Choosing a publishing platform: what Ghost offers and why it matters
If you want a clean writing experience, fast pages, and built-in membership tools, Ghost is worth a close look. Ghost is an open-source CMS built on Node.js that focuses on publishing: it provides a distraction-free editor, built-in seo basics, and native membership and subscription features so you can charge readers without adding many plugins. You can run Ghost on your own server or pay for an official hosted plan (Ghost(Pro)). For many writers, independent publishers, and small teams, Ghost promises a simpler path from draft to recurring revenue than general-purpose site builders.
What beginners should consider when comparing platforms
Before comparing platforms, decide which parts matter most: ease of setup, cost, design flexibility, extensions, hosting options, and whether you want to sell subscriptions. Ease of use covers how simple the editor and dashboard feel. Cost includes both monthly fees for a hosted service and possible server expenses if you self-host. Design flexibility is about themes and layout control; some platforms are template-driven while others offer visual builders. Extensions and plugins let you add features like newsletters, SEO Tools, analytics, or e-commerce. hosting options affect performance and maintenance: a hosted service removes server headaches at a recurring price, while self-hosting gives control but requires technical work. With those points in mind, here are clear comparisons between Ghost and common alternatives.
Ghost vs wordpress
Overview
WordPress is the most widely used CMS, with tens of thousands of themes and plugins. It can handle blogs, complex websites, e-commerce, community sites, and more. Compared to Ghost, WordPress trades off a cleaner, built-in publishing and membership experience for extreme flexibility and a much larger plugin ecosystem.
Pros and cons compared to Ghost
- Pros: huge plugin marketplace, many themes, familiar interface, more options for non-writing sites (e-commerce, forums).
- Cons: can require many plugins for features Ghost includes out of the box, performance can suffer without optimization, and WordPress updates and plugin conflicts add maintenance overhead.
Best for: people who need deep customization, many integrations, or plan to scale beyond publishing into complex site features.
Ghost vs Substack
Overview
Substack is a hosted newsletter-first platform designed to get writers publishing email newsletters and paid subscriptions quickly. It focuses on email distribution and simplicity. Ghost overlaps with Substack on memberships and paid subscriptions but offers a website-first experience and more control over branding and data.
Pros and cons compared to Ghost
- Pros of Substack: extremely simple, quick to launch, built-in monetization, minimal setup.
- Cons of Substack: limited design control, less control over subscriber data and branding, and fewer customization options than Ghost.
Best for: writers who want a no-friction way to reach readers by email and don’t need a custom website.
Ghost vs Medium
Overview
Medium is a social publishing platform with a built-in audience and a partner program that pays writers based on engagement. It simplifies distribution and discovery, but you give up control over the platform and readership data. Ghost gives you ownership: you control your site, subscriber lists, and revenue model.
Pros and cons compared to Ghost
- Pros of Medium: immediate audience, simple editor, less technical setup.
- Cons of Medium: platform dependence, less control over monetization pathways, and limited brand customization.
Best for: hobby writers or those testing ideas who want exposure without maintaining a site.
Ghost vs Squarespace, Wix, and Webflow (site builders)
Overview
Squarespace, Wix, and Webflow are visual site builders that make design accessible through templates and drag-and-drop editors. They cover blogs, portfolios, and business sites and can be faster for visually complex pages or when you need a polished site without code. Ghost focuses more narrowly on publishing and subscriptions; it has themes and design flexibility, but not the same visual page-building tools.
Comparison points
- Squarespace: excellent templates and simple commerce integration; less flexible for advanced membership setups compared with Ghost.
- Wix: very beginner-friendly with many apps; template lock-in and sometimes slower performance.
- Webflow: design power for creators who want pixel control and interactions; steeper learning curve but strong for marketing sites.
Best for: users who prioritize visual design and an all-in-one hosted experience over a publication-first workflow.
Ghost vs Static Site Generators (Jekyll, Hugo)
Overview
Static site generators like Jekyll and Hugo produce html files that are extremely fast and secure because they have no backend. They’re favored by developers who want performance and version-controlled content. Ghost, while fast, runs as an application and provides dynamic features like memberships, webhooks, and a database-backed content editor.
Pros and cons compared to Ghost
- Pros of static generators: blazing speed, low hosting costs, and easy integration with git-based workflows.
- Cons of static generators: implementing memberships, comments, or real-time subscriptions takes extra work or third-party services, and non-technical users can find the workflow unfamiliar.
Best for: developers comfortable with build tools who prioritize performance and prefer a code-driven workflow.
How Ghost shines for beginners , and where it doesn’t
Ghost is appealing because it removes many common friction points for writers: a clean editor, SEO options, structured content, and a subscription system that can charge readers without gluing together multiple plugins. For beginners comfortable with basic web concepts, the hosted ghost(Pro) option is low maintenance and reliable. On the downside, custom plugin ecosystems are smaller than WordPress, and if you need advanced visual page building, the native tools are limited compared to visual site builders. Self-hosting Ghost requires comfort with Node.js, server setup, and routine maintenance, which can be a barrier for non-technical users.
Cost, hosting and maintenance at a glance
Costs vary widely: hosted Ghost plans can be pricier than entry-level hosted WordPress or site builders, but they include upkeep and membership handling. Self-hosting Ghost on a vps can reduce recurring fees but adds time spent on updates and backups. WordPress can look cheaper initially with low-cost Shared Hosting, but plugin costs and developer time can add up. Substack and Medium are free to start; they take a cut of paid subscriptions or control distribution differently.
- Ghost(Pro): predictable monthly pricing that scales with members and traffic.
- Self-hosted Ghost: lower monthly hosting cost, more maintenance work.
- WordPress: cheap hosting possible, but plugins and management can increase cost.
- Substack/Medium: low cost to start, but limited ownership.
Which platform should you pick? Practical recommendations
If your goal is to write, build a brand, and earn recurring revenue from readers with minimal plugin juggling, Ghost is an excellent choice,especially the hosted option. Choose WordPress if you expect to expand beyond publishing into stores, complex membership tiers, or if you need a massive plugin ecosystem. Use Substack or Medium when you want simplicity and an existing audience without managing a website. Pick Squarespace, Wix, or Webflow when strong design control and an integrated visual editor are your priority. If you’re a developer or prefer maximum speed and low hosting costs, a static site generator with added services for comments and payments can be ideal, but it requires more setup.
Quick checklist to decide right now
- Want subscriptions and a polished writer-first site with minimal plugins? Consider Ghost.
- Need maximum plugin support and flexibility for non-blog features? Consider WordPress.
- Want a newsletter-first, low-effort launch with built-in audience? Consider Substack or Medium.
- Prioritize drag-and-drop design and templates? Consider Squarespace, Wix, or Webflow.
- Want speed and control and you can handle technical setup? Consider a static site generator.
Summary
Ghost is a modern, focused option for writers and small publishers who care about clean writing, speed, and building memberships. It strikes a balance between simplicity and control,more tailored to publishing than general-purpose site builders, and less sprawling than WordPress. The right alternative depends on whether you need extreme customization, visual design tools, a built-in audience, or developer-level performance. Evaluate what you want to do in the first year,publish, build subscribers, sell products, or scale into a complex site,and pick the platform that matches those priorities.
FAQs
Is Ghost better than WordPress for blogging?
For straightforward blogging and subscriptions, Ghost can be a better fit because it offers a simpler editor and built-in membership features. If you need many plugins, e-commerce, or advanced site types, WordPress is more versatile.
Can I move from Substack or Medium to Ghost later?
Yes. You can export content and subscriber lists from Substack and Medium and import them into Ghost, although the process may require cleanup and tools to migrate subscribers smoothly. Ghost emphasizes data ownership, so migration is a common path.
Do I need to be a developer to use Ghost?
No,if you use the hosted Ghost(Pro) service, you can run the site without developer work. Self-hosting requires server setup and maintenance, which is easier with basic linux and Node.js knowledge or a host that supports Ghost installers.
How does Ghost handle SEO and performance?
Ghost outputs clean, fast pages and includes core SEO features such as custom metadata, structured data, sitemaps, and canonical urls. Its performance is generally strong because of Node.js and lightweight themes. Advanced SEO tasks are still possible and often simpler than juggling multiple plugins.
Will I lose readers if I choose a smaller platform like Ghost?
Reader discovery depends more on promotion, SEO, and distribution than on platform size. Medium and Substack can provide initial audience exposure, but owning your site on Ghost gives you full control over branding and subscriber data, which helps long-term growth.
