If you’re also remotely into e-mail newsletters, you have actually most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different about this platform, something that makes makers like you quit, take a breath, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Vs Substack Vs Ghost…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Attempting to choose the right e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. Yet after virtually 10 years of helping people browse e-mail marketing and 2 years running my very own newsletter, I lastly started and gave Beehiiv a proper, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply mess around. I moved everything over. Here’s why you may want to do the very same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They have actually got a clean user interface and a dedicated community of writers. But when it concerns money making and target market ownership, they falter. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds awesome theoretically, right? Like, more visibility, even more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” aren’t genuine clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can not contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever choose to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So essentially, you’re constructing a checklist … that you do not have.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can develop a real relationship. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Price of Benefit
Currently let’s speak money. Each time somebody spends for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 client? You’re pocketing just over $6. Not horrible … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That additional money builds up quickly, especially if you’re preparing to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to develop an organization (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your profits before you even start.
What It’s In Fact Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re stressed that migrating your checklist or establishing automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You recognize the drill: broken kinds, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. However with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting handy video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to just throwing your e-mail domain into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain using their own framework. It’s wise. Like, really clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No fashionable CSV issues. No customers disappearing right into deep space. Even connecting my web site was great– alright, the styling took a little effort, but hey, no platform’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t flawless. But it’s good. Really good.
You can drag, go down, design, and preview with ease. If you’re refraining from doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Wish to decrease in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly caution you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had actually wonderfully created e-newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension before sending out. It’s a bit hand-operated, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping concern.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It’s like they in fact desire you to expand your audience. Stunning, best?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your existing subscribers generate new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Wish to run a giveaway? Offer a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Money, Fewer Frustrations
This was among the greatest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated ad network that connects you with genuine sponsors.
Adjustable paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for purchasing website traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently making more than I ever before did on my old system and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: many e-newsletter devices do not 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 issues
- Custom kinds, branding and Beehiiv Vs Substack Vs Ghost
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for the majority of developers, it’s more than enough. And it simply functions. No untidy DNS configs or broken embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click prices. You get actual insights:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and maximize every step of your funnel, from form to open up to buy. And that type of visibility? Invaluable when you’re attempting to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Might Boost?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to expand. Below’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the strange edge cases.
However below’s the important things, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I’ve currently seen updates present based upon user responses, and that’s a really great indicator.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Vs Substack Vs Ghost
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your checklist quickly,
- To maintain full ownership of your customers,
- To really generate income without platform charges,
- And to not fight with cumbersome e-mail building contractors …
Then yes, you ought to definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want advanced CRM automations, maybe look elsewhere. But if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand name, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV problems here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Just the standard Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv great for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you have actually never established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market ownership, better money making tools, no system fees, and more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even help you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all native features.