If you’re even from another location into email newsletters, you have actually possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different regarding this platform, something that makes developers like you stop, take a breath, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Vs Substack Vs ConvertKit…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Attempting to pick the best e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. However after nearly ten years of helping people navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my very own newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and offered Beehiiv a proper, genuine test run.
And looter: I really did not simply mess around. I relocated whatever over. Here’s why you may wish to do the same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a clean user interface and a loyal community of authors. But when it involves monetization and target market ownership, they falter. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It seems cool on paper, right? Like, extra presence, even more involvement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t obtain your emails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So primarily, you’re developing a list … that you do not have.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real relationship. That’s exactly how it should be.
The Hidden Cost of Ease
Now let’s speak money. Each time somebody pays for your e-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 stealing simply over $6. Not terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That added money builds up quickly, especially if you’re planning to expand or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to build an organization (also a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating right into your profits prior to you even start.
What It’s In Fact Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re fretted that migrating your list or setting up automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You recognize the drill: broken forms, ghosted customers, styling nightmares. Yet with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of just throwing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain using their very own facilities. It’s smart. Like, actually clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No subscribers vanishing right into the void. Also attaching my internet site was great– alright, the styling took a little effort, yet hey, no system’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s good. Truly excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Want to decrease in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always warn you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had actually perfectly written newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreadful clipping concern.
Expanding Your Listing with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It’s like they in fact desire you to grow your audience. Stunning, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your present subscribers bring in brand-new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable recommendations baked right into the system.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer a bonus for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other newsletters’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Money, Less Headaches
This was just one of the greatest reasons I transferred to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with genuine enrollers.
Adjustable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was currently gaining greater than I ever before did on my old system and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: most e-newsletter devices don’t care concerning your landing page. However Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your past issues
- Custom-made types, branding and Beehiiv Vs Substack Vs ConvertKit
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for a lot of creators, it’s ample. And it simply works. No untidy DNS configs or broken embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t simply obtain open and click prices. You get genuine understandings:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and optimize every step of your funnel, from type to available to acquire. Which sort of visibility? Valuable when you’re attempting to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Can Enhance?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got room to grow. Right here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One type = 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 store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the strange edge situations.
But right here’s the important things, Beehiiv really listens. I’ve currently seen updates turn out based upon customer comments, and that’s a truly good indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Vs Substack Vs ConvertKit
If you’re a developer, author, or indie publisher who desires:
- To grow your checklist quickly,
- To keep full ownership of your clients,
- To really earn money without system penalties,
- And to not combat with confusing email building contractors …
After that yes, you need to definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want advanced CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. However if you’re developing a community, a personal brand, or an enthusiasm project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally supported. No CSV headaches below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the common Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you’ve never established an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience ownership, better money making tools, no platform costs, and extra list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.