If you’re even remotely into email newsletters, you’ve possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something various regarding this system, something that makes developers like you stop, breathe, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Vs Contentful…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Attempting to pick the ideal e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. Yet after almost ten years of helping individuals browse e-mail marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I ultimately started and offered Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness test run.
And looter: I didn’t simply mess around. I moved whatever over. Right here’s why you could want to do the same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a clean interface and a dedicated community of writers. However when it involves monetization and audience possession, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It sounds trendy on paper, right? Like, extra visibility, even more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “fans” aren’t real clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re constructing a listing … that you do not own.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct an actual relationship. That’s exactly how it needs to be.
The Hidden Price of Ease
Now let’s speak cash. Whenever 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 dreadful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra cash money builds up quick, especially if you’re intending to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely 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 Actually Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that moving your checklist or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: busted types, ghosted clients, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of simply throwing your email domain into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name utilizing their very own facilities. It’s smart. Like, really smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No cool CSV problems. No customers vanishing into the void. Also attaching my site was great– okay, the styling took a bit of effort, however hey, no platform’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. But it’s great. Really excellent.
You can drag, go down, design, and preview effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Intend to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always alert you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had actually beautifully created newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I found a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension before sending. It’s a bit hands-on, sure, once you master it, you’ll prevent the feared clipping issue.
Expanding Your Listing with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It’s like they in fact want you to grow your target market. Surprising, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your present customers generate brand-new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Wish to run a giveaway? Deal a perk for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other newsletters’ target markets. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Money, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the most significant reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated ad network that connects you with real enrollers.
Adjustable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently earning more than I ever did on my old platform and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: most e-newsletter devices uncommitted regarding your landing page. However Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your previous concerns
- Personalized forms, branding and Beehiiv Vs Contentful
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for most designers, it’s more than enough. And it simply functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not just obtain open and click rates. You obtain genuine insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and enhance every step of your funnel, from type to open up to purchase. And that type of exposure? Priceless when you’re trying to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Can Improve?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to grow. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit rigid. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the odd edge situations.
Yet below’s the important things, Beehiiv really listens. I have actually currently seen updates roll out based on user comments, which’s a really excellent indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Vs Contentful
If you’re a creator, author, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your list fast,
- To keep complete possession of your clients,
- To in fact make money without system fines,
- And to not battle with confusing email building contractors …
Then yes, you should definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire innovative CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. But if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand name, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and fully sustained. No CSV nightmares here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Just the standard Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you have actually never established a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience ownership, better money making tools, no system costs, and more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all native features.