Ghost is an open-source publishing platform that combines a website, a newsletter and paid memberships. It takes 0% of what members pay you; you pay a flat hosting fee for Ghost(Pro) or host it yourself. Readers pay through your own Stripe account. Ghost is run by a nonprofit foundation, which shapes its focus on independent publishers.
At a glance
| What it is | Open-source publishing and newsletter platform |
| Transaction fee | 0% on paid memberships (Stripe fees apply) |
| Hosting | Ghost(Pro) managed hosting, or self-hosted |
| Paid memberships | From the Publisher plan on Ghost(Pro) |
| Also | Tips and donations, multiple tiers |
| Domain | Your own |
| Run by | The nonprofit Ghost Foundation |
How it works
You set up a Ghost site, either on Ghost(Pro) or on your own server, and publish posts that go out as emails and live on your website. Readers sign up as free members. When you connect Stripe, you can offer paid tiers with monthly and yearly prices and decide which posts are for paid members only. Payments go straight to your Stripe account.
The fee model
Ghost’s managed hosting charges a flat monthly fee that rises with the number of members. Paid subscriptions and tips start on the Publisher plan, priced from about $29 a month billed yearly at the entry member level. Ghost itself takes nothing from your revenue. Compared with a 10% platform fee, the flat fee pays for itself once paid revenue reaches a few hundred dollars a month.
Self-hosting
Because Ghost is open source, you can install it on your own server for free and pay only for hosting and email sending. That route is cheapest but needs technical skill to maintain.
Your own site and domain
Ghost publishes everything on your own domain, so search traffic and links build value for your brand rather than for a platform. It also means design is fully in your hands, with themes and custom code.
What you can realistically earn
Earnings depend on your audience and the value of what you offer. Ghost does not bring you readers the way a network does, so growth comes from search, social and your own promotion.
Getting started
Start with a free trial of Ghost(Pro), pick a theme, set up free signups and publish regularly. Add paid tiers once readers engage, and offer a clear reason to upgrade.
Growing without a network
Since Ghost has no reader network of its own, growth comes from what you build. Search traffic to your posts, social sharing and recommendations from other newsletters all help. Ghost supports recommending other publications and being recommended, which can bring a steady trickle of readers.
Common mistakes
Some publishers pick self-hosting to save money and then struggle with updates and email setup. Others choose a plan for their current size and forget that the price rises as members grow. Plan for both before you commit, and check how the hosting fee compares with your expected revenue.
Final tip
Use the free trial to set up your theme, signup forms and first paid tier before committing. Moving to Ghost later is possible, but starting there saves the migration work.
Keeping track
Ghost’s dashboard shows member growth, paid conversions and revenue from Stripe in one view. Watch which posts turn free members into paid ones, and track churn so you notice early if paid members start to leave.
Owen’s take
Ghost is the platform I’d pick for a newsletter that is also meant to become a proper website. You keep all the revenue and the search value, but you have to bring your own readers.
Who it suits
It suits independent publishers, journalists and experts who want ownership and no revenue cut. It suits less well beginners who need a built-in discovery network.
Similar options
- Substack offers discovery in exchange for 10%.
- beehiiv adds an ad network.
- Buttondown is a lighter, email-first option.
- Patreon handles memberships across formats.
More options are in Newsletters.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 0% fee on memberships
- Your own domain and design
- Open source, self-hostable
Cons
- Hosting fee rises with members
- No built-in discovery network
- Self-hosting needs technical skill
FAQ
Does Ghost take a cut of paid memberships?
No. Ghost takes 0%; Stripe fees apply.
Is Ghost free?
The software is free to self-host. Ghost(Pro) hosting is paid.
Which plan do I need for paid subscriptions?
The Publisher plan or higher on Ghost(Pro).
Can I use my own domain?
Yes, sites run on your own domain.
Who runs Ghost?
The nonprofit Ghost Foundation.
