Known for its simplicity and focus on content creation, Ghost is a powerful open-source CMS that’s perfect for bloggers and writers who want a clean, distraction-free environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you launch your blog on Ghost.

Choose a Hosting Option

Ghost offers two main hosting options: Ghost(Pro) and self-hosting.

  • Ghost(Pro): This is the managed hosting option offered by the creators of Ghost. It’s ideal for those who want to avoid technical setup and maintenance. It includes automatic updates, security, backups, and customer support.
  • Self-hosting: If you have some technical experience and want more control over your blog, you can self-host Ghost on your own server. This gives you the freedom to customize your blog to your needs and save on hosting costs.

For beginners, Ghost(Pro) might be the easiest way to get started, but if you’re comfortable with web hosting services like DigitalOcean or AWS, self-hosting is also a solid choice.

Set Up Your Domain

Once you’ve selected a hosting option, the next step is to get your domain name. If you don’t already have one, services like Namecheap, GoDaddy, or Google Domains can help you find and purchase the right domain.

If you’re using Ghost(Pro), you can easily connect your domain by following the instructions provided in your Ghost dashboard. For self-hosted blogs, you’ll need to configure your DNS settings with your hosting provider.

Install Ghost (If Self-Hosting)

If you chose self-hosting, you’ll need to install Ghost on your server. You can do this manually, but Ghost provides an easy-to-follow installation guide to walk you through the process. Typically, the installation involves:

  1. Setting up a server (e.g., DigitalOcean, AWS, or your own VPS).
  2. Installing Node.js and npm (Ghost is built with Node.js).
  3. Installing Ghost CLI: This tool simplifies the installation and setup of Ghost.
  4. Running the Ghost install command: This sets up the blog and gets it ready for use.

After installation, you’ll access your Ghost blog through a web browser by visiting your server’s IP address or domain.

Choose a Theme

Ghost offers a variety of free and premium themes, or you can even create a custom theme for your blog. To start, you can explore themes in the Ghost theme marketplace, where you’ll find options tailored for different types of blogs.

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Whether you're self-hosting or not, you can always upload the themes through the Ghost dashboard.

If you want, you can use Clear!

Customize Your Blog

Once you’ve chosen a theme, it’s time to make your blog your own. Ghost’s customization options are simple, yet flexible:

  1. Site Title and Description: In the settings menu, update your blog’s name and tagline. This will appear on your homepage and in search results.
  2. Logo and Favicon: Add a custom logo and favicon to give your blog a personalized look.
  3. Social Media Links: Connect your blog to social media accounts like X and Facebook so readers can follow you easily.
  4. Menu and Pages: Set up navigation menus and pages for your blog. Common pages include an “About” page, a “Contact” page, and a “Privacy Policy” page.

Create and Publish Content

Now that your blog is set up, it’s time to start creating content! Ghost’s editor is simple to use, with a clean interface that focuses on writing. You can create posts, add images, embed videos, and format your content with markdown or rich text.

When you’re ready, hit the Publish button, and your post will go live! Ghost also allows you to schedule posts, so you can plan your content in advance.

Monetize Your Blog

If you want to monetize your blog, Ghost offers an easy way to set up a subscription model. You can offer exclusive content for subscribers and create different membership tiers. This is particularly useful if you want to offer premium content to your readers.

Promote Your Blog

With your blog set up and content live, it’s time to start promoting. Share your posts on social media, collaborate with other bloggers, and make sure to engage with your audience. SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is also key to getting your blog discovered. Ghost has built-in SEO features like automatic sitemap generation, which helps with search engine ranking.

Check out useful integrations in our previous post.👇

The Best Ghost Integrations in 2025
Ghost is hands-down the best publishing platform available. Take it to the next level with these integrations.
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Starting a blog on Ghost is a straightforward process, whether you choose Ghost(Pro) or self-hosting. With its simplicity, speed, and built-in features, Ghost provides everything you need to create a successful blog. Now it’s time to start writing and sharing your thoughts with the world!