If you're brand new to Substack and haven't yet created a publication, you can start your move directly at https://substack.com/signup/import
If you're ready to move from Ghost to Substack and experience growth with Recommendations, engage with your subscribers in Chat, or start a paid podcast, this guide will show you what you need to do to transition your members and posts to your new publication seamlessly.
In this guide, we'll explain:
What do I need to do on Ghost?
To get started, you'll need to export all Ghost members and export your content.
Exporting all members
On your Ghost dashboard, select Members. Click on the Settings icon at the top of the page and select "Export all members".
A .csv file labeled Members and the date of export will be downloaded to your device.
Exporting all content
On your Ghost dashboard, select the Settings icon at the bottom of the page. Scroll to the Advanced section and select "Labs".
In the Migration Options section, click on "Export" next to where it says "Export your content". All your posts will be downloaded into a JSON file.
How do I get started on Substack?
Start your move to Substack here: https://substack.com/signup/import
You'll be prompted to import your Ghost members and posts.
How to import your Ghost members
Upload the .csv file of members you downloaded from your Ghost account and select "Import".
Tip: After you've added your members, you can view their Substack status on your Subscribers page.
How to import your posts
You'll then be prompted to import your Ghost posts.
Enter your Ghost URL and click "Get started". Once the Substack importer has found your archive, select "Import". If you have payments enabled on your Substack publication, you'll see the option to import the posts as paid posts.
Confirm that you own the publication that you're importing and agree to Substack's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Select "Next" and your posts will appear in your Home and Archive on your Substack publication.
Imported posts may appear with Ghost's subscribe options at the bottom of the post. To remove the unnecessary text, head to your Posts page and select the three dots next to your imported post.
Delete the selected text or image and choose "Continue" to update your changes. Select your audience and if you'd like to send the imported post as an email to your Substack subscribers and the Substack app.
