If you’re also from another location into email newsletters, you have actually probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different regarding this system, something that makes creators like you stop, breathe, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Substack Vs Beehiiv…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Attempting to choose the appropriate email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. However after nearly 10 years helpful individuals navigate email marketing and 2 years running my very own e-newsletter, I lastly started and gave Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply mess around. I relocated every little thing over. Below’s why you may want to do the same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You Might Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a tidy interface and a devoted community of authors. However when it pertains to money making and target market possession, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds amazing on paper, right? Like, more exposure, even more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can not contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So primarily, you’re constructing a listing … that you don’t possess.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can build an actual connection. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Price of Benefit
Now let’s talk cash. Every single time someone spends for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re taking simply over $6. Not terrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra cash accumulates fast, particularly if you’re intending to expand or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to develop a service (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating right into your earnings before you even begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that moving your list or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: broken kinds, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting valuable video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than just tossing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain utilizing their own framework. It’s wise. Like, truly clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No funky CSV problems. No customers disappearing into deep space. Also attaching my site was great– okay, the designing took a little bit of elbow grease, however hey, no system’s best.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. Yet it’s excellent. Truly excellent.
You can drag, drop, design, and preview with ease. If you’re refraining from doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll most likely love it. Wish to drop in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always advise you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had actually wonderfully created newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension prior to sending. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, once you master it, you’ll avoid the dreaded clipping issue.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It’s like they actually want you to grow your target market. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current clients generate new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer a benefit for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Less Headaches
This was among the biggest factors I moved to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that attaches you with genuine enrollers.
Adjustable paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for getting website traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was currently gaining greater than I ever did on my old platform and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: many newsletter tools do not care concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous issues
- Custom-made types, branding and Substack Vs Beehiiv
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for most designers, it’s ample. And it just works. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply obtain open and click rates. You obtain actual insights:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and maximize every action of your funnel, from kind to available to acquire. Which kind of exposure? Invaluable when you’re attempting to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got space to expand. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the odd side instances.
Yet below’s the important things, Beehiiv really listens. I’ve currently seen updates turn out based upon user responses, which’s a really excellent sign.
All-time Low Line: Substack Vs Beehiiv
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your list quickly,
- To keep complete ownership of your clients,
- To actually earn money without system fines,
- And to not fight with confusing email home builders …
Then of course, you ought to definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire advanced CRM automations, maybe look elsewhere. However if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand, or an interest project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and fully sustained. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the basic Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and easy, even if you’ve never set up a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better money making tools, no system charges, and extra list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.