Ghost
The #1 open source publishing platform.
Overview
Ghost is a modern, open-source CMS designed specifically for publishing. It provides a clean, minimalist writing experience and powerful tools for growing an audience, such as built-in newsletters, memberships, and subscriptions. It can be self-hosted or used via the managed Ghost(Pro) service.
✨ Key Features
- Minimalist, markdown-based editor
- Built-in memberships and subscriptions
- Native email newsletter functionality
- SEO tools and social sharing features
- Open-source and themeable
- Can be used as a headless CMS
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Open-source and self-hostable for full control
- Combines a full-featured website/blog with newsletter capabilities
- No transaction fees on memberships
Unique Value: Offers complete ownership and customization for creators who want to build a full content business, not just a newsletter.
🎯 Use Cases (5)
✅ Best For
- Membership-based publications
- Paid email newsletters
- Modern professional blogging
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- E-commerce stores
- Complex corporate websites
- Websites that require extensive custom functionality beyond publishing
🏆 Alternatives
Provides more power and flexibility than Substack, and is more focused on publishing and newsletters than a general-purpose CMS like WordPress.
💻 Platforms
🔌 Integrations
🛟 Support Options
- ✓ Email Support
- ✓ Dedicated Support (N/A tier)
🔒 Compliance & Security
💰 Pricing
✓ 14-day free trial
Free tier: Self-hosting the open-source software is free, but requires a server.
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