We are the Payload to Ghost migration experts

While Payload CMS offers a range of features tailored for Next.js applications, it presents certain challenges that might deter some users. One of the primary concerns is the learning curve associated with adopting this tool, particularly for developers unfamiliar with Next.js or headless CMS architectures. The platform's smaller ecosystem compared to more established CMS solutions means that users might find fewer ready-made plugins and third-party integrations, potentially increasing development time and complexity. Additionally, as a JavaScript-based CMS, there might be performance overhead in high-traffic environments, necessitating careful consideration of server resources and optimization strategies.

Another notable drawback is the documentation, which, while generally helpful, has been reported to contain gaps that could hinder new users from fully leveraging the platform's capabilities. The community, although growing, is still smaller than those of more established CMS platforms, which can limit the availability of peer support and community-driven resources. Moreover, being a headless CMS, Payload requires a separate hosting solution for its backend, adding an additional layer of complexity for those used to more traditional, all-in-one CMS platforms. These factors combined might make Payload CMS less appealing to users seeking a more straightforward or widely supported content management solution.

Ghost is genuinely great if all you want is a fast, clean, no-nonsense blogging machine. It keeps things beautifully simple: a slick Markdown editor, zero clutter, and performance scores so good they’ll make WordPress users cry into their PHP logs. If your plan is “just publish content,” Ghost actually gets out of your way and lets you do that.

The built-in memberships and payments system is also a win. You can slap a paywall on your content, charge people to read your mediocre hot takes, and do it all without duct-taping together 12 plugins. For solo creators, small publications, and anyone who wants a simple writing-first experience, Ghost delivers exactly what it promises and nothing you didn’t ask for.