If you’re also from another location right into e-mail newsletters, you have actually possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something various about this platform, something that makes developers like you stop, breathe, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Vs Drip…
I have actually been exactly 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. But after nearly one decade of helping individuals browse e-mail marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I finally took the plunge and provided Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply dabble. I moved everything over. Here’s why you might want to do the same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They’ve got a clean user interface and a loyal community of writers. However when it concerns money making and target market possession, they falter. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It appears cool theoretically, right? Like, more presence, more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t real subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re constructing a checklist … that you don’t own.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct a genuine relationship. That’s how it ought to be.
The Hidden Expense of Benefit
Currently let’s talk money. Every time someone pays for your 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 pocketing just over $6. Not horrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That extra money builds up quick, particularly if you’re intending to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to build a service (also a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating into your earnings before you also start.
What It’s Actually Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that moving your checklist or setting up automations will be a pain … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: damaged types, ghosted subscribers, styling headaches. Yet with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking handy video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than simply tossing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain using their own framework. It’s clever. Like, actually smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV issues. No clients disappearing right into the void. Even attaching my internet site was great– fine, the designing took a little bit of effort, however hey, no system’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. Yet it’s excellent. Really great.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview with ease. If you’re refraining from doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll probably like it. Intend to drop in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always advise you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had actually beautifully composed newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension before sending out. It’s a little bit manual, sure, but once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the dreaded clipping problem.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they in fact want you to expand your audience. Shocking, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your present clients bring in new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer a perk for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Less Frustrations
This was just one of the most significant reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated advertisement network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Personalized paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for acquiring website traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already earning greater than I ever did on my old system and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: many newsletter tools don’t care about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your past problems
- Personalized types, branding and Beehiiv Vs Drip
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for most developers, it’s sufficient. And it just works. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply connect 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 real insights:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every step of your funnel, from form to available to purchase. Which type of visibility? Priceless when you’re attempting to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got area to grow. Here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the unusual edge situations.
But below’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact listens. I have actually currently seen updates turn out based on customer feedback, and that’s a really excellent indication.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Vs Drip
If you’re a developer, author, or indie author who desires:
- To grow your checklist quickly,
- To keep complete ownership of your customers,
- To really make money without platform fines,
- And to not battle with clunky e-mail building contractors …
Then indeed, you should absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire innovative CRM automations, perhaps look somewhere else. Yet if you’re developing a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm project?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I move my existing email checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and fully sustained. No CSV headaches below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never ever established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market possession, better monetization tools, no platform charges, and much more list-growth options.
5. Can I use my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.