If you’re even from another location right into email e-newsletters, you have actually possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different concerning this system, something that makes makers like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Substack Vs Beehiiv Vs ConvertKit…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Attempting to select the best email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. Yet after almost ten years helpful individuals navigate email marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I finally started and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I really did not just mess around. I relocated everything over. Here’s why you could intend to do the exact same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They have actually got a clean interface and a faithful community of writers. However when it comes to money making and audience possession, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds amazing theoretically, right? Like, extra presence, more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” aren’t real clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So essentially, you’re building a checklist … that you don’t possess.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can build an actual relationship. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Price of Comfort
Currently let’s chat money. Every single time someone pays for your newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re pocketing just over $6. Not terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That added money accumulates fast, specifically if you’re preparing to expand or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to construct an organization (even a side one), you need a system that’s not eating into your earnings before you also begin.
What It’s Actually Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that moving your list or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … don’t be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: broken types, ghosted customers, styling problems. However with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking practical video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of just throwing your email domain name right into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain using their very own facilities. It’s wise. Like, truly wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV issues. No clients vanishing into the void. Even connecting my site was fine– alright, the designing took a bit of elbow grease, however hey, no system’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. However it’s excellent. Truly excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview with ease. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Wish to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly caution you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had perfectly created e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I found a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size before sending out. It’s a little bit hands-on, sure, once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreadful clipping problem.
Expanding Your Listing with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It resembles they actually want you to grow your audience. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your current clients bring in new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable references baked right into the system.
Wish to run a giveaway? Deal a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Less Headaches
This was one of the biggest reasons I transferred to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that connects you with genuine enrollers.
Customizable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing website traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was currently making greater than I ever did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: a lot of newsletter devices do not care about your landing page. However Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your past issues
- Custom-made forms, branding and Substack Vs Beehiiv Vs ConvertKit
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for the majority of makers, it’s ample. And it simply works. No messy DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click prices. You obtain actual understandings:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and optimize every action of your funnel, from type to available to purchase. Which type of visibility? Valuable when you’re attempting to grow intentionally.
What Beehiiv Can Enhance?
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s got area to grow. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit rigid. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the unusual side situations.
But right here’s the important things, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates roll out based upon customer comments, which’s an actually excellent sign.
The Bottom Line: Substack Vs Beehiiv Vs ConvertKit
If you’re a designer, author, or indie publisher who wants:
- To grow your listing quick,
- To maintain complete possession of your clients,
- To really make money without platform penalties,
- And to not fight with confusing e-mail building contractors …
Then indeed, you must absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire advanced CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. But if you’re building a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I migrate my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and fully sustained. No CSV nightmares below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and easy, even if you’ve never established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience ownership, far better money making devices, no system fees, and a lot more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.