If you’re even remotely right into e-mail newsletters, you have actually possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something various concerning this platform, something that makes designers like you quit, breathe, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Which Is Better, Beehiiv or ConvertKit…
I have actually been precisely where you are. Trying to pick the appropriate e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. But after nearly one decade helpful individuals browse email marketing and two years running my own e-newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and provided Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine test run.
And looter: I didn’t simply mess around. I moved everything over. Here’s why you could want to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They’ve got a tidy interface and a dedicated community of authors. Yet when it involves monetization and target market possession, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It seems awesome on paper, right? Like, a lot more exposure, even more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” aren’t real subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before decide to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So primarily, you’re building a checklist … that you don’t possess.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can build a genuine relationship. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Expense of Benefit
Currently let’s speak money. Every time a person pays for your newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re filching just over $6. Not horrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That extra money accumulates quick, particularly if you’re intending to grow or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to construct an organization (also a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating into your profits prior to you also begin.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re worried that moving your listing or establishing automations will be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: broken forms, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking useful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than simply tossing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain utilizing their own infrastructure. It’s clever. Like, really clever.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No clients disappearing into deep space. Even attaching my site was fine– alright, the designing took a bit of elbow grease, but hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s great. Actually great.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re refraining from doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll probably love it. Intend to drop in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly alert you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had beautifully written newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I found a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a little bit hand-operated, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll prevent the dreaded clipping problem.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It’s like they in fact desire you to expand your target market. Shocking, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current clients generate 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? Deal a benefit for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was among the largest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated ad network that attaches you with actual enrollers.
Customizable paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for acquiring website traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already earning more than I ever before did on my old platform and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: many newsletter devices uncommitted regarding your landing page. However Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your past concerns
- Personalized types, branding and Which Is Better, Beehiiv or ConvertKit
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for most designers, it’s sufficient. And it simply works. No untidy DNS configs or damaged 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 prices. You get actual insights:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral sources 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 to purchase. Which sort of visibility? Valuable when you’re attempting to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Could Enhance?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to expand. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the odd edge cases.
But right here’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I have actually already seen updates turn out based on user comments, and that’s a truly excellent indicator.
The Bottom Line: Which Is Better, Beehiiv or ConvertKit
If you’re a creator, writer, or indie author who desires:
- To grow your list quick,
- To keep complete ownership of your subscribers,
- To in fact generate income without platform charges,
- And to not battle with confusing e-mail building contractors …
Then of course, you must definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire innovative CRM automations, maybe look in other places. Yet if you’re developing a community, an individual brand name, or an interest job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I move my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the common Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you’ve never established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience possession, far better money making devices, no system costs, and more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.