Theme Settings Overview

Berlin provides extensive customization options designed specifically for newsletter creators. This guide covers all configurable aspects of the theme, from homepage hero sections to subscription forms and footer navigation.

Getting Started

Navigate to your theme customization panel:

1. Log in to your Ghost Admin at yoursite.com/ghost/
2. Go to Settings → Design (yoursite.com/ghost/#/settings/design/)
3. Click Customize to access design settings
4. Select Theme in the top right corner for Berlin-specific options

Theme Settings

Berlin's custom settings are organized into logical groups that correspond to different sections of your site.

Homepage Configuration

The homepage settings control your site's primary conversion page—the hero section, testimonials, latest issues display, and about section integration.

Hero Introduction Text

Default: "Ich bin ein Berliner" is a weekly newsletter about Berlin, and the people who live here. We explore the city's history, culture, and politics, and we talk to the people who make Berlin what it is.

This is the primary value proposition text displayed directly under your site title in the hero section. Keep it concise but compelling—this is often the first content visitors read.

Best practices:

• Clearly state what your newsletter covers
• Mention publishing frequency (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Communicate the unique value you provide
• Keep it to 1-3 sentences for optimal readability

Hero Image

Default: None

Upload a featured image that represents your newsletter's subject matter. This image appears prominently in the hero section with testimonials overlaid on top (if configured).

Recommended specifications:

• Minimum width: 1200px
• Aspect ratio: Flexible (theme handles responsive sizing)
• File format: JPG, WEBP, or PNG
• File size: Under 500KB for optimal performance

Note: If no hero image is set, testimonials will display side-by-side in a horizontal layout instead of overlaying an image.

Hero Image Alt Text

Default: Skyline of Berlin in the evening

Provide descriptive alt text for your hero image to improve accessibility and SEO. Describe what's in the image clearly and concisely.

Testimonials

Berlin includes two testimonial slots that build trust and demonstrate value. Testimonials appear as elegant cards in the hero section, creating immediate social proof for new visitors.

Testimonial 1

Default: What an amazing newsletter! I live in Berlin for 5 years now and I still discover new places thanks to you! Keep up the good work!

The first testimonial quote from a subscriber or reader. This should be authentic feedback that highlights specific value.

Best practices:

• Use real quotes from actual subscribers
• Include specific benefits or outcomes
• Keep to 2-3 sentences maximum
• Focus on transformation or value delivered

Testimonial 1 Author

Default: Jannis Fedoruk-Betschki

The name or attribution for the first testimonial. Can include location, title, or other identifying information.

Examples:

• Sarah Johnson
• Mark T., San Francisco
• Alex Rivera, Subscriber since 2022

Testimonial 2

Default: A great newsletter that helps me discover new places in Berlin. I love the personal touch and the fact that it's not just a list of places but also a story about the city.

The second testimonial quote. Ideally, this should highlight a different aspect of value than the first testimonial.

Best practices:

• Showcase a different benefit than Testimonial 1
• Use varied language and perspective
• Consider featuring different reader demographics
• Maintain authentic voice

Testimonial 2 Author

Default: Sissi von Hamburg

The name or attribution for the second testimonial.

To hide a testimonial, simply leave the testimonial text field empty. The theme will automatically adjust the layout.

Latest Issues Display

Control how many recent posts appear in the "Latest Issues" section of your homepage.

Maximum Number of Issues

Default: 6

Specify how many recent posts to display in the Latest Issues section. This works independently of your global pagination settings.

Recommended values:

• 3-6 for weekly newsletters with long-form content
• 6-10 for frequent publishers with shorter posts
• 12+ for daily newsletters or news-focused publications

About Section Integration

Berlin automatically pulls content from a designated page and displays it on your homepage. This creates a personal connection without requiring visitors to navigate away.

About Page Slug

Default: about

The URL slug of the page you want to display in the homepage about section. Create this page in Ghost first, then reference its slug here.

About Button Link Text

Default: Get to know me

Customize the call-to-action button text that links to your full about page from the homepage preview.

Examples:

• Read my full story
• Learn more about us
• Meet the team
• Get to know me better

Subscription Forms

Berlin includes two subscription forms: one in the hero section and one in a dedicated CTA section at the bottom of pages. All form messaging is fully customizable.

CTA Title

Default: Get the latest stories delivered to your inbox

The main heading displayed above the subscription form in the CTA section (appears after the about section and on post pages).

Best practices:

• Focus on the benefit (stories delivered, insights shared, etc.)
• Keep it under 10 words
• Create urgency or exclusivity where authentic
• Match your brand voice

CTA Description

Default: Every week, I send out a newsletter with the latest stories about Berlin, and the people who live here. I also share my favorite places to eat, drink, and explore in the city.

Supporting text that provides additional context and value proposition for subscribing. This appears directly under the CTA title.

Best practices:

• Mention publishing frequency
• Describe specific content types or topics
• Address reader benefits clearly
• Keep to 2-3 sentences

Email Field Placeholder

Default: Enter your email address

The placeholder text that appears inside the email input field before the user types.

Common variations:

• Your email address
• Email address
• you@example.com
• Enter your email

Subscribe Button Text

Default: Subscribe

The text displayed on the subscription form submit button.

Common alternatives:

• Sign up
• Join now
• Get updates
• Subscribe free
• Count me in

Success Message

Default: Thank you for subscribing! Please check your email to confirm your subscription.

The message displayed when someone successfully submits the subscription form. This should set clear expectations for next steps.

Best practices:

• Thank the subscriber
• Explain what happens next (check email)
• Mention confirmation requirements if applicable
• Set expectations for first email timing

Examples:

• Welcome aboard! Check your email to confirm your subscription.
• Success! We've sent a confirmation email to your inbox.
• Thanks for subscribing! Your first issue arrives next Monday.

Error Message

Default: Something went wrong. Please try again.

The message displayed when form submission fails. Keep it helpful and actionable.

Examples:

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again.
• Unable to subscribe. Please check your email and try again.
• Subscription failed. Please refresh and try again.

Footer Navigation

Customize the section headings that appear above your navigation groups in the footer.

Primary Navigation Title

Default: About This Newsletter

The heading displayed above your primary navigation links in the footer.

Context: This typically labels links like "About," "Archive," "Privacy," etc.

Examples:

• About This Newsletter
• Learn More
• Publication Info
• Resources

Secondary Navigation Title

Default: Navigation

The heading displayed above your secondary navigation links in the footer.

Context: This typically labels utility links or additional pages.

Examples:

• Quick Links
• Explore
• More
• Navigate

Ghost Social Links Toggle

Default: Enabled (checked)

Control whether to display site-wide social media links (Twitter and Facebook) in the footer. When enabled, the theme automatically displays social links based on your Ghost social media settings.

To configure your social accounts:

1. Go to Settings → General
2. Scroll to Social accounts
3. Add your Twitter handle and Facebook URL
4. These will appear automatically in Berlin's footer if this toggle is enabled

Social Navigation Title

Default: Social

The heading displayed above social media links in the footer (when Ghost social links are enabled).

Examples:

• Follow Us
• Connect
• Find Us Online
• Social Media

Theme Updates

Since Berlin is a Magic Pages exclusive theme, you can update it directly in the theme gallery.

When updating Berlin, your customizations are preserved through Ghost's settings system. Custom code in code injection areas remains intact during theme updates.