Chapter 1: The Popularity of Substack

Substack has gained significant traction among writers due to its user-friendly interface and a strong community. It offers a straightforward approach for those launching newsletters or podcasts, making it an appealing choice for newcomers. However, the decision to leave Substack was not taken lightly.

After previously sharing my reasons for the switch, I want to provide an update on my new platform, Ghost, and share my experiences so far.

While transitioning from Substack, I explored various alternatives such as Mailchimp and Beehiv. Ultimately, I settled on Ghost.

Section 1.1: Why Choose Ghost?

Ghost stands out as an open-source platform, which means that any content you create remains yours indefinitely. Even if Ghost were to shut down, your site, subscriber list, and revenue could still be retained. However, it's crucial to read the terms carefully; while you can migrate your work to a self-hosted version, not paying after the trial ends means losing access to what you built on Ghost's servers.

In contrast to Substack, Ghost(Pro) is not free, but if you opt for self-hosting, it can be free if you have the technical know-how. The hosting fees for the Pro service are reasonable, and upgrading to a higher tier allows for more customization and support from the developers.

A big shoutout to the Ghost team for their exceptional assistance during my migration process. They handled everything, including payment transitions, which made the switch seamless.

Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding the Costs

My current fees with Ghost are set at $25 per month, billed annually. This rate won't change until I reach 1,000 members, providing me some flexibility. However, keep in mind that there are no refunds, so it's wise to do thorough research before making any financial commitments.

Chapter 2: Ghost's Features and Performance

This video discusses the comparison between Ghost and Substack, exploring their unique features and which platform might be the better choice for creators.

Transitioning to Ghost has its merits; the platform boasts rapid loading speeds, numerous app integrations, and an intuitive interface for creating and editing posts. There is a learning curve involved, but the customer support is exceptional, and a comprehensive user manual is available to assist with any questions.

I even managed to launch a mini-podcast for my paid subscribers, which was surprisingly easy to set up. Now, I just need to improve my audio quality!

This video further elaborates on the differences between Substack and Ghost, helping viewers decide which platform aligns better with their needs.

Overall, I'm pleased with my new site. While the design may evolve over time, it functions well for my current needs. As someone with no coding experience, I feel accomplished in navigating this transition.

Although leaving Substack was difficult, especially as it meant parting ways with a growing community, I still maintain those connections. As I continue to explore Ghost, I'm confident that this decision aligns with my content goals.

Time will tell, but for now, I'm comfortable and open to feedback.

Thank you for reading this article! If you're interested in more insightful blogs, consider joining Medium for a small monthly fee. Signing up through my referral link supports my work at no additional cost to you. You can also visit my website, World-Weary, to explore more of my writings focused on human rights, justice, and activism.

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