If you’re also remotely into email e-newsletters, you’ve possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something various concerning this platform, something that makes developers like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Vs Kajabi…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Attempting to select the ideal e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. But after virtually one decade helpful people navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I really did not just dabble. I moved everything over. Right here’s why you could want to do the exact same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You Might Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They’ve got a clean user interface and a dedicated community of writers. However when it concerns monetization and audience possession, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It appears awesome on paper, right? Like, extra presence, even more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t real customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t get your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before make a decision to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So generally, you’re constructing a listing … that you do not possess.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct a real relationship. That’s how it ought to be.
The Hidden Cost of Comfort
Now let’s speak cash. Each time someone spends for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 client? You’re filching just over $6. Not terrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That additional cash accumulates quick, especially if you’re preparing to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to build a company (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating right into your earnings before you even begin.
What It’s Really Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re stressed that moving your checklist or establishing automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle before. You recognize the drill: broken forms, ghosted customers, styling headaches. But with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking handy video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to just throwing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively presents your domain name using their own framework. It’s smart. Like, actually clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No cool CSV issues. No clients vanishing right into deep space. Also linking my internet site was fine– okay, the styling took a bit of effort, yet hey, no platform’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. Yet it’s excellent. Truly great.
You can drag, drop, design, and preview with ease. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Want to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always alert you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had actually beautifully created newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size before sending. It’s a bit manual, sure, but once you master it, you’ll prevent the feared clipping problem.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely radiates.
It resembles they really want you to expand your audience. Stunning, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your present customers generate new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Offer a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other newsletters’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Money, Less Frustrations
This was one of the biggest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that connects you with real sponsors.
Customizable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for getting website traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already earning more than I ever before did on my old system and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: most newsletter tools uncommitted regarding your landing page. However Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your past concerns
- Personalized types, branding and Beehiiv Vs Kajabi
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for the majority of creators, it’s more than enough. And it simply works. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t simply get open and click prices. You obtain actual understandings:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
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 kind to available to acquire. Which sort of visibility? Valuable when you’re trying to grow intentionally.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to grow. Right here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need 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 quicker on the strange side instances.
But here’s the thing, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I have actually already seen updates roll out based on individual responses, and that’s an actually great indicator.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Vs Kajabi
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your list quick,
- To maintain complete possession of your clients,
- To actually earn money without platform charges,
- And to not battle with confusing e-mail contractors …
Then indeed, you need to absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire sophisticated CRM automations, maybe look somewhere else. Yet if you’re developing a community, a personal brand name, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I move my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally supported. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the basic Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv great for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you’ve never ever established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience ownership, far better monetization tools, no system charges, and more list-growth options.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.