> Source: https://meetrix.io/store/ghost/
> Markdown copy of that page. Cite the URL above, not this file.

[Store](https://meetrix.io/store/)  Ghost

Open-source publishing platform

# Self-hosted Ghost CMS on AWS

Run Ghost, the open-source platform for blogs, newsletters and paid memberships, from a pre-configured AMI in your own AWS account. Your posts and subscriber list stay with you, and no platform takes a cut of your revenue.

 [Launch on AWS](https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-qisvfrxaln2ne)

-   Ready in 5-10 minutes
-   No revenue cut
-   No subscriber cap

![Ghost publishing platform deployed on AWS by Meetrix](https://meetrix.io/assets/store/ghost/ghost.webp)

## What is Ghost?

Ghost is an MIT-licensed publishing platform built for blogs, newsletters and membership sites. Where WordPress needs plugins for memberships and newsletters, Ghost has them built in, alongside a clean editor and built-in SEO.

-   ### Clean editor

    Write and publish posts in a focused, modern editor.

-   ### Newsletters

    Send posts to subscribers by email, using an external email provider such as Mailgun.

-   ### Paid memberships

    Membership tiers and paywalls, with a direct Stripe integration.

-   ### Built-in SEO

    Search-friendly pages without extra plugins.

-   ### Themes

    Change the look of your publication from the admin panel.

-   ### Importers

    Bring posts across from WordPress or Substack exports.

## What's in the Meetrix Ghost AMI

Self-hosting Ghost means Node.js, a database, Docker and SSL before you publish anything. The AMI handles that setup.

-   Ghost with its database, managed with Docker
-   Automatic SSL when your domain is hosted on Route 53
-   A certificate script for issuing SSL manually otherwise
-   A CloudFormation template for your own AWS account
-   Email support from Meetrix at aws@meetrix.io

## How to set up a self-hosted Ghost site

1.  ### Launch the stack

    Subscribe on AWS Marketplace, launch the CloudFormation stack with your domain, and wait 5-10 minutes.

2.  ### Point your domain at it

    Create a DNS record for your domain with the PublicIp from the stack outputs.

3.  ### Create the admin account

    Open your domain with /ghost on the end and enter your name, email and password.

4.  ### Start publishing

    Pick a theme, connect an email provider for newsletters, and write your first post.

## Deploy on AWS

### Ghost on AWS

An AMI on AWS Marketplace, launched into your own AWS account with a CloudFormation stack.

Deploys with

CloudFormation

Recommended size

t3.small

Ready in

5-10 minutes

#### Setup guides

-   [**Developer guide** Launch, DNS, admin, SSL](https://meetrix.io/blogs/ghost-developer-guide/)
-   [**Ghost on AWS Marketplace** Who it suits and how it compares](https://meetrix.io/blogs/ghost-aws-marketplace/)
-   [**Video walkthrough** Watch the deployment on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyOe33JLElA)

 [Launch on AWS](https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-qisvfrxaln2ne)

## Ghost by Meetrix vs WordPress vs Substack

|  | Ghost by Meetrix | WordPress (self-hosted) | Substack |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Hosting | Your AWS account | Your own server or host | Substack's cloud |
| Subscriber data | Stays in your account | Yours, if self-hosted correctly | Held by Substack |
| Memberships and newsletters | Built in | Through third-party plugins | Built in |
| Pricing model | AWS compute, no revenue cut | Hosting plus paid plugins and themes | 10% of paid subscriptions, plus fees |

Self-hosted Ghost needs an external email provider to send newsletters. [Read Ghost vs WordPress for self-hosted publishing →](https://meetrix.io/blogs/ghost-vs-wordpress/)

## Video: deploy Ghost on AWS

## Ghost FAQ

What is Ghost?

An open-source publishing platform for blogs, newsletters and membership sites, with a clean editor, built-in SEO and native memberships and subscriptions.

How is Ghost different from WordPress?

WordPress is a general CMS that needs plugins for memberships, paywalls and newsletters. Ghost builds those in, with a smaller codebase and fewer plugins to patch.

How do I reach the admin panel?

Once DNS has propagated, add /ghost to your domain (for example https://your-domain.com/ghost) and create the administrator account.

Can I send newsletters?

Yes. The Ghost software is free, but a self-hosted site needs an external email provider such as Mailgun to deliver newsletters.

Can I move my WordPress or Substack content?

Yes. Ghost has built-in importers for WordPress and Substack exports. Check images and custom formatting after the import.

Which instance size should I choose?

t3.small suits most blogs and newsletters. Move to t3.medium or larger as traffic and membership grow.

Do I need to know Node.js or Docker?

No. The AMI handles Node.js, the database and Docker. Day-to-day publishing happens in the Ghost admin panel.

How do I upgrade?

Back up your content and configuration, remove the old stack and launch the newer AMI version from AWS Marketplace.

## Ghost guides and articles

### [Ghost vs WordPress for Self-Hosted Publishing](https://meetrix.io/blogs/ghost-vs-wordpress/)

Stack, patching burden, built-in newsletters and running costs.

### [Ghost Publishing Platform on AWS Marketplace](https://meetrix.io/blogs/ghost-aws-marketplace/)

Run a newsletter or blog without handing it to a platform.

### [Ghost: Developer Guide](https://meetrix.io/blogs/ghost-developer-guide/)

Launch the stack, set up DNS and SSL, and create your admin account.

## Need a hand with your Ghost site?

We build and run self-hosted publishing platforms every day, from migrations to newsletter delivery. Tell us what you need.

[Contact us](https://meetrix.io/contact-us/)