If you’re also remotely into e-mail newsletters, you’ve most likely listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different about this platform, something that makes developers like you stop, take a breath, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Vs ActiveCampaign…
I have actually been precisely where you are. Trying to choose the right e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. Yet after nearly one decade of helping individuals navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I finally took the plunge and provided Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I really did not just mess around. I relocated everything over. Below’s why you may want to do the very same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a clean user interface and a faithful community of authors. Yet when it involves monetization and target market possession, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It seems cool theoretically, right? Like, extra exposure, even more involvement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” aren’t real subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your emails in their inbox. You can not contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever choose to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So generally, you’re constructing a list … that you do not possess.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can build a genuine connection. That’s how it ought to be.
The Hidden Expense of Benefit
Now let’s chat money. Whenever someone pays for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 client? You’re taking simply over $6. Not awful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That extra money builds up quickly, specifically if you’re preparing to expand or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to construct an organization (also 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 Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that moving your listing or setting up automations will be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: busted types, ghosted customers, styling headaches. Yet with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than simply tossing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s clever. Like, really smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No clients vanishing right into the void. Also attaching my internet site was great– okay, the styling took a little elbow grease, yet hey, no platform’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s excellent. Really good.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek easily. If you’re refraining anything also design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Intend to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always warn you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had wonderfully composed e-newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I located a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension prior to sending. It’s a little bit manual, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreaded clipping concern.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It resembles they really want you to grow your audience. Stunning, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your existing customers generate brand-new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Wish to run a giveaway? Offer an incentive 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’ target markets. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Cash, Less Migraines
This was one of the largest reasons I transferred to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that connects you with real enrollers.
Customizable paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already gaining more than I ever did on my old platform and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: a lot of e-newsletter tools don’t care regarding your landing page. But Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your previous issues
- Custom-made forms, branding and Beehiiv Vs ActiveCampaign
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for the majority of creators, it’s ample. And it just functions. No messy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click rates. You obtain real understandings:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every action of your funnel, from type to available to buy. And that type of visibility? Priceless when you’re trying to expand on purpose.
What Beehiiv Could Boost?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to grow. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the weird edge instances.
But below’s the thing, Beehiiv really pays attention. I’ve currently seen updates turn out based upon customer comments, and that’s a really great sign.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Vs ActiveCampaign
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie publisher who wants:
- To grow your checklist fast,
- To keep full possession of your customers,
- To actually make money without platform penalties,
- And to not battle with clunky email builders …
After that indeed, you need to absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want sophisticated CRM automations, maybe look in other places. However if you’re developing a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I move my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and fully sustained. No CSV nightmares below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the common Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you’ve never established a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience ownership, far better monetization devices, no system fees, and a lot more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.