If you’re also remotely right into e-mail newsletters, you have actually most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different concerning this platform, something that makes creators like you quit, breathe, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Ghost Vs Beehiiv…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Trying to pick the ideal e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. Yet after nearly 10 years helpful individuals browse email marketing and 2 years running my very own newsletter, I ultimately started and offered Beehiiv a proper, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply dabble. I relocated whatever over. Here’s why you could wish to do the very same.
Why I Dumped 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 devoted community of writers. However when it concerns money making and target market ownership, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “follow” feature on Substack? It sounds trendy on paper, right? Like, more exposure, even more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t obtain your emails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So basically, you’re developing a list … that you do not have.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a genuine partnership. That’s exactly how it needs to be.
The Hidden Cost of Ease
Now let’s speak money. Every time somebody pays for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re filching simply over $6. Not horrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That extra cash money adds up fast, particularly if you’re preparing to expand or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to develop an organization (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your earnings prior to you even start.
What It’s Really Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re worried that moving your listing or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … don’t be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: damaged types, ghosted subscribers, styling headaches. However with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of simply throwing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain using their very own framework. It’s wise. Like, really clever.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV issues. No subscribers going away into deep space. Even linking my internet site was fine– okay, the designing took a little elbow grease, but hey, no platform’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. Yet it’s good. Truly good.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek easily. If you’re not doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Wish to decrease in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always caution you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had actually magnificently composed e-newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size prior to sending. It’s a bit manual, sure, once you master it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping issue.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely radiates.
It resembles they in fact want you to expand your target market. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your current clients bring in new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Offer a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was among the largest factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that links you with actual sponsors.
Customizable paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently making more than I ever before did on my old system and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: a lot of newsletter devices do not care concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your past issues
- Customized kinds, branding and Ghost Vs Beehiiv
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for most developers, it’s ample. And it simply functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply 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 get genuine understandings:.
Where subscribers originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and optimize every action of your funnel, from form to open up to buy. Which kind of visibility? Valuable when you’re attempting to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Could Boost?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to grow. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the weird side situations.
But below’s the thing, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates present based upon customer responses, which’s a truly great indication.
All-time Low Line: Ghost Vs Beehiiv
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie author who desires:
- To expand your list quick,
- To maintain complete possession of your subscribers,
- To really generate income without system fines,
- And to not combat with confusing e-mail contractors …
After that indeed, you should definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want advanced CRM automations, possibly look somewhere else. Yet if you’re developing a community, an individual brand name, or an interest task?
Beehiiv’s got 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 subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the standard Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for novices?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you have actually never set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market ownership, better money making tools, no platform fees, and much more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid registrations are all native features.