If you’re also from another location right into email newsletters, you have actually probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something various regarding this platform, something that makes makers like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Is Beehiiv or Substack Better…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Trying to select the best email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. Yet after nearly ten years helpful individuals navigate email marketing and two years running my own e-newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I really did not just dabble. I relocated whatever over. Here’s why you may wish to do the very same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They have actually got a clean user interface and a dedicated community of writers. But when it comes to monetization and audience possession, they falter. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It appears awesome on paper, right? Like, much more visibility, more involvement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So primarily, you’re building a listing … that you do not have.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real relationship. That’s how it must be.
The Hidden Expense of Ease
Currently let’s talk money. Every single time somebody spends for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re taking just over $6. Not terrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That additional cash builds up quick, particularly if you’re preparing to expand or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to develop a service (even a side one), you require a system 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 arrangement. If you’re fretted that moving your list or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You recognize the drill: busted kinds, ghosted customers, styling headaches. However with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting handy videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual support when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than just throwing your email domain right into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s wise. Like, actually wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No customers disappearing right into the void. Also connecting my internet site was fine– fine, the designing took a bit of elbow grease, but 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. But it’s excellent. Actually great.
You can drag, drop, style, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re refraining anything too design-heavy, you’ll probably like it. Wish to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly alert you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had actually wonderfully written e-newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I located a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a little bit manual, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll prevent the dreaded clipping issue.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It’s like they actually want you to grow your target market. Shocking, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current customers generate brand-new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Offer a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Less Frustrations
This was among the largest factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that attaches you with actual enrollers.
Adjustable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently making greater than I ever did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: the majority of e-newsletter devices do not care about your landing page. However Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your past concerns
- Personalized types, branding and Is Beehiiv or Substack Better
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for a lot of designers, it’s ample. And it simply functions. No messy DNS configs or broken embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just get open and click rates. You get real insights:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and enhance every action of your funnel, from kind to open up to buy. Which kind of presence? Priceless when you’re attempting to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got room to grow. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the strange edge instances.
However right here’s things, Beehiiv actually listens. I’ve currently seen updates present based on individual comments, which’s a truly excellent indicator.
The Bottom Line: Is Beehiiv or Substack Better
If you’re a designer, writer, or indie publisher who wants:
- To grow your listing quickly,
- To keep full possession of your customers,
- To in fact make money without system fines,
- And to not fight with clunky email contractors …
Then of course, you ought to definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire innovative CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. Yet if you’re developing a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm project?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally supported. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the typical Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you have actually never established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market ownership, far better monetization tools, no system charges, and a lot more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.