Ghost: The Newsletter / Blog Platform You’re Sleeping On

Ghost is a modern, open-source content management system (CMS) built for simplicity, speed, and flexibility. Designed with creators in mind, it offers a streamlined experience for publishing newsletters, blogs, and membership-based content.

Unlike traditional platforms like WordPress, Ghost is built on Node.js, making it significantly faster and more efficient than older, PHP-based systems. Its minimalist interface, built-in SEO tools, and native support for paid subscriptions make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to grow an independent publication or media platform.

Versus WordPress:

I used to be a WordPress front-end developer, building all my projects on the versatile open-source platform. But WordPress has become old, bloated, and increasingly difficult to work with over the years.

It’s no longer the lightweight blogging tool it once was, which is why I still recommend it for more complex, plugin-heavy sites or large-scale corporate builds. But for anyone looking to launch a sleek, fast, and focused blog or newsletter hybrid, Ghost is the better choice.

Versus Substack:

I was very interested in Substack at first, it offers much of the functionality I needed, with a modern, minimalistic approach to both the front and backend. Like Ghost, it points toward the future of publishing: direct, audience-driven, and built around newsletters and memberships.

But the key difference is control. With Substack, you're locked into their platform. You don’t own the full experience, and you’re subject to their rules and limitations.

Ghost, on the other hand, feels like an open-source version of Substack. You can host it yourself, customize every part of it, and install or create themes to match your brand.

Versus Beehiiv:

I tried Beehiiv, and it’s probably the best choice if your main focus is growing and monetizing an email list. It has a clean interface and a built-in ad network that makes it easy to find sponsors or promote your newsletter within the platform.

However, its design options are limited, and like Substack, you don’t truly own the platform or have full control over customization. The blogging experience feels secondary, less refined and not quite as smooth or intuitive as I’d like for consistent publishing. Since my main focus is blogging, with newsletters playing a supporting role, Beehiiv just wasn’t the right fit.

Ghost Pricing and Hosting Options

There are two ways to use Ghost: self-hosted or fully managed. The open-source version is completely free to download and run on your own server, giving you full control over customization, data, and performance. This option is ideal for developers or those comfortable with technical setup.

Alternatively, Ghost(Pro) at Ghost.org offers a fully managed hosting service, letting you skip the setup and focus on your content. It comes with automatic updates, built-in security, and reliable performance, making it a hassle-free solution for creators who want power without the maintenance.

Whichever path you choose, Ghost gives you ownership, flexibility, and a future-proof foundation for your work.