If you’re also remotely right into e-mail e-newsletters, you’ve possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different regarding this system, something that makes makers like you stop, breathe, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Vs Competitors…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Attempting to pick the right email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. Yet after virtually ten years of helping people browse e-mail marketing and two years running my own e-newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and offered Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply dabble. I moved everything over. Right here’s why you may wish to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They have actually obtained a tidy interface and a faithful community of writers. However when it concerns monetization and audience possession, they falter. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds trendy on paper, right? Like, much more exposure, more involvement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can’t call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever make a decision to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So primarily, you’re developing a list … that you don’t own.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When someone subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can develop a real connection. That’s how it ought to be.
The Hidden Expense of Convenience
Now let’s speak cash. Every single time a person pays for your e-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 filching simply over $6. Not terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That added money builds up quick, specifically if you’re intending to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to construct a company (also a side one), you need a system that’s not eating into your revenues before you even begin.
What It’s Really Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re fretted that moving your listing or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: busted kinds, ghosted subscribers, styling headaches. However with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting valuable videos, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of just tossing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively presents your domain using their very own framework. It’s wise. Like, really clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No cool CSV problems. No clients vanishing right into deep space. Also connecting my internet site was fine– fine, the styling took a little elbow grease, yet hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. But it’s great. Really great.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably love it. Intend to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly caution you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had actually wonderfully created e-newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension before sending. It’s a little bit hands-on, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the dreaded clipping concern.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It’s like they actually desire you to grow your audience. Surprising, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your present subscribers generate brand-new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer a bonus 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’ target markets. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Cash, Less Headaches
This was just one of the most significant factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that links you with actual sponsors.
Adjustable paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for getting website traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was currently gaining greater than I ever did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: a lot of newsletter devices do not care concerning your landing page. But Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous issues
- Custom-made kinds, branding and Beehiiv Vs Competitors
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for most makers, it’s sufficient. And it just functions. No messy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click rates. You get genuine insights:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and maximize every step of your funnel, from kind to open to buy. Which kind of visibility? Invaluable when you’re trying to expand on purpose.
What Beehiiv Can Improve?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to grow. Here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the odd side situations.
But here’s the thing, Beehiiv really listens. I have actually already seen updates present based on customer comments, and that’s an actually good indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Vs Competitors
If you’re a creator, author, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your list fast,
- To maintain full ownership of your subscribers,
- To really earn money without platform penalties,
- And to not fight with cumbersome e-mail builders …
Then yes, you ought to absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want sophisticated CRM automations, maybe look in other places. However if you’re building a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I move my existing e-mail listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and fully supported. No CSV nightmares below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Simply the typical Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you’ve never ever established a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience possession, better money making devices, no platform charges, and much more list-growth options.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.