If you’re also from another location right into email e-newsletters, you’ve probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something various concerning this platform, something that makes makers like you quit, breathe, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Vs Ghost…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Trying to select the best email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. Yet after virtually 10 years helpful people navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a correct, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply mess around. I relocated every little thing over. Right here’s why you might wish to do the very same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You Might Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a clean user interface and a loyal community of writers. But when it pertains to monetization and audience ownership, they falter. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It sounds great theoretically, right? Like, extra presence, even more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “fans” aren’t real customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t get your emails in their inbox. You can not call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So generally, you’re developing a list … that you don’t have.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can develop an actual partnership. That’s exactly how it ought to be.
The Hidden Price of Ease
Now let’s talk cash. Whenever somebody 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 subscriber? You’re stealing just over $6. Not dreadful … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That added money accumulates fast, especially if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to build a business (also a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating into your revenues prior to you even begin.
What It’s Actually Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that moving your listing or setting up automations will be a pain … do not be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You recognize the drill: busted types, ghosted customers, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking helpful videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than simply throwing your e-mail domain into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s clever. Like, truly smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No clients going away into deep space. Even connecting my internet site was fine– alright, the styling took a little bit of effort, however hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t perfect. However it’s excellent. Actually great.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview effortlessly. If you’re refraining from doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll possibly enjoy it. Intend to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always warn you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had perfectly written newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension prior to sending. It’s a bit manual, certain, once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the feared clipping concern.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It’s like they in fact desire you to expand your audience. Surprising, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your existing subscribers generate brand-new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the system.
Intend 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 enter front of various other newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Less Headaches
This was among the biggest factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in ad network that links you with actual sponsors.
Personalized paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for acquiring 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 less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: most newsletter tools do not care about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your past problems
- Custom-made types, branding and Beehiiv Vs Ghost
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for a lot of creators, it’s more than enough. And it simply functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or broken 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 prices. You get genuine insights:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and maximize every action of your funnel, from kind to open up to acquire. Which sort of exposure? Valuable when you’re trying to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Can Improve?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to expand. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the unusual side cases.
However below’s things, Beehiiv really listens. I’ve already seen updates present based upon individual responses, which’s a truly excellent indicator.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Vs Ghost
If you’re a maker, author, or indie publisher who desires:
- To grow your checklist fast,
- To maintain complete possession of your subscribers,
- To in fact make money without system penalties,
- And to not combat with cumbersome e-mail home builders …
Then indeed, you must definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire sophisticated CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. But if you’re developing a community, a personal brand name, or an interest job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I move my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the basic Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv great for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you’ve never established a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market possession, better money making devices, no system fees, and much more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.