The Ghost Publication Launch Checklist

Start with the reader, then choose the tools.

• Know who you are publishing forWrite one sentence describing your reader and what they will come to you for.
• Check your hosting planConfirm your Ghost version and that your plan supports custom themes. Ghost(Pro) Starter excludes custom themes.
• Connect your domainCheck that your chosen address opens securely with HTTPS and redirects consistently.
• Keep a recovery copySave a copy of your theme, content export and important settings before making changes.
• Install the right theme fileUpload the theme ZIP in Ghost Admin. Check compatibility and read its setup instructions.
• Set your publication identityAdd your site title, description, logo, icon and navigation. Keep names and links consistent.

Test with the sort of content you actually publish.

• Add representative articlesInclude a short post, a long article and any content types you plan to use regularly.
• Try a long headlineCheck headings, excerpts and article cards with realistic titles rather than short placeholders.
• Check your imagesReview feature-image crops, captions and alternative text. Use appropriately sized, compressed images.
• Read the whole articleCheck headings, lists, quotes, links and the Ghost cards you use. Make sure text remains comfortable to read.
• Open tags and author pagesCheck archive headings, descriptions, profile details and pagination where available.
• Try search and a missing pageUse search if your site offers it, and open a made-up URL to check the 404 page.
• Use a narrow screenRead on a phone in portrait and landscape. Look for clipped text, sideways scrolling and awkward menus.
• Use the keyboard and zoomTab through links and controls. Check visible focus, readable contrast and the page at 200% zoom.

Follow the journey as a new reader would.

• Choose your membership offerDecide whether the publication is public, free-members-only or paid, and explain what each reader gets.
• Check access rulesOpen public, members-only and paid posts while signed out and with the relevant test membership.
• Check paid membership setupIf you charge readers, review prices, billing periods and payment settings. Follow the payment provider's testing guidance.
• Test signup and sign-inUse an email address you control. Follow the sign-in link, check your account page and sign out again.
• Set the sender and reply addressUse a recognisable sender and an inbox you read. Complete any domain authentication your email provider requires.
• Send yourself a newsletter previewCheck the subject, images, links and reading layout in your inbox and on a phone.
• Check consent and privacy wordingExplain which emails people are choosing and which services process their details. Keep marketing choices clear.
• Check the way outTest unsubscribe and email preferences. Confirm that someone who opts out stops receiving marketing emails.

Do one final pass on the public site.

• Set titles and descriptionsCheck the browser tab, publication metadata and the title and description of important pages.
• Set sharing imagesAdd a clear social image, typically 1200 x 630 pixels, and check its crop and text at a small size.
• Follow your important linksOpen navigation, contact, subscription and purchase links. Remove broken links and unfinished destinations.
• Check mobile speedRun PageSpeed Insights on the homepage and a typical article. Start with oversized images and unnecessary scripts.
• Remove placeholdersReplace sample content and check contact details, pricing and policies. Use claims you can support.
• Check public accessWhen you are ready, remove any private-site restriction and confirm the public site and /sitemap.xml open.
• Invite readers who opted inSend launch news only to people who chose those emails. Make the message useful and include an unsubscribe link.
• Recheck after launchKeep a fresh recovery copy and revisit the site on desktop and mobile. Ask a reader to try the key journeys.