If you’re also remotely right into email newsletters, you have actually possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different concerning this system, something that makes creators like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” What Is The Difference Between Beehiiv and Substack…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Attempting to choose the right email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. Yet after nearly one decade of helping individuals navigate email marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a proper, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just dabble. I moved everything over. Below’s why you could want to do the exact same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They’ve got a tidy interface and a devoted community of writers. Yet when it involves monetization and target market possession, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It sounds trendy theoretically, right? Like, a lot more exposure, even more engagement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not obtain your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So generally, you’re developing a checklist … that you don’t possess.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct an actual relationship. That’s just how it ought to be.
The Hidden Cost of Comfort
Now let’s speak cash. 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 taking simply over $6. Not awful … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That additional cash builds up quick, particularly if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to construct a business (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating into your revenues prior to you also start.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that migrating your listing or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: busted types, ghosted clients, styling nightmares. However with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking valuable video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than just throwing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain using their very own infrastructure. It’s smart. Like, actually clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No customers going away right into deep space. Also connecting my web site was fine– okay, the styling took a little effort, yet hey, no platform’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. But it’s great. Really good.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re refraining from doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll possibly love it. Wish to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Currently, 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 have actually had actually perfectly written newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I located a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size before sending out. It’s a bit hands-on, sure, once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the dreadful clipping issue.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they really want you to grow your audience. Stunning, ideal?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your current clients bring in brand-new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Want to run a giveaway? Deal a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Cash, Less Migraines
This was among the biggest reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that links you with genuine sponsors.
Customizable paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for acquiring web traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already making more than I ever did on my old system and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: the majority of newsletter tools uncommitted about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your previous concerns
- Personalized kinds, branding and What Is The Difference Between Beehiiv and Substack
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for most creators, it’s sufficient. And it just works. No untidy DNS configs or broken embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click rates. You obtain actual insights:.
Where subscribers came 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 open to purchase. Which sort of visibility? Valuable when you’re trying to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Could Enhance?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got room to expand. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit rigid. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the odd side situations.
But here’s the important things, Beehiiv actually listens. I’ve already seen updates present based on user responses, and that’s a truly good sign.
The Bottom Line: What Is The Difference Between Beehiiv and Substack
If you’re a designer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your checklist fast,
- To keep full ownership of your clients,
- To actually earn money without platform fines,
- And to not combat with clunky e-mail builders …
Then indeed, you need to definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want innovative CRM automations, perhaps look somewhere else. Yet if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I migrate my existing email checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally supported. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Just the conventional Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you have actually never set up a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience possession, much better monetization tools, no system fees, and more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.