If you’re even remotely into email newsletters, you have actually possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different about this system, something that makes designers like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Why Is Beehiiv Better Than Substack…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Attempting to pick the best e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. Yet after nearly 10 years of helping individuals browse email marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I lastly started and provided Beehiiv a proper, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just dabble. I relocated every little thing over. Right here’s why you might want to do the exact same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You Might Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a tidy interface and a faithful community of authors. However when it involves monetization and target market possession, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It seems trendy on paper, right? Like, more visibility, more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t genuine clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re constructing a listing … that you do not own.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can build a real connection. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Expense of Benefit
Now let’s talk money. Every time someone pays for your 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 filching simply over $6. Not awful … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That added cash money builds up fast, particularly if you’re preparing to expand or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to develop a business (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating right into your earnings before you even begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re stressed that moving your list or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … do not be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You recognize the drill: broken forms, ghosted clients, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking valuable videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than just throwing your email domain name right into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s smart. Like, really smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No clients going away into deep space. Even attaching my site was great– alright, the designing took a little elbow grease, yet hey, no platform’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. Yet it’s good. Actually great.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re refraining anything too design-heavy, you’ll most likely love it. Wish to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always warn you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had actually magnificently composed newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
Yet I located a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a little bit hands-on, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the feared clipping issue.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely shines.
It’s like they really want you to expand your audience. Surprising, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your current customers bring in new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the system.
Want to run a giveaway? Offer a perk 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 e-newsletters’ target markets. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Money, Fewer Frustrations
This was just one of the largest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that links you with genuine sponsors.
Adjustable paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for buying website traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already gaining greater than I ever did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: the majority of e-newsletter tools don’t care about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your past problems
- Custom-made kinds, branding and Why Is Beehiiv Better Than Substack
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for many designers, it’s sufficient. And it simply functions. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not just get open and click rates. You obtain genuine insights:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and maximize every action of your funnel, from form to open to purchase. And that kind of exposure? Priceless when you’re trying to expand purposefully.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got room to grow. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the odd side instances.
Yet right here’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact listens. I have actually already seen updates turn out based on customer responses, which’s a truly great indicator.
The Bottom Line: Why Is Beehiiv Better Than Substack
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your listing quickly,
- To keep complete ownership of your customers,
- To really earn money without system fines,
- And to not combat with clunky e-mail home builders …
After that yes, you ought to definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want innovative CRM automations, possibly look somewhere else. Yet if you’re developing a community, a personal brand name, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I migrate my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Simply the typical Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you have actually never established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience ownership, better monetization tools, no platform fees, and extra list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all native features.