There is a dispute that goes on between "beehiiv vs Substack." If you have investigated numerous mailing platforms, you have probably come across this topic. The names of these two individuals are present in various places, including Twitter discussions, your groups, and forums for content creators.
Let's be honest: choosing the wrong platform can hinder your growth, damage your brand, or cost you money you've worked hard to earn. I'd need to know how these platforms stack up in Terms of SEO, monetization, branding, analytics, and more, whether you're starting your first newsletter or moving an existing audience. I'll share with you what I've learned, provide you with the facts, and answer the exact questions that real users ask before they make a decision.
A quick table that shows how Beehiiv and Substack are different
| Features | Beehiiv | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Ways to make Money | Paid subscriptions (you keep all the money), an ad network, and referral boosts | Only paid subscriptions (10% platform fee) |
| Fees for the Platform | No fees for this plartform | 0% of all money made goes to Substack |
| SEO and Finding Things | Custom slugs, metadata, and a public archive | You can't easily change slugs or control SEO |
| Customization | Templates, custom domains, and a homepage builder | With a custom domain and little branding |
| Growing the Audience | Referal rewards, boosts, and tools for growth outside of the company | Built-in discovery, app, and comments |
| Analytics and segmentation | Encompass advanced analytics, A/B testing, segmentation, and tracking new customers | Just the basics |
| Ease of use | More features are available | Extremely simple, minimalist |
| Pricing Model | Free for up to 2,500 subscribers | 10% platform charge |
Ways to Make Money: How to Turn Your Newsletter into Cash
The first thing we discuss when I help creators choose a platform is how to make money. How do you really make money? What tools do you use to make more money? Let's look at the facts.
Beehiiv
There are many ways to make money with your newsletter through Beehiiv. You can charge for paid subscriptions, keep all of the money, and use their Let's let-in ad network. This network connects your audience with advertisers who are a good fit for them, so you can make money even if you give away free content. You can use the Boosts feature on the site to get other newsletters to promote you. You can also run referral programs that reward readers for getting new subscribers.
It is essential to utilize this method, which comprises multiple levels. You are provided with the resources that you need to go beyond a sponsored newsletter by Beehiiv. It is possible to establish a media brand, engage in sponsorships, or experiment with both free and paid content.
Substack
Substack is a simplistic platform, and the only method to earn cash is via paid subscriptions. They handle payments and hosting, but also deduct ten percent of every dollar you earn, in addition to the processing costs that Stripe charges.
Long-term organic traffic, Stripe's engine optimisation, and findability
You should invest in SEO if you want your content to be long-lasting, if you want to increase the amount of search traffic you receive, or if you want to establish a brand that is not dependent on another person's platform. The things that I've learnt from doing things on my own are as follows.
Beehiiv
The Beehiiv platform enables you to modify URL slugs, provide meta descriptions, and create a public archive for your posts. As a result, your content will rank higher in Google and be displayed in search results. These seemingly minor details may accumulate over time, particularly if you cover themes that are always relevant or if you want to construct a content library that is always available to you.
Substack
You have very little control over search engine optimisation while using Substack. However, you are unable to modify slugs or add meta tags. Your postings are accessible to the public, but you cannot alter their appearance or the way they interact with search engines. If you want your company to expand naturally, this lack of flexibility can be frustrating.
Beehiiv's tools might be of use to you if search engine optimisation and long-term discoverability are crucial aspects of your strategy. You may not be aware of such limitations. Beehiiv is relying on word of mouth, social media, or internal findings made by Substack.
Characteristics that can help you expand your community and audience
In this session, we will explore several methods to enhance the visibility of your list and encourage others to interact with it. The goal of any artist is to form connections with new individuals and invite them to return.
Beehiiv
You have control over most of Beehiiv's growth levers. You can start referral programs to reward your most loyal readers for bringing in new readers. The Boosts marketplace enables newsletters to promote each other, helping them quickly expand their lists. You won't find a built-in discovery feed, so you'll need to generate your own traffic, utilize integrations, or rely on partnerships.
Substack
Substack has a built-in discovery network that enables readers to discover your news topic or popularity while browsing the app or site. With comments and community tools, it's easy to interact with others. Substack's network can be a big help if you're starting from scratch or want to be discovered naturally.
The tools that Beehiiv provides, in my opinion, are beneficial to your growth. Substack already has an established audience, and you're ready to implement a marketing strategy. For those just starting and interested in being part of an established ecosystem, Substack provides fast access to discovery, which can have a significant impact on your early growth.
The ability to customise and control branding
Beehiiv
When you utilise Beehiiv, you can use your own domains, choose a template, and design a homepage that accurately represents your brand. Because you are not required to write in the same manner every time, your newsletter has the potential to be a valuable component of your website or company. This level of control not only helps you develop trust and authority, but it also enhances the user experience with your product.
Substack.
Substack offers a limited range of branding services. Even if you can submit a logo and choose a colour for it, the address of your newsletter will always be hosted at Substack.com. This minimalist approach is beneficial for writers who want to focus solely on the content of their work, as it enables them to concentrate on writing. Your newsletter may seem dull and generic to anyone who is in the process of establishing a business, as it is not feasible to personalize it. This is because it is not possible to customise your newsletter.
When everything is taken into consideration, Beehiiv is the better choice if you are concerned about maintaining brand management and upholding a professional attitude.
Optimisation, market segmentation, and analytics of the market are all included.
You really need data to make significant progress. The evaluation of what is successful, the segmentation of your audience into appropriate groups, and the determination of which campaigns are successful are all of the highest significance.
In their presentation, the metrics provided by beehiiv are pretty comprehensive. You can ascertain the origin of new subscribers, organize your list in accordance with activity or source, and conduct A/B testing to improve the subject lines and content of your emails. With the support of these features, you will be able to make more informed judgments and achieve consistently superior results.
Open rates, click rates, and subscriber totals are among the core indicators covered by the analytics provided by Substack. In addition, there is no A/B testing or segmentation. If you are managing a small community or a project that you are passionate about, this can be sufficient. Those in charge of vast lists or agencies may feel a sense of limitation.
Beehiiv's analytics package is far more powerful, and I recommend using it if you want to optimize, segment, and expand on purpose.
Breakdown of Pricing and Considerations Regarding Beehiiv's Costs
If you want to know what you'll pay, you need to know it now, as well as when your list expands.
Substack
Substack is entirely free to use. However, if you enable paid memberships, Stripe will take a portion of your sales in addition to the processing cost. For novice authors, this maintains a low barrier. The percentage may become a significant expenditure over time as your earnings continue to increase.
Beehiiv
You can get Beehiiv for free if you have up to 2,500 subscribers. After that, you pay a set amount each month, starting at about $39. Your earnings don't incur a platform fee, so your costs remain the same as you grow and may even be lower than Substack's revenue share.
If you own a company or an agency and wish to expand your business or earn a substantial income, the flat price structure offered by Beehiiv will help you. If you are starting or are a hobbyist, the income split that Substack offers may seem simpler to comprehend.
In terms of how simple it is to use for first-time users: Beehiiv vs Substack
When you have a concept, how quickly can you transform it into a genuine newsletter?
Substack
The method used by Substack is frictionless. Register, give your newsletter a name, and get started writing. No configuration, no options, publish. Writers who prefer to avoid distractions from technology or other people will find this to be a fantastic alternative.
Beehiiv
A greater amount of work is required to set up Beheivi. Establishing your domain, choosing a template, and completing a few other essential tasks are all necessary steps to take before you can get started. Learning it is simple, but there is a great deal more to know about it. As a reward, you will gain a platform that can expand alongside you, offering you more choices and greater power.
The people who wish to publish information instantly are the ones who would benefit the most from using Substack. Those individuals who are prepared to invest a little bit more time to get long-term flexibility are rewarded by Beehiiv.
Final Thoughts
If you are starting and are looking for a service that is straightforward to use, Substack is the way to go. The most straightforward approach to getting started, locating readers, and writing is to use this method.
You should choose the platform that works best for you. If you genuinely want to grow your audience, generate revenue, and own your platform, Beehiiv is worth the extra effort. If you want to write and socialize, Substack's discovery tools are hard to beat.
If you're unsure or would like a second opinion, I'm offering a complimentary SEO consultation to individuals who create and market newsletters on Substack. We can work together to create a personalized plan for your growth that suits your needs.
FAQ
Can you tell me about the advantages of utilizing Beehiiv?
With a few crucial victories, Beehiiv has:
- Simple configuration: No technical issues to deal with. You can get started in a matter of minutes.
- Growth tools: Built-in referrals, segmentation, and recommendations are all growth strategies that can help you attract a larger number of readers.
- Monetization: Encompasses paid newsletters, sponsor linkages, and additional methods to generate revenue.
- Analytics: Stats that are easy to understand and put into action, so you never miss a beat.
- Customization: The personalization feature offers additional flexibility to customize your newsletter in the way you prefer.
Are there any other platforms that are more advanced than Substack that I could use?
Which one is "better" depends on the requirements that you have. The fact that Substack is so easy to use, combined with its existing audience, makes it a fantastic option. On the other hand, Beehiiv, ConvertKit, and Ghost offer a higher level of customization, more complex functionality, and superior potential income options in specific circumstances. If you are seeking greater control and flexibility, alternatives to Substack that are reliable and offer similar features are available.
What are the reasons why people switch from Substack to Patreon?
It all boils down to money, family, and friends. Patreon provides artists with additional opportunities to make money, such as subscriptions, exclusive content, and tips, and it is designed to facilitate more in-depth contact with their audience. For some individuals, Patreon provides them with the opportunity to exercise more control over their company and branding. Patreon is more comprehensive than Substack, which is a good option for newsletters.
Which platform for newsletters provides the most effective choices for monetization?
Beehiiv, ConvertKit, and Patreon are three options to consider if revenue is your primary concern. Beehiiv and ConvertKit are two platforms that enable you to incorporate sponsorships and conduct paid emails. One may become a member of Patreon and get special benefits. Although it is also functional, Substack is primarily intended for paid subscriptions rather than sponsorships or additional benefits, and it charges a commission for its services
Who is the demographic that Substack intends to attract?
Writers, journalists, and thought leaders seeking a straightforward method to publish their work and earn money may use Substack. If you want to write, grow an audience, and start making money without having to deal with coding, Substack is the place for you. Solo content makers who wish to concentrate on content rather than technology will find it to be a great solution.
