Ghost CMS: Self-Hosting vs Managed Hosting

Ghost is an open-source content management system (CMS) that is known for its simplicity and ease of use. It is a popular choice for bloggers and small businesses who want a modern, lightweight platform to power their websites. One of the key decisions you will need to make when setting up a Ghost site is whether to self-host or go with a managed hosting solution. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of both options to help you make an informed decision.

Self-hosting Ghost

Self-hosting Ghost means that you will be responsible for setting up and maintaining the server environment that your Ghost site runs on. This requires a certain level of technical knowledge and expertise, as you will need to handle tasks such as server setup, security updates, and backups.

One of the main advantages of self-hosting is that you have complete control over your server environment. You can customize your setup to meet the specific needs of your site and have the freedom to install any plugins or integrations that you want. You are also not tied to any specific hosting provider, so you can switch to a different provider if you are not satisfied with the service.

However, self-hosting also comes with some downsides. It can be more time-consuming and resource-intensive, as you will need to handle all of the server maintenance tasks yourself. You will also need to have a dedicated server or a virtual private server (VPS) to host your Ghost site, which can be expensive.

Managed hosting for Ghost

Managed hosting for Ghost means that a hosting provider will handle all of the server maintenance and management tasks for you. This can be a good option for those who do not have the technical expertise or resources to self-host their Ghost site.

One of the main advantages of managed hosting is that it is typically easier and less time-consuming. You do not need to worry about server setup or maintenance, as the hosting provider will handle all of this for you. Managed hosting providers often offer a range of features and tools to help you manage your Ghost site, such as website backups, SSL certificates, and staging environments.

However, managed hosting can be more expensive than self-hosting. You may also be limited in terms of the customization options available to you, as the hosting provider will typically set certain limits on what you can do with your server environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether to self-host or go with a managed hosting solution for your Ghost site will depend on your technical expertise, resources, and budget. Self-hosting gives you complete control over your server environment, but it can be more time-consuming and resource-intensive. Managed hosting is easier and less time-consuming, but it can be more expensive and may have certain limitations.