If you’re even remotely right into e-mail e-newsletters, you’ve probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something various regarding this system, something that makes developers like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Vs Buttondown…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Attempting to choose the ideal email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. Yet after almost 10 years of helping people navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I finally started and gave Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And spoiler: I really did not just dabble. I relocated whatever over. Right here’s why you may intend to do the exact same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You Might Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They have actually obtained a tidy user interface and a faithful community of authors. But when it concerns money making and target market ownership, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It sounds amazing on paper, right? Like, more visibility, more interaction?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t genuine clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever choose to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re developing a checklist … that you do not have.
Now compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real partnership. That’s just how it needs to be.
The Hidden Cost of Benefit
Now let’s speak money. Every single time a person 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 client? You’re swiping simply over $6. Not horrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That additional cash money builds up quickly, specifically if you’re intending to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to build a business (also a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your profits prior to you also start.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re fretted that moving your listing or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: busted kinds, ghosted clients, styling nightmares. However with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking useful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than simply throwing your email domain right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name using their own framework. It’s wise. Like, actually wise.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV issues. No subscribers going away right into the void. Even connecting my site was fine– alright, the styling took a bit of effort, however hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s good. Actually good.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek easily. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Intend to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always warn you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had actually magnificently composed newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size before sending out. It’s a bit hand-operated, certain, once you master it, you’ll prevent the feared clipping concern.
Expanding Your Listing with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely radiates.
It resembles they really desire you to grow your target market. Surprising, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your current clients generate new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Want to run a free gift? Deal a bonus for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially 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: More Cash, Fewer Headaches
This was one of the biggest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated ad network that links you with actual sponsors.
Adjustable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently making greater than I ever before did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: most newsletter devices don’t care about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your past problems
- Custom kinds, branding and Beehiiv Vs Buttondown
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for many creators, it’s more than enough. And it simply functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t simply obtain open and click rates. You obtain real understandings:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and maximize every step of your funnel, from type to available to purchase. Which type of visibility? Valuable when you’re attempting to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got room to grow. Right here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the weird side situations.
But right here’s the important things, Beehiiv really listens. I’ve currently seen updates present based upon user responses, and that’s a truly good indicator.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Vs Buttondown
If you’re a developer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your checklist quick,
- To keep complete possession of your clients,
- To in fact earn money without system fines,
- And to not combat with cumbersome email home builders …
Then indeed, you need to definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look in other places. But if you’re building a community, an individual brand, or an interest project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I move my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV problems right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Just the typical Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for novices?
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, far better monetization devices, no platform fees, and a lot more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.