So … you have actually understood. The newsletter. Maybe it’s a niche topic you’re passionate about, an individual task with genuine possible, or a full-on company relocation. Regardless, you’re fired up and prepared to hit send out Beehiiv Custom Pages.
But below’s the million-dollar question: what platform should you use to run your e-newsletter?
That’s where the choice obtains sticky. There are a lots of tools available. Yet two names you’ve most likely listened to by now– Substack and Beehiiv– keep coming up in discussions.
And truthfully? They should. They’re both excellent platforms … simply very different.
Let’s break everything down — no tech-jargon, no dull summaries. Simply you, me, and a real-world failure of Substack vs Beehiiv so you can choose what fits your goals (and your design) best.
First Things First: What Are These Platforms?
Prior to we contrast features, pricing, and all that jazz, let’s get you caught up.
Substack is like that cozy, digital writer’s cabin in the woods. It’s very little, distraction-free, and all regarding words. Consider it as part e-newsletter tool, part blogging platform, with a splash of community vibes. It’s specifically preferred with indie writers, reporters, and creatives seeking to share their thoughts– and possibly make a couple of bucks while doing it.
Then there’s Beehiiv. Picture a modern, growth-hacking city constructed by newsletter geeks. It’s more recent (launched in 2021), slicker, and was created by former Morning Brew staff members. Translation? These individuals get newsletters, and they have actually developed Beehiiv with monetization and target market growth at its core.
So which one is right for you? Let’s go through the essential differences– and what they in fact mean for your day-to-day.
Reduce of Use: Who Wins in Simplicity?
Let’s be real– you do not wish to invest hours learning some clunky brand-new dashboard. You want to open your laptop, create your piece, and send it out without combating the system.
Substack is a writer’s desire when it concerns relieve of use. No facility formats. No templates to select from. It seems like you’re journaling– simply you, the message, and a standard formatting bar.
There’s something revitalizing concerning that. It aids you focus. You’re not believing, “Should I make this a two-column format? What font style screams trustworthy?” You simply compose.
Beehiiv, on the other hand, uses even more control without being frustrating. The editor is clean, modern, and quickly. You get a few even more settings– like templates, customized fields, and blog post settings– however it never really feels puffed up.
If you desire no disturbances, Substack is the one. If you’re fine with a bit more modification (and plan to scale), Beehiiv’s got your back.
Decision: Tie. Substack wins for minimalists, Beehiiv wins for people intending to grow.
Money making: Beehiiv Custom Pages
This’s huge. Because even if you begin your e-newsletter just for fun, ultimately you might think … Could this in fact generate income?
Substack makes it very easy to charge for memberships. You simply set a price, and boom– individuals can pay you to access costs content. However right here’s the twist: Substack takes 10% of your earnings, plus payment processor fees. That builds up quickly.
And when it concerns ads? Substack’s not built for that. If you wish to run advertisements or companion with enrollers, you’ll be managing it by hand– bargaining offers, tracking clicks, all that behind-the-scenes work. It’s possible, sure, however much from smooth.
Currently Beehiiv? It’s virtually constructed for money making. You can run paid e-newsletters (without giving Beehiiv a cut), launch a referral program, join their ad network, and also established “pay what you desire” or life time registrations. Plus, they simply rolled out an awesome control panel that helps you track ad earnings and see what’s executing.
The only disadvantage? You need to be on a paid plan to gain access to most of these features.
Verdict: Beehiiv takes this set. You’ll pay in advance, however you maintain more over time and obtain way extra money making devices.
Community & Involvement
Here’s where the feelings begin to differ.
Substack feels like a social media network in disguise. You’ve obtained sort, comments, conversation threads, a “Notes” feed (believe Twitter-style micro-posts), and the capacity to adhere to other authors.
Visitors can respond to your emails or leave public comments. You can even host open threads and talks with your subscribers. It feels alive. Like you’re developing a little cosmos around your newsletter.
But some writers feel it’s starting to end up being as well social– more platform than tool. That may be fine for some, but if you’re not right into the whole “maker network” point, it can really feel disruptive.
Beehiiv? It’s even more email-focused. Sure, they have actually lately included likes and remarks, however they’re not actually front-and-center. Instead, Beehiiv’s everything about aiding you grow your list with referral programs, recommendations, and boosted promos.
So it comes down to what you desire.
Intend to interact with visitors like a blog owner? Substack.
Intend to quietly grow your target market and focus on the numbers? Beehiiv.
Decision: Substack for community. Beehiiv for growth-focused makers.
Design and Adaptability: Just How Much Do Looks Issue?
Let’s not make believe appearances do not count. They do. However worldwide of newsletters, simpleness often beats fancy.
Substack is incredibly fundamental. Everybody’s e-mails look approximately the exact same. You can’t add fancy sections or drag-and-drop aspects. Your homepage? It’s a minimal listing of your previous issues with a tiny blurb up top. Tidy and easy– but likewise a little bit boring if you intend to stick out Beehiiv Custom Pages.
Beehiiv gives you more shake area. While it’s not a layout giant like ConvertKit or MailerLite, it does let you personalize font styles, colors, and format blocks. Want to put a table, button, or photo? Easy. Want to brand your newsletter with your own ambiance? Also manageable– specifically if you get on a paid plan.
Decision: Beehiiv wins right here, however do not anticipate wild layout freedom. Both platforms are concentrated on the words, not the visuals.
Listing Monitoring & Automation: Who Helps You Range?
Below’s the thing– Substack isn’t truly constructed for sophisticated e-mail marketing. You can not identify subscribers, develop sequences, or sector based on actions. You send e-mails to your whole list or to your paid subs. That’s it.
So if you’re aiming to create a sales funnel, nurture series, and even just sector visitors by passion? Not gon na happen on Substack.
Beehiiv, on the other hand, gives you correct email marketing power. You can sector customers based upon sign-up form, habits, or personalized fields. You can also automate series, routine follow-ups, and drip content gradually. It’s not quite as durable as ConvertKit or ActiveCampaign, but it’s miles ahead of Substack.
Decision: Beehiiv, no doubt. If automation and segmentation matter to you, Substack won’t suffice.
Coverage & Analytics: Who Assists You Understand What’s Working?
Substack offers you the essentials: opens up, clicks, and a couple of insights like what tool your reader used or what link they clicked. It’s enough to understand if your e-newsletter’s doing fine, however not enough to materialize choices.
Beehiiv provides you a deeper look. You can break down efficiency by website traffic source, location, sectors, and more. Intend to see exactly how well a Twitter campaign exchanged customers? Beehiiv’s got you. It’s a goldmine if you respect development and technique.
Judgment: Beehiiv once again. Much better reporting = better choices.
Pricing: Which One Injures the Purse Less?
This’s a little bit difficult.
Substack is technically complimentary– till you begin billing for memberships. After that they take 10%, which could not feel like much until you begin gaining actual money.
Beehiiv starts cost-free, too– however their free plan caps out at 2,500 clients and doesn’t consist of money making features. Once you want access to the ad network or automation devices, you’ll need to jump to their Scale plan (starting at $49/month for 1,000 belows and scaling up).
Verdict: If you wish to generate income from today with minimal arrangement, Substack’s simpler. However long-term, Beehiiv gives you a lot more control over your income.
Verdict
Wish to compose without disturbances, get in touch with viewers, and perhaps meddle paid memberships? Substack’s perfect.
Intend to construct a business, grow a checklist, monetize several means, and examine your efficiency? Beehiiv’s your system.
They’re both solid– but they offer different objectives.
If you desire simplicity, storytelling, and a built-in community vibe? Substack’s most likely extra your rate.
Yet if you’re assuming lasting– audience development, revenue possibility, brand name building? After that Beehiiv is the clear victor.
Whatever you pick, don’t overthink it. The most effective system is the one that aids you hit “send” continually.
Now … go write that first email. You’ve got this.