If you’re even remotely right into e-mail newsletters, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different regarding this system, something that makes developers like you quit, breathe, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” ConvertKit Vs Beehiiv…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Trying to pick the best email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. Yet after nearly one decade helpful people browse e-mail marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I finally took the plunge and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And looter: I really did not simply dabble. I moved every little thing over. Right here’s why you might want to do the same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They have actually got a tidy interface and a loyal community of authors. However when it involves monetization and audience possession, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It seems great theoretically, right? Like, a lot more visibility, more involvement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t obtain your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So basically, you’re constructing a list … that you don’t have.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can build an actual partnership. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Expense of Ease
Currently let’s talk money. Every single time somebody spends 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 customer? You’re taking just over $6. Not terrible … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That additional money accumulates quickly, specifically if you’re planning to grow or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to construct an organization (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your profits before you even start.
What It’s Actually Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re stressed that migrating your listing or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: busted types, ghosted customers, styling headaches. Yet with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting practical video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to just throwing your email domain name into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name utilizing their own framework. It’s smart. Like, actually wise.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No customers vanishing into deep space. Also connecting my web site was fine– all right, 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 email builder isn’t remarkable. Yet it’s good. Really great.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview easily. If you’re refraining anything too design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Intend to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always warn you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had wonderfully created newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I discovered a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size before sending out. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll prevent the dreaded clipping issue.
Expanding Your Listing with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It’s like they actually want you to expand your target market. Surprising, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your present clients generate brand-new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Want to run a giveaway? Offer a benefit for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically 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 among the largest reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with genuine enrollers.
Personalized paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for buying web traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was currently earning greater than I ever did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: most newsletter devices don’t care regarding your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your past concerns
- Custom kinds, branding and ConvertKit Vs Beehiiv
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for the majority of designers, it’s more than enough. And it simply works. No messy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not just get open and click rates. You get genuine insights:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and maximize every step of your funnel, from form to available to acquire. Which kind of exposure? Valuable when you’re trying to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Can Enhance?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to grow. Right here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. 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 shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the odd edge situations.
However here’s the important things, Beehiiv actually listens. I’ve currently seen updates roll out based upon user feedback, which’s an actually good indicator.
All-time Low Line: ConvertKit Vs Beehiiv
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To grow your checklist quick,
- To keep full ownership of your subscribers,
- To actually generate income without system fines,
- And to not battle with cumbersome email builders …
Then of course, you should definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want advanced CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. Yet if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand name, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I move my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and fully supported. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the typical Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never ever set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better money making tools, no system charges, and much more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you warm it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.