> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.jordanlaster.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Why I migrated from Substack to Ghost - URL: https://www.jordanlaster.com/migrating-from-substack-to-ghost/ - Published: 2023-03-13T12:45:05.000Z - Updated: 2024-07-28T01:52:33.000Z - Description: Over the last 1.5 years, I used Substack to host Lasta’s Letter. However, I recently switched to Ghost. In this article, I'll discuss my key takeaways from using both platforms, the pros and cons of each, why I prefer Ghost, and who I believe each platform is better suited for. - Author: Jordan Laster - Tags: Other Over the last 1.5 years, I used [Substack](https://substack.com/?ref=jordanlaster.com) to host my newsletter. However, I recently switched to [Ghost](https://ghost.org/?ref=jordanlaster.com) (check out my [website](https://www.jordanlaster.com/)). In this article, I'll discuss my key takeaways from using both platforms, the pros and cons of each, why I prefer Ghost, and who I believe each platform is better suited for. ## Key Takeaways Before diving into specifics, here are my key takeaways from using Substack and Ghost: - Substack is a great platform for writers who want a simple and straightforward way to start a newsletter and monetize their content. - Ghost offers more customization options, excellent SEO, and advanced features, making it a better choice for writers who want to build a brand and have full control over their website. - Ultimately, the choice comes down to your specific needs and goals as a writer. ## Pros and Cons Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of each platform. ### Substack Pros: - Easy to set up and use. Free to use. - Built-in monetization options - Great for building an email list and growing a following Cons: - Limited customization options - Lack of control over your website and content - Limited analytics and reporting features ### Ghost Pros: - Highly customizable with access to code and themes - Full control over your website and content - Excellent SEO Cons: - Steep learning curve for beginners - No built-in monetization options - More expensive than Substack for hosting and maintenance ## Why I Prefer Ghost As a software developer, I value a Content Management System (CMS) that is open-source and customizable to fit my needs. But I wasn't convinced I should migrate to it until I saw these [10 examples of custom websites and blogs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=%5FS9msz2BqTo&ref=jordanlaster.com). Pair those examples with this support from bitcoiner Marty Bent and I was sold. > Looking to start a newsletter or build a website? We highly recommend [@Ghost](https://twitter.com/Ghost?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=jordanlaster.com) at [@TFTC21](https://twitter.com/TFTC21?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=jordanlaster.com). > > We migrated off of MailChimp years ago and have been extremely happy with the product. > > More dynamic. More sovereign. And always improving the publisher experience.[https://t.co/aTQRMF6jsk](https://t.co/aTQRMF6jsk?ref=jordanlaster.com) > > — Marty Bent (@MartyBent) [February 7, 2023](https://twitter.com/MartyBent/status/1622970585855979526?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw&ref=jordanlaster.com) After signing up, I found Ghost is easy to use out of the box. It comes with a range of excellent [free and paid website themes](https://ghost.org/themes/?ref=jordanlaster.com). However, none of them are exactly what I want. It turns out Skillshare has an awesome [3 hour course that teaches Ghost theme development](https://www.skillshare.com/en/classes/Ghost-Theme-Development-How-to-Customise-Your-Ghost-Publication/1570520217/?ref=jordanlaster.com). I spent an afternoon going through it and now I have my [website up and running](https://www.jordanlaster.com/)! This process proved that Ghost gives you full control over your website and newsletters. You can even host them on a Virtual Private Server (VPS) with platforms like [DigitalOcean](https://www.digitalocean.com/?ref=jordanlaster.com) or on a physical server like [Embassy Pro](https://store.start9.com/products/embassy-pro?ref=jordanlaster.com). For now, I [pay for the Creator tier of Ghost Pro](https://ghost.org/pricing/?ref=jordanlaster.com). ![Ghost's Tiered Pricing](https://storage.ghost.io/c/aa/33/aa330dc1-964a-4f62-8d7c-ededf33635ae/content/images/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-11-at-4.16.47-PM.png) Ghost's Tiered Pricing This puts management of my server on the Ghost team and gives me peace of mind. Eventually, I will self-host everything on the [Embassy Pro](https://store.start9.com/products/embassy-pro?ref=jordanlaster.com). Ghost also boasts excellent SEO, which means my website will be highly visible across search engines like Google, Bing, Startpage, etc. I put this to the test by comparing the stats between my Ghost and Substack websites using [Pagespeed Insights](https://pagespeed.web.dev/?ref=jordanlaster.com). ![Ghost vs. Substack stats on Mobile Devices](https://storage.ghost.io/c/aa/33/aa330dc1-964a-4f62-8d7c-ededf33635ae/content/images/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-11-at-3.51.41-PM.png) Ghost vs. Substack stats on Mobile Devices ![Ghost vs Substack stats on Desktop](https://storage.ghost.io/c/aa/33/aa330dc1-964a-4f62-8d7c-ededf33635ae/content/images/2023/03/Screenshot-2023-03-11-at-3.54.46-PM.png) Ghost vs Substack stats on Desktop My Ghost website is all-around better on mobile and desktop devices than my Substack. Even if it wasn't, I could improve it's stats by fixing the issues PageSpeed Insights identifies. Can't do that on Substack! Ghost really is the full package. ## Who Each Platform is Better For Based on my experience, here's who I believe each platform is better suited for: - Substack is better for writers who are just starting out and want a simple, free way to build an email list and monetize their content. - Ghost is better for writers who want to build a brand and have full control over their website, and are willing to invest the time and resources to do so. ## Parting Words In the end, the decision to migrate from Substack to Ghost was the right one for me. While Substack served its purpose as a starting point, Ghost has given me the flexibility and control I need to run my newsletter out of my main website. It also aligns with the open-source, digital sovereignty mentality that Bitcoin has instilled in me. However, every writer's needs and goals are different, so it's important to carefully consider your options before making a decision. If you’re thinking about using Ghost and customizing a theme, I recommend - [Hiring a ghost theme developer](https://www.fiverr.com/search/gigs?query=ghost%20theme&source=main%5Fbanner&ref%5Fctx%5Fid=65875d23f3387749d75f9ac9f3201ee8&search%5Fin=everywhere&search-autocomplete-original-term=ghost%20theme) - [Learning how to do it yourself](https://www.skillshare.com/en/classes/Ghost-Theme-Development-How-to-Customise-Your-Ghost-Publication/1570520217/?ref=jordanlaster.com) - [Booking a free consultation with me](https://calendly.com/buddylasta/free-consultation?ref=jordanlaster.com) [Book a free consultation](https://calendly.com/buddylasta/free-consultation?ref=jordanlaster.com) --- Here's a video breakdown of why I migrated to Ghost