi, Sanity, Contentful, or WordPress to Payload — collection mapping, data transformation scripts, media migration, and 301 redirect management. Fixed-price migration quote after a source data audit.
09
Payload CMS Plugin Development
Custom Payload plugins for functionality not available in the core — custom field types, dashboard widgets, collection hooks, admin UI components, and third-party API integrations. Built to Payload's plugin conventions so they stay upgradable.
10
Payload CMS Deployment (Vercel / Railway / Docker)
Production deployment setup on your chosen infrastructure — Vercel (with serverless considerations), Railway, Render, Docker on any VPS, or your own bare metal. CI/CD pipeline, environment variables, database connection pooling, and health monitoring.
11
Payload CMS SEO & Structured Data
SEO plugin integration with per-collection meta titles, descriptions, Open Graph, and sitemap generation. JSON-LD structured data at collection and page level. Core Web Vitals optimisation in the Next.js frontend. All delivered as part of the standard build.
12
Payload CMS Maintenance & Retainers
Monthly retainers covering Payload version updates, dependency upgrades, database maintenance, security patches, schema migrations, and ongoing feature development. Fixed monthly scope or block-of-hours drawn down as needed.
How we work
Four phases. No mystery.
Milestone payments — you see progress every week and own every deliverable the moment it lands.
01
Discovery
A free 30-min call to scope your Payload architecture — collections, access control model, database, deployment target, and frontend requirements. You leave with a flat written quote and a recommended TypeScript schema structure.
02
Design
Collection schema designed in TypeScript before UI design begins. Access control roles mapped. For frontend builds, wireframes then polished Figma designs. You approve the data model and designs before any code is written.
03
Build
Weekly staging updates. Payload backend, Next.js frontend, database, auth, and REST/GraphQL APIs built in parallel. Live preview wired up. Core Web Vitals and structured data configured from the first deploy.
04
Launch & Handover
Production deployment, DNS configuration, database migration, environment variable setup. Payload admin walkthrough for your content team. TypeScript schema documentation. Optional retainer or take the keys.
Transparent pricing
What does Payload CMS development cost in London?
Every project is scoped individually — but here are real ranges based on scope. All prices are flat fees, not hourly estimates. Written quote after a free 30-min discovery call.
Starter
£3,000 – £6,000
3–4 weeks
Payload CMS backend + basic Next.js frontend.
- ✓Payload backend (up to 8 collections)
- ✓Basic Next.js frontend
- ✓REST API endpoints
- ✓Auth (admin + editor)
- ✓PostgreSQL or MongoDB setup
- ✓GA4 + Search Console
Best for: MVPs, content-driven sites, small web apps
Growth
£6,000 – £15,000
4–8 weeks
Full-stack app with auth, access control, API.
- ✓Full Payload + Next.js monorepo
- ✓Role-based access control
- ✓REST + GraphQL APIs
- ✓Live preview (Draft Mode)
- ✓Custom plugin (if needed)
- ✓2 weeks post-launch support
Best for: SaaS startups, fintech, developer tools
Scale
£15,000 – £28,000
8–14 weeks
Multi-tenant SaaS platform + custom plugins.
- ✓Multi-tenant architecture
- ✓Complex access control (5+ roles)
- ✓Custom Payload plugins
- ✓Advanced API (webhooks, batch)
- ✓CI/CD pipeline setup
- ✓Dedicated support month
Best for: SaaS platforms, enterprise apps, agencies
Enterprise
From £28,000
14–22 weeks
Enterprise platform + CI/CD + compliance + team training.
- ✓Enterprise multi-tenant platform
- ✓GDPR & compliance documentation
- ✓Docker / Kubernetes deployment
- ✓Team onboarding & training
- ✓Full design system documentation
- ✓Ongoing retainer available
Best for: Enterprise, healthcare, regulated industries
Need a detailed breakdown? Book a free discovery call →
Platform migrations
Moving to Payload CMS from another platform?
We migrate Strapi, Sanity, Contentful, and WordPress to Payload — content, schema, access control, and API surface all handled. Your data ends up in your own database with no ongoing CMS cost.
Strapi → Payload CMS
Strapi-to-Payload is the most common migration we handle for teams moving to TypeScript-first architecture. We map Strapi content types to Payload collections, migrate data via transformation scripts, rebuild access control in TypeScript, and replicate the REST API surface so existing integrations keep working after cutover.
Sanity → Payload CMS (self-hosted preference)
Organisations moving off Sanity for data sovereignty or cost reasons find Payload a strong alternative — self-hosted, TypeScript-first, with built-in auth and no per-seat pricing. We migrate Sanity schemas to Payload collections, transform GROQ queries to REST or GraphQL, and rebuild the editorial workflow in the Payload admin.
WordPress → Payload CMS (headless)
Moving a WordPress site to a headless Payload + Next.js stack gives you TypeScript throughout, a faster frontend, and a content API you control. We export WordPress content (posts, pages, ACF fields) to Payload collections, rebuild the frontend in Next.js, and handle 301 redirects to protect SEO equity.
Contentful → Payload CMS
Contentful costs scale with seats and API calls. Payload is open-source and self-hosted — your content lives in your own database at zero CMS cost. We migrate Contentful content types to Payload collections, transform entries, rebuild editorial workflows, and configure the same REST and GraphQL APIs your frontends already use.
What you get
Everything included.
No hidden extras.
Every Payload CMS build ships with the full stack — TypeScript schema, Next.js frontend, database, auth, APIs, and a proper handover your team can extend from day one.
- ✓Payload CMS backend deployed (Vercel/Railway/own server)
- ✓TypeScript schema files committed to version control
- ✓Next.js frontend (if applicable)
- ✓Role-based access control configured
- ✓REST + GraphQL API endpoints documented
- ✓Database (PostgreSQL/MongoDB) set up and indexed
- ✓Auth system (JWT, sessions, password reset)
- ✓SEO: meta, JSON-LD schema, sitemap configured
- ✓Google Analytics 4 + Search Console setup
- ✓Two weeks post-launch support included
From £3,000 for a Payload CMS backend. Full-stack build with auth and APIs from £6,000. Flat quote after a free 30-min call.
Who we build for
Payload CMS for
developer-led teams.
Platform comparison
Payload CMS vs the alternatives.
We build on multiple headless CMS platforms. Here is an honest four-way comparison — Strapi, Sanity.io, Contentful, WordPress (headless) — so you can make the right call.
| vs Platform | Payload wins on | They win on | Choose Payload when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strapi | TypeScript-first vs Strapi JavaScript, built-in auth without plugin, better Next.js monorepo integration, cleaner access control in code, no enterprise-tier paywall for key features | Larger community, more third-party plugins, visual content type builder for non-developers, longer track record | Your team is TypeScript-first, you need built-in auth without a plugin, or you want native Next.js monorepo integration |
| Sanity.io | Self-hosted data ownership, no per-seat pricing, built-in auth system, database-agnostic, better for access-controlled applications, no vendor lock-in | Real-time collaborative editing, GROQ query language, Sanity Studio React-based customisation, stronger for editorial-first content teams | You need self-hosted data residency, built-in auth and access control, or your per-seat Sanity bill is scaling up |
| Contentful | Self-hosted (no vendor lock-in), no per-seat or per-API-call pricing, TypeScript-first schema, built-in auth, database ownership | Managed hosting with no server overhead, global CDN for content API, large integration marketplace, lower developer onboarding time | You need data sovereignty, your Contentful costs are growing with team size, or you want your CMS schema in version control |
| WordPress (headless) | TypeScript throughout (vs PHP), cleaner codebase without plugin bloat, built-in auth without plugin, better Next.js integration, no security patch overhead | Larger ecosystem, more non-developer-friendly for content entry, WooCommerce for ecommerce, wider developer pool | You are building a modern TypeScript stack, need headless architecture from the start, or want to avoid WordPress plugin dependencies |
“WebAnts built something better than I’d ever imagined — shipped faster than any agency I’ve worked with.”
LaTisha Ebanks
Marketing Director, North Pointe Marketing
Start a project
Free 30-min call.
Flat written quote.
No prepayment.
Tell us about your Payload CMS project — architecture requirements, database, deployment target, and timeline. We’ll review it and send a flat quote within 24 hours.
★★★★★ 4.9 on Google
★★★★★ 5.0 on Clutch
★★★★★ 5.0 on Upwork
Top Web Designers 2025 — DesignRush
FAQ
Payload CMS questions, answered directly.
What is Payload CMS?
Payload CMS is a TypeScript-first, open-source headless CMS that runs inside a Next.js project or as a standalone Node.js application. Unlike traditional CMS platforms, Payload's content schema is defined in TypeScript code — committed to version control, reviewed in pull requests, and deployed like application logic. It includes a built-in authentication system, role-based access control, REST and GraphQL APIs auto-generated from your schema, live preview support for Next.js, and support for PostgreSQL and MongoDB. Payload 3 (current version) is designed to run natively inside a Next.js App Router project as a monorepo.
How much does Payload CMS development cost in London?
A Payload CMS backend with a basic Next.js frontend from WebAnts starts from £3,000 (3–4 weeks). A full-stack build with auth, access control, REST and GraphQL APIs costs £6,000–£15,000 (4–8 weeks). Multi-tenant SaaS platforms with custom plugins cost £15,000–£28,000. Enterprise platforms start from £28,000. Flat written quote after a free 30-minute discovery call — no hourly estimates, no deposit.
What is the difference between Payload CMS and Strapi?
Both Payload and Strapi are open-source, self-hosted headless CMS platforms, but they differ fundamentally in approach. Payload is TypeScript-first — your schema is TypeScript code, giving you full type-safety from content model through to frontend components. Strapi is JavaScript-based with a visual content type builder. Payload has built-in authentication and access control without plugins. Strapi has a larger community and more third-party plugins. For TypeScript teams building Next.js applications, Payload provides a significantly cleaner developer experience.
Payload CMS vs Sanity — which should I choose?
Choose Payload if: you need self-hosted data ownership and UK data residency, you want built-in auth and access control in your CMS, your per-seat Sanity bill is growing, or you prefer your content schema in version control as TypeScript. Choose Sanity if: your team needs real-time collaborative editing, you prefer GROQ query language, or you want a managed hosting option with no server administration. WebAnts builds in both — we recommend based on your team composition and requirements.
Payload CMS vs Contentful — what's the difference?
Contentful is a managed SaaS headless CMS — your content lives on Contentful's servers and costs scale with seats and API calls. Payload is self-hosted and open-source — your content lives in your own database at zero CMS cost, your schema is TypeScript code in version control, and there are no per-seat or per-API-call charges. Payload also includes built-in auth and access control that Contentful lacks at the CMS layer. For teams with data sovereignty requirements or growing Contentful bills, Payload is the most common migration destination.
Is Payload CMS open source?
Yes. Payload CMS is open-source under the MIT licence. There are no per-seat charges, API call limits, or mandatory hosting fees from Payload itself. You pay only for your hosting infrastructure (Vercel, Railway, DigitalOcean, etc.), which is typically a fraction of what SaaS CMS platforms charge at equivalent scale. Payload Cloud (optional managed hosting) is available if you prefer not to manage infrastructure yourself.
Can Payload CMS be self-hosted?
Yes — self-hosting is one of Payload's primary design goals. You can deploy Payload to Vercel (with serverless function considerations), Railway, Render, DigitalOcean App Platform, Fly.io, Docker on any VPS, or your own bare metal server. WebAnts handles production deployment setup as part of every project — including database connection pooling, environment variable management, and health monitoring.
What databases does Payload CMS support?
Payload CMS 3 supports PostgreSQL (via Drizzle ORM), MongoDB, and SQLite. PostgreSQL is our standard recommendation for most projects — it is widely supported, performant, and available on every major hosting platform including Vercel Postgres, Neon, Supabase, and Railway. MongoDB is the right choice for teams with existing MongoDB infrastructure or document-oriented data requirements. SQLite is available for local development and simple deployments.
What is Payload CMS 3?
Payload CMS 3 (released late 2024) is the current major version. The headline change is native Next.js integration — Payload 3 runs inside a Next.js App Router project as a monorepo, sharing the same deployment, database connection, and TypeScript types as your frontend. This eliminates the API latency between CMS and frontend that existed in Payload 2. Payload 3 also introduces a new database adapter system (supporting PostgreSQL via Drizzle, MongoDB, SQLite), an improved plugin system, and enhanced live preview support.
Is Payload CMS TypeScript-first?
Yes — TypeScript-first is Payload's defining characteristic. Collections, globals, fields, access control, and hooks are all defined in TypeScript. The type definitions from your schema are shared with your frontend components — when you change a field type in Payload, the TypeScript compiler catches every broken reference in your Next.js frontend. This level of type-safety between CMS and frontend is not available in any other headless CMS without a code generation step.
Does Payload CMS have built-in auth?
Yes. Payload includes a complete authentication system with no plugin required: JWT-based auth, cookie sessions, password reset with email verification, API key generation, and optional OAuth via third-party providers. Role-based access control is defined in TypeScript alongside your collection definitions — not configured through a separate UI. This makes Payload suitable as the authentication backend for web applications, not just a content management tool.
What is Payload CMS live preview?
Payload CMS live preview integrates with Next.js Draft Mode. When an editor triggers preview in the Payload admin panel, it sets a cookie that switches your Next.js frontend into Draft Mode, fetching unpublished document versions directly from Payload. The editor sees their changes rendered in the actual frontend layout in an iframe before publishing. WebAnts wires up live preview as a standard deliverable on every Payload build that includes a Next.js frontend.
Can Payload CMS be used with Next.js App Router?
Yes — Next.js App Router is the primary integration target for Payload 3. Payload runs as a set of route handlers inside your Next.js App Router project, sharing the deployment, database connection, and TypeScript types. Server Components can query Payload collections directly without going through the API. Draft Mode works natively for live preview. The Payload admin panel runs at /admin inside your Next.js app — one deployment, one domain, zero API latency.
What APIs does Payload CMS generate?
Payload automatically generates REST and GraphQL APIs from your collection and global schema — no additional configuration required. The REST API follows a consistent pattern (GET, POST, PATCH, DELETE) for every collection. The GraphQL API exposes your schema as a typed, queryable graph. Both APIs respect your access control rules — a request with a non-admin token only sees what that role is permitted to access. Custom API endpoints can be added for any business logic not covered by the generated API.
Can Payload CMS handle multi-tenant applications?
Yes. Multi-tenant architecture is one of the most common use cases for Payload CMS in SaaS applications. Tenant isolation is implemented via Payload's access control system — collections have access functions that filter results based on the authenticated user's tenant ID. Shared resources (like media or configuration) can be scoped to specific tenants or shared globally. WebAnts has built multi-tenant Payload systems for SaaS startups and agency white-label platforms.
How do you deploy Payload CMS?
Payload can be deployed to Vercel (as Next.js serverless functions — note connection pooling requirements for database), Railway (recommended for full-stack monorepos with Postgres), Render, Fly.io, DigitalOcean App Platform, or Docker on any VPS. WebAnts handles production deployment configuration as part of every project — including database connection pooling (PgBouncer for PostgreSQL), environment variables, health checks, and monitoring setup.
Is Payload CMS good for SaaS applications?
Yes — Payload is one of the best CMS choices for SaaS applications specifically. Built-in auth eliminates the need for a separate authentication service. TypeScript-first schema means your content model evolves safely alongside your application code. Role-based access control supports complex multi-tenant permission models. Self-hosted deployment means no vendor can change pricing after you've built your product on their platform. WebAnts has delivered Payload-based SaaS platforms for startups across the UK and internationally.
Can you migrate from Strapi to Payload CMS?
Yes — Strapi to Payload is the most common migration WebAnts handles for teams moving to TypeScript-first architecture. We map Strapi content types to Payload collections, write data transformation scripts for content migration, rebuild access control rules in TypeScript, and configure Payload's REST API to match the surface area of the Strapi API so existing frontend integrations keep working after cutover.
Do you offer Payload CMS maintenance retainers?
Yes. After launch you can take full control or continue with a monthly maintenance retainer covering Payload version updates, dependency upgrades, database maintenance, security patches, schema migrations, and ongoing feature development. Retainers are structured as a fixed monthly scope or a block of hours drawn down as needed.
What is Payload CMS access control?
Payload CMS access control is defined as TypeScript functions on each collection, global, and field. An access function receives the current user and request and returns a boolean (allow/deny) or a Mongoose/Drizzle query that filters results. This means access rules are code — committed to git, testable, reviewable in pull requests, and shared with your frontend TypeScript types. It's significantly more powerful and maintainable than role-based access configured through a UI, and supports complex multi-tenant permission models.
(Related services)
Your CMS should speak TypeScript. →
Free discovery call. Flat quote. 3–8 week delivery. No prepayment.
About WebAnts — Payload CMS Development Agency in London
WebAnts is a London web design and development agency specialising in Payload CMS website development. 4.9★ rated on Google, 5.0 on Clutch, 5.0 on Upwork. Named Top Web Design Agency 2025 by DesignRush. Based in London, serving SaaS startups, fintech companies, developer tools, and agencies across the UK and 14 countries.
What is Payload CMS?
Payload CMS is a TypeScript-first, open-source headless CMS that runs natively inside a Next.js App Router project as a monorepo. Collections, globals, fields, access control, and hooks are all defined in TypeScript — the same types flow through to your frontend components without a code generation step. Payload includes built-in authentication (JWT, sessions, password reset, API keys), role-based access control, REST and GraphQL APIs auto-generated from your schema, live preview integration with Next.js Draft Mode, and support for PostgreSQL, MongoDB, and SQLite. Payload 3 is the current version, designed specifically for Next.js App Router monorepo architecture.
What Payload CMS services does WebAnts offer?
WebAnts offers 12 Payload CMS services: custom Payload CMS headless backend development, Payload CMS + Next.js full-stack builds, access control and auth setup, PostgreSQL and MongoDB database configuration, REST and GraphQL API development, content modelling consultation, live preview setup with Next.js Draft Mode, migrations from Strapi, Sanity, Contentful, and WordPress, custom Payload plugin development, production deployment on Vercel, Railway, or Docker, SEO and structured data configuration, and monthly Payload CMS maintenance retainers.
How much does Payload CMS development cost in London?
A Payload CMS backend with a basic Next.js frontend from WebAnts starts from £3,000 (3–4 weeks). A full-stack build with auth, access control, REST and GraphQL APIs costs £6,000–£15,000 (4–8 weeks). Multi-tenant SaaS platforms with custom plugins cost £15,000–£28,000. Enterprise platforms start from £28,000. Flat written quote after a free 30-minute discovery call — no hourly estimates, no deposit.
Why choose Payload CMS over Strapi or Contentful?
Payload CMS is TypeScript-first — your schema IS your types, no code generation step required. Built-in authentication eliminates the need for a separate auth service. Self-hosted deployment means no per-seat pricing, no API-call billing, and no vendor lock-in. Unlike Contentful or Sanity, Payload runs in your own infrastructure with your content in your own database. Unlike Strapi, Payload is TypeScript-first with native Next.js App Router integration in Payload 3.
What makes WebAnts different from other Payload CMS agencies?
No offshoring. No prepayment. Milestone payments so you own every deliverable as it lands. Direct access to the developer building your Payload project. TypeScript schema designed before development starts — not reverse-engineered from requirements. 15+ Payload CMS projects shipped for London and international clients. Production deployment configuration included as standard, not billed as an extra.
Dream Algorithm Ltd, trading as WebAnts · London, UK+44 20 3983 9795hello@webants.io