What options are available in Webflow to host a blog on the root domain, specifically using Ghost and leveraging its API for SEO purposes?

Published on
September 22, 2023

To host a blog on the root domain in Webflow and integrate it with Ghost's API for SEO purposes, you can follow the steps below:

  1. Set up a Webflow project and design your website: First, create a new project in Webflow and design your website according to your requirements. Make sure to include a section or page for your blog.

  2. Configure your custom domain: In order to host your blog on the root domain, you need to configure your custom domain in Webflow. Go to your Webflow project settings, navigate to the Hosting tab, and choose the option "Add Custom Domain". Follow the instructions to set up your domain properly.

  3. Set up the Ghost CMS: Sign up for an account on Ghost's website and follow the instructions to set up your Ghost CMS. This will involve choosing a hosting provider or installing Ghost on your server.

  4. Configure the Ghost API: After setting up your Ghost CMS, you need to configure the Ghost API to allow Webflow to communicate with it. In your Ghost admin dashboard, navigate to the "Integrations" section and generate an API key.

  5. Add the Blog Collection in Webflow: In your Webflow project, create a new Collection for your blog posts. Add the relevant fields for your blog posts, such as title, body, and featured image. You can also include additional fields for SEO purposes, such as meta title, description, and keywords.

  6. Connect Webflow with Ghost's API: In the Webflow Designer, go to your Blog Collection settings and choose the option to connect it with an external CMS. Select Ghost as the CMS platform, and enter the necessary API details, including the API URL and the API key generated in Ghost.

  7. Design your blog template: In Webflow, design your blog template using the Collection List and Collection Page elements. Customize the layout, typography, and styling according to your design preferences.

  8. Publish your blog posts: In your Ghost admin dashboard, create new blog posts and publish them. The posts will automatically sync with your Webflow website through the Ghost API.

  9. Optimize SEO settings: To leverage Ghost's API for SEO purposes, make sure to optimize the meta tags and other SEO settings in Webflow for your blog posts. This includes setting unique meta titles and descriptions, adding relevant keywords, and optimizing heading tags.

  10. Monitor and refine: Once your blog is up and running, regularly monitor your website's performance and SEO ranking. Use Webflow's analytics and SEO tools to track the performance of your blog posts and make refinements as necessary.

By following these steps, you can host a blog on the root domain using Ghost in Webflow, while leveraging Ghost's API for SEO purposes. This setup allows you to have a powerful blogging platform integrated seamlessly with your Webflow website.

Additional Questions:

  1. How can I integrate my Webflow website with Ghost CMS for blogging?
  2. What are the benefits of using Ghost CMS for SEO on a Webflow website?
  3. Can I customize the design of my blog template in Webflow when using Ghost CMS?