If you’re even from another location right into email e-newsletters, you have actually possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something various about this platform, something that makes makers like you stop, breathe, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Ghost Vs Substack Vs Beehiiv…
I have actually been precisely where you are. Attempting to choose the appropriate email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. However after virtually ten years of helping individuals navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a correct, genuine test run.
And looter: I really did not just dabble. I relocated whatever over. Right here’s why you might intend to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They have actually got a clean interface and a faithful community of authors. However when it concerns monetization and audience ownership, they falter. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds cool on paper, right? Like, extra visibility, even more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re building a checklist … that you do not have.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can build a genuine partnership. That’s exactly how it needs to be.
The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Currently let’s talk money. Whenever someone 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 subscriber? You’re filching just over $6. Not terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform charges. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That extra cash adds up fast, particularly if you’re intending to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to develop a service (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your profits prior to you even start.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that moving your checklist or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: damaged types, ghosted clients, styling nightmares. Yet with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking valuable video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to simply tossing your email domain right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name using their own framework. It’s smart. Like, truly smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV problems. No subscribers going away right into the void. Also linking my site was fine– okay, the styling took a little elbow grease, yet hey, no system’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t perfect. But it’s excellent. Truly good.
You can drag, go down, design, and preview effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll probably love it. Want to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly warn you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had actually wonderfully written e-newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size prior to sending. It’s a little bit hand-operated, certain, but once you master it, you’ll avoid the dreadful clipping issue.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It’s like they actually want you to grow your audience. Surprising, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your existing clients bring in new ones– and it actually works. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable recommendations baked right into the system.
Want to run a free gift? Deal a perk 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 about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Money, Less Frustrations
This was one of the most significant factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated advertisement network that connects you with actual sponsors.
Customizable paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for getting web traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already gaining more than I ever did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: the majority of e-newsletter tools don’t care concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your past concerns
- Custom kinds, branding and Ghost Vs Substack Vs Beehiiv
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for most creators, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No messy DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click prices. You obtain genuine understandings:.
Where subscribers originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every action of your funnel, from type to available to buy. Which type of presence? Invaluable when you’re attempting to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got room to expand. Right here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the strange edge cases.
Yet right here’s things, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I have actually already seen updates turn out based upon user comments, and that’s a truly great indication.
All-time Low Line: Ghost Vs Substack Vs Beehiiv
If you’re a creator, author, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your listing quick,
- To keep complete possession of your clients,
- To actually generate income without platform charges,
- And to not fight with cumbersome e-mail building contractors …
Then yes, you must absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want innovative CRM automations, possibly look somewhere else. Yet if you’re developing a community, an individual brand name, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I migrate my existing email checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally supported. No CSV problems below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the typical Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and very easy, even if you’ve never ever established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market ownership, far better monetization tools, no platform charges, and much more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.