# Deploy Ghost for independent publishing Confirm current template and upstream requirements, then test initial publishing and email assumptions. Check the named site's prerequisites, task result, backup scope and recovery handoff with xCloud. Canonical: https://xcloud.host/use-cases/workflows/deploy-ghost-for-independent-publishing/ Published: 2026-09-30 · Updated: 2026-09-30 · Technical review: 2026-09-30 Evidence: Source reviewed; no production deployment test claimed Editorial owner: xCloud editorial Intent: Confirm current template and upstream requirements, then test initial publishing and email assumptions. For: site-owner, administrator ## Requirements and responsibilities - Name the team, server, hostname, owner and affected users for the Ghost application. Record the current version and the actual business flow that must survive the change. Confirm the current dashboard form, plan eligibility, and server capacity before committing a resource change. A one-click catalog listing is discovery, not permission or proof that the connected MCP profile can install it. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Ghost content and member exports](https://ghost.org/help/exports/); [Ghost staff roles and invites](https://ghost.org/help/managing-your-team/); [Ghost publishing and scheduling](https://ghost.org/help/publishing-content/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - Prepare a non-sensitive test input and an acceptance record. Keep access to the app administrator and an independent observer where possible; omit secrets from AI prompts and client reports. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Ghost content and member exports](https://ghost.org/help/exports/); [Ghost staff roles and invites](https://ghost.org/help/managing-your-team/); [Ghost publishing and scheduling](https://ghost.org/help/publishing-content/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - For a Docker app, identify persistent volumes, bind mounts, external databases and app-level export requirements. A Docker backup briefly stops the app, and an in-place restore replaces current state. Agree a maintenance window and owner before any action that interrupts the service or overwrites data. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Ghost content and member exports](https://ghost.org/help/exports/); [Ghost staff roles and invites](https://ghost.org/help/managing-your-team/); [Ghost publishing and scheduling](https://ghost.org/help/publishing-content/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) ## Illustrative situation A small editorial team wants a publication separate from its corporate WordPress site. It needs Ghost publishing, staff permissions and an export route before launch. ## Choose the approach - Ghost is a separate publication with its own URLs, staff and member data; WordPress identity does not carry over. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Ghost content and member exports](https://ghost.org/help/exports/); [Ghost staff roles and invites](https://ghost.org/help/managing-your-team/); [Ghost publishing and scheduling](https://ghost.org/help/publishing-content/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - Ghost content JSON, member CSV and theme ZIP exports cover different material; keep a full hosting backup too. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Ghost content and member exports](https://ghost.org/help/exports/); [Ghost staff roles and invites](https://ghost.org/help/managing-your-team/); [Ghost publishing and scheduling](https://ghost.org/help/publishing-content/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) ## Dashboard and application procedure ### 1. Define publication scope **Where:** Editorial plan and Ghost documentation **Permissions:** Authorized xCloud read access to the named team and site; the relevant app or provider owner supplies records outside xCloud. **Inputs:** Domain, authors, newsletter and membership needs **Action:** Decide whether the site is public posts only or needs members/newsletters. Assign staff roles, mail provider and content ownership. **Expected result:** A bounded first launch. **Verify:** Confirm editor can describe a sample publishing path. **If it fails:** If newsletters or paid access are required, scope and test those providers separately. Capability: Confirm requirements and inspect resources Sources: [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [Ghost content and member exports](https://ghost.org/help/exports/) ### 2. Check template and hosting **Where:** xCloud One-Click Apps catalog **Permissions:** Authorized xCloud read access to the named team and site; the relevant app or provider owner supplies records outside xCloud. **Inputs:** Ghost template, Docker server, storage, hostname **Action:** Confirm current template availability, persistent database/media paths and server headroom. Choose a stable publishing domain. **Expected result:** A viable deployment plan. **Verify:** Compare template requirements with actual server and DNS. **If it fails:** If storage or domain is unresolved, use a temporary pilot host. Capability: Confirm requirements and inspect resources Sources: [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [Ghost content and member exports](https://ghost.org/help/exports/) ### 3. Install the Ghost host **Where:** xCloud dashboard → One-Click Apps **Permissions:** Authorized xCloud site owner with dashboard rights for the exact setting, backup, staging or restore action and a reviewed target. **Inputs:** Approved xCloud site, hostname and protected first-run administrator handoff **Action:** Deploy Ghost through the supported one-click dashboard path and record its first-run URL for the editorial administrator. **Expected result:** A reachable Ghost host ready for protected application setup. **Verify:** Confirm the xCloud site and hostname match the approved deployment, then verify that the expected protected first-run page is reachable. **If it fails:** If the hostname, certificate or first-run page is wrong, stop application setup and resolve the hosting or access issue before entering credentials. Capability: Install a selected one-click app in xCloud dashboard Sources: [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/); [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md) ### 4. Publish a controlled item **Where:** Ghost editor and public browser **Permissions:** Authorized Ghost application administrator or delegated role with rights for this task; hosting access alone is insufficient. **Inputs:** Draft post, image, scheduled test **Action:** Complete first administrator setup, invite a limited editor, then preview and publish one harmless article. Check permalink and image; test scheduling after confirming the time zone. **Expected result:** A public article with correct metadata and media. **Verify:** Open the link signed out and inspect page title and image. Sign in separately as the limited editor and administrator and confirm their allowed settings match the assigned roles. **If it fails:** If scheduling or email fails, separate Ghost job/mail issues from host reachability. If an invitation fails, inspect Ghost mail/provider configuration; if editor permissions exceed the intended role, correct them before adding staff. Capability: Configure and test Ghost in its application UI Sources: [Ghost content and member exports](https://ghost.org/help/exports/); [Ghost staff roles and invites](https://ghost.org/help/managing-your-team/); [Ghost publishing and scheduling](https://ghost.org/help/publishing-content/) ### 5. Export and back up **Where:** Ghost Admin export and xCloud Docker Backup **Permissions:** Authorized xCloud team/site operator with the discovered write scope for this exact operation and owner approval for its target and interruption. **Inputs:** Post/member/theme exports, backup destination **Action:** Export sample content, member list if used and theme; inspect completed Docker backup for persistent data and record update owner. **Expected result:** A recovery plan for publication and membership. **Verify:** Verify export files open and backup row completed. **If it fails:** If a restore would erase newer posts or members, preserve current exports before applying it. Capability: Create and inspect Docker backups Sources: [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [Ghost content and member exports](https://ghost.org/help/exports/) ## Maintenance - Review this task after app or template updates and at the cadence agreed with the owner. Record failures as dated observations rather than assuming host health proves service health. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Ghost content and member exports](https://ghost.org/help/exports/); [Ghost staff roles and invites](https://ghost.org/help/managing-your-team/); [Ghost publishing and scheduling](https://ghost.org/help/publishing-content/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - Watch access changes, backup completion, free storage and external providers. Recheck integrations after credential, DNS, mail or source-data changes. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Ghost content and member exports](https://ghost.org/help/exports/); [Ghost staff roles and invites](https://ghost.org/help/managing-your-team/); [Ghost publishing and scheduling](https://ghost.org/help/publishing-content/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) ## Recovery decisions - Before data recovery, identify incident time, completed backup, target and records created after the snapshot. Preserve current evidence and live data before replacement. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Ghost content and member exports](https://ghost.org/help/exports/); [Ghost staff roles and invites](https://ghost.org/help/managing-your-team/); [Ghost publishing and scheduling](https://ghost.org/help/publishing-content/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) - Use the documented dashboard or application recovery procedure with the authorized owner. Repeat the task-specific limited-user check; reconcile newer records before reopening writes. Sources: [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md); [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [Ghost content and member exports](https://ghost.org/help/exports/); [Ghost staff roles and invites](https://ghost.org/help/managing-your-team/); [Ghost publishing and scheduling](https://ghost.org/help/publishing-content/); [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/); [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md); [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) ## AI handoff Connect an authorized xCloud MCP profile and discover its exact tools and team scope. The packaged REST wrapper is GET-only; use dashboard or app controls for undocumented writes. ### Supported scope - **Confirm requirements and inspect resources** (mcp; read): Discover the connected profile and operation schema first; only teams granted to the connection are visible. Checkpoint: Confirm exact team, server and site identity. Use dashboard\_url returned by the resource; do not invent a dashboard link. Operation identifiers to discover: teams.index, servers.show, sites.show. Scopes: read:servers, read:sites. Sources: [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs); [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md) ### Copyable agent brief ```text Read current Ghost template and authorized server. Return a hostname, storage and backup plan. Hosting MCP cannot create staff, posts or newsletters; dashboard and Ghost administrators must complete and validate those actions. ``` ### Manual checkpoints - Approve exact site, target, cost and any write or maintenance window after inspecting the proposed plan. - An authorized Ghost administrator must configure and test app users, content, integrations and business rules in the app. - Native WordPress staging, backup schedule/settings, push/pull and all restores are dashboard-only; Docker restore is dashboard-only and replaces state. - Reconcile data created after the chosen recovery point before any destructive restore. ## Feature coverage - **publish decision, evidence and task action** (covered): The procedure identifies the authorized task boundary and observable result. Steps: step-1, step-2, step-3, step-4 - **backup, ongoing operation and recovery** (covered): Recovery and maintenance are checked in the task procedure. Steps: step-4, step-5 ## Sources - [xCloud agent capability boundaries](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/reference/capability-map.md) — reviewed 2026-09-30; v4.4.2 package; xCloud v2.8.8 capability review - [xCloud MCP documentation and connection profiles](https://app.xcloud.host/mcp/docs) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Ghost content and member exports](https://ghost.org/help/exports/) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Ghost staff roles and invites](https://ghost.org/help/managing-your-team/) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Ghost publishing and scheduling](https://ghost.org/help/publishing-content/) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Back up and restore Docker apps](https://xcloud.host/docs/backup-and-restore-docker-apps/) — reviewed 2026-09-30 - [Docker backup operations and storage constraints](https://github.com/xCloudDev/xcloud-agent-skills/blob/main/plugins/xcloud/skills/sites/reference/docker-backups.md) — reviewed 2026-09-30; v4.4.2 - [xCloud One Click Apps catalog](https://xcloud.host/one-click-apps/) — reviewed 2026-09-30 ## Continue [Explore all use cases](https://xcloud.host/use-cases/) - [Back up and recover a Docker application](https://xcloud.host/use-cases/operations/docker-backup-and-recovery/)