If you’re even from another location into e-mail e-newsletters, you’ve most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different about this system, something that makes creators like you quit, take a breath, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Vs Brevo…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Trying to select the right email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. However after almost 10 years of helping people browse email marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I lastly started and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I really did not just mess around. I moved everything over. Here’s why you may want to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a tidy user interface and a loyal community of writers. Yet when it involves money making and audience possession, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “follow” feature on Substack? It sounds amazing on paper, right? Like, a lot more exposure, even more involvement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So generally, you’re developing a checklist … that you do not possess.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can build a genuine relationship. That’s just how it must be.
The Hidden Cost of Benefit
Now let’s talk cash. Every single time someone spends 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 stealing just over $6. Not awful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That additional cash accumulates quickly, especially if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to construct a service (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating right into your profits before you also start.
What It’s Actually Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re worried that migrating your listing or establishing automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: damaged forms, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. Yet with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking valuable videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of just tossing your e-mail domain right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain using their very own framework. It’s wise. Like, actually smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No cool CSV problems. No subscribers vanishing into the void. Also attaching my site was fine– fine, the styling took a little effort, but hey, no platform’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. However it’s great. Really good.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re refraining from doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll possibly love it. Intend to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always caution you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had perfectly written e-newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending. It’s a bit manual, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping issue.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It resembles they actually desire you to expand your audience. Shocking, best?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your existing subscribers bring in new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Want to run a giveaway? Deal a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Less Frustrations
This was among the biggest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that attaches you with real sponsors.
Personalized paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for buying traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was already making more than I ever did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: the majority of newsletter devices uncommitted about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your past concerns
- Personalized forms, branding and Beehiiv Vs Brevo
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for many makers, it’s sufficient. And it simply functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or broken embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not just get open and click prices. You obtain actual insights:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and optimize every action of your funnel, from kind to available to purchase. Which kind of visibility? Invaluable when you’re trying to expand purposefully.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s got area to grow. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the unusual edge situations.
However right here’s the thing, Beehiiv actually listens. I have actually currently seen updates present based upon user feedback, which’s an actually excellent indicator.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Vs Brevo
If you’re a developer, author, or indie author who desires:
- To expand your checklist quickly,
- To keep full possession of your clients,
- To really earn money without platform fines,
- And to not battle with clunky email home builders …
After that of course, you should absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want advanced CRM automations, maybe look elsewhere. However if you’re developing a community, a personal brand, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I move my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV problems right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the conventional Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for novices?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you’ve never ever set up an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience possession, much better money making devices, no system fees, and more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also help you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.