If you’re also from another location right into email newsletters, you’ve possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different regarding this platform, something that makes designers like you stop, take a breath, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Substack Vs Medium Vs Beehiiv…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Attempting to select the best e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. Yet after virtually one decade of helping individuals browse e-mail marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I ultimately started and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine test run.
And looter: I didn’t simply mess around. I moved everything over. Below’s why you might intend to do the same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They’ve got a tidy interface and a loyal community of authors. Yet when it pertains to money making and target market possession, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It appears amazing theoretically, right? Like, more visibility, even more engagement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your emails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever make a decision to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re building a checklist … that you do not possess.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When someone subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can build a genuine relationship. That’s just how it must be.
The Hidden Expense of Ease
Now let’s talk cash. Each time someone pays for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re filching simply over $6. Not dreadful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra money accumulates quickly, particularly if you’re preparing to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to build a service (even a side one), you need a system that’s not eating right into your earnings prior to you also begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re worried that migrating your checklist or setting up automations will be a pain … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: damaged types, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. Yet with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting helpful videos, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of simply throwing your e-mail domain into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain name utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s clever. Like, really wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No cool CSV concerns. No clients vanishing right into the void. Also connecting my site was fine– okay, the designing took a little bit of elbow grease, but hey, no system’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s good. Truly good.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll possibly love it. Wish to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly alert you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had magnificently created newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size before sending. It’s a bit hands-on, sure, once you get the hang of it, you’ll prevent the dreadful clipping issue.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It resembles they really want you to expand your target market. Surprising, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your existing clients bring in new ones– and it actually works. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Want to run a free gift? Offer 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 various other newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Less Frustrations
This was among the biggest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Customizable paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for purchasing website traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already making greater than I ever did on my old platform and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: most newsletter devices uncommitted regarding your landing page. However Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous issues
- Personalized types, branding and Substack Vs Medium Vs Beehiiv
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for the majority of makers, it’s more than enough. And it simply works. No untidy DNS configs or busted embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just get open and click prices. You obtain actual insights:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and optimize every action of your funnel, from type to available to acquire. And that kind of visibility? Priceless when you’re trying to grow intentionally.
What Beehiiv Could Boost?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to grow. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the odd side situations.
Yet here’s things, Beehiiv really pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates roll out based upon individual feedback, which’s a truly great sign.
All-time Low Line: Substack Vs Medium Vs Beehiiv
If you’re a developer, author, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your listing quickly,
- To keep complete ownership of your subscribers,
- To really make money without platform fines,
- And to not battle with confusing email builders …
Then of course, you should definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want innovative CRM automations, possibly look in other places. Yet if you’re building a community, an individual brand name, or an enthusiasm project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the basic Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never ever established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better money making tools, no platform charges, and much more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.