Is your newsletter platform limiting your growth? Newsletter software is key for creators and businesses. But, picking the right tool is crucial for success. Substack has over 35 million active subscriptions, but many are switching to Beehiiv for better features.
Today’s audiences want more than just emails. Platforms now offer ways to make money, integrate sponsors, and analyze data. Beehiiv makes it easy to move subscribers and add lead magnets. Substack, on the other hand, is simple for writers who value speed.
Take Ryan Robinson, for example. He moved his 50,000-subscriber list to Beehiiv. Now, he can segment his audience and partner with sponsors. This shows a big choice: Do you want a simple writing space or a platform for growth? Our in-depth comparison of Beehiiv vs. Substack shows how they differ in pricing, customization, and growth.
Key Takeaways
- Newsletters drive 3x more engagement than social media for many creators
- Beehiiv offers built-in monetization tools missing from Substack’s basic plan
- Migrating subscribers between platforms takes under 48 hours with proper planning
- Advanced audience segmentation can boost open rates by 20-35%
- Substack’s 10% revenue cut vs. Beehiiv’s flat fees changes the math at scale
The right platform depends on your goals. Whether you’re making money right away or building an audience, this guide explains the costs and benefits. Let’s see how to make your newsletter a source of income, not just another email.
Understanding Email Newsletters and Their Benefits
Email newsletters are key in today’s digital world for keeping in touch with your audience. They’re not just one-time messages but ongoing updates that build trust and strengthen relationships. Whether you’re sharing news or special deals, newsletters keep your brand top of mind for your subscribers.
What Is an Email Newsletter?
An email newsletter is a regular message sent to a list of subscribers. It’s different from transactional emails because it focuses on value-driven content. For example, Ellevest’s “What The Elle” newsletter offers financial and career advice, not just sales.
Advantages of Email Marketing
Email marketing can bring in a huge 3800% ROI for businesses, studies show. Here’s why it’s effective:
- Cost-effective: It’s cheaper to reach thousands of subscribers than with ads.
- Direct access: It gets past social media filters and goes straight to inboxes.
- Measurable results: You can track how well your emails are doing in real time.
Platforms like Beehiiv and Substack make creating newsletters easier. They let you focus on your content, not technical issues.
Key Metrics to Track
To see how well your newsletter is doing, watch these four metrics:
- Open rate: The percentage of subscribers who open your email (aim for 20-30%).
- Click-through rate (CTR): Shows how many clicked links in your email.
- Conversion rate: Measures actions taken after clicking, like buying or signing up.
- Unsubscribe rate: Helps spot content issues if more than 0.5% unsubscribe each month.
Modern newsletter software automates these reports. This makes it easy to improve your newsletter.
Why Choose Beehiiv Over Substack?
Creators often face a big choice when picking a newsletter platform. They must decide between advanced customization or simple design. Beehiiv offers a creator-first approach with tools that grow with your audience. It stands out in functionality, making money, and flexibility for the long run.
Unique Features of Beehiiv
Beehiiv has three key features Substack lacks:
- Built-in sponsor marketplace: Connect directly with brands without third-party networks
- Advanced segmentation: Split audiences by engagement levels or interests
- Custom lead magnets: Offer downloadable resources to boost sign-ups
Ryan, a finance newsletter creator, used Beehiiv’s segmentation to deliver targeted bonus content to premium subscribers. This strategy helped him double paid conversions within four months.
Comparative Analysis of Both Platforms
| Feature | Beehiiv | Substack |
|---|---|---|
| Monetization Options | Ads, subscriptions, affiliates | Subscriptions only |
| Audience Insights | Real-time analytics | Basic metrics |
| Custom Domains | Yes | No |
| Free Plan | Unlimited subscribers | Limited features |
Pricing and Plans
Beehiiv offers plans for every creator:
- Free Plan: Full access to core features
- Growth ($42/month): Premium templates + audience surveys
- Enterprise: Custom solutions for large teams
Substack charges a 10% fee on all paid subscriptions. Beehiiv has flat-rate plans. For newsletters earning over $5k/month, Beehiiv is more cost-effective. It’s especially good when you use multiple ways to make money.
Substack is good for casual writers. But Beehiiv is for serious creators who want to build a lasting business. It offers tools for making money and understanding your audience, unlike most platforms.
Setting Up Your Beehiiv Account
Starting your newsletter on the Beehiiv platform is easy. It’s made for creators of all levels. You can move from another service or start from scratch. The platform’s tools make each step simple, from creating your account to setting up email automation.
Step-by-Step Account Creation
First, go to Beehiiv’s website and click “Get Started.” Here’s what to do next:
- Enter your email and create a password.
- Verify your account via the confirmation link sent to your inbox.
- Complete your profile with basic details like your name and newsletter niche.
Before you send emails, make sure to authenticate your domain. This keeps your emails out of spam folders. Beehiiv’s dashboard will guide you through updating your DNS settings.
Customizing Your Newsletter Settings
Go to the “Branding” tab to make your newsletter look like you. You can:
- Upload a logo and pick your brand colors
- Choose default fonts and styles
- Set up reply-to addresses and sender names
Use email automation features like welcome sequences or drip campaigns. You can find these under “Workflows.” They help you stay in touch with your subscribers without much work.
Integrating Your Email List
Adding your subscribers is easy with Beehiiv’s CSV upload tool or direct integrations. The platform removes bad addresses to help your emails get through. For keeping your list up to date, connect tools like HubSpot or Zapier. They sync your data in real time.
| Integration Type | Key Features | Setup Time |
|---|---|---|
| Zapier | Auto-sync with 5,000+ apps | 5-10 minutes |
| HubSpot | CRM tagging & analytics | 15 minutes |
| API Access | Custom workflows | Developer-dependent |
Designing Your Newsletter
Your newsletter’s design is key to keeping subscribers interested. With the Beehiiv email tool, you can make professional designs that match your brand. It’s all about finding the right balance between looks and function.
Choosing a Template
Beehiiv has 50+ mobile-friendly templates for different themes like news and finance. Choose ones that:
- Look good on all devices (40% of emails are opened on mobile)
- Fit your content style (text or images)
- Are easy to customize with drag-and-drop tools
Personalizing Your Layout
Take Netflix’s House of Cards promo as an example. It used GIFs to show drama without being too much. Here’s how you can do it:
| Element | Best Practice | Beehiiv Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Header | Use branded colors & logo | Custom CSS Editor |
| Body Content | 60:40 text-to-image ratio | Media Library Integration |
| Footer | Include social links & unsubscribe button | Auto-Generated Sections |
For more advanced tweaks, check out these Beehiiv newsletter design tips from top creators.
Best Practices for Email Design
Make your design engaging without losing style:
- Prioritize scannability: Use bullet points and subheadings every 3-4 lines
- Place CTAs strategically: Above the fold + at content breaks
- Test rendering: 22% of emails show formatting issues in certain clients
“Great design isn’t about decoration – it’s about clear communication. Every pixel should serve a purpose.”
Crafting Compelling Content
Your newsletter’s success depends on delivering value that keeps readers engaged. Whether you’re managing email campaigns or creating targeted emails, the right content, subject lines, and visuals are crucial. They turn casual readers into loyal fans.
Types of Content to Include
Make your newsletter diverse to meet different reader interests:
- Tutorials: “How to Create a Budget in Google Sheets” offers actionable steps
- Industry news: Summarize trends with quick takeaways
- Personal stories: Share client success cases or team experiences
Tools like ChatGPT can give fresh views on old topics. Ellevest’s newsletter is a great example, mixing financial advice with personal career stories.
Writing Effective Subject Lines
Your subject line is crucial. Try these formulas:
- “How to [Solve Problem] Without [Common Pain Point]”
- “The [Number]-Minute Guide to [Skill]”
- “Why [Industry Trend] Matters for Your [Goal]”
“We A/B test every subject line – even a 5% boost in opens can mean thousands of extra reads.”
Don’t overdo it with exclamation marks. “Your Q2 Tax Checklist” works better than “Don’t Miss This!!!” in professional emails.
Utilizing Images and Multimedia
Visuals boost engagement by up to 65% in targeted email campaigns. Here’s how to use them well:
- Use infographics to simplify complex data
- Embed short tutorial videos (under 90 seconds)
- Add alt text to every image for accessibility
Remember, one visual element per 150 words is best. It keeps emails fast to load and visually appealing.
Building an Email List Effectively
Building a loyal email list is more than just collecting names. It’s about using smart tools and ethical methods. Tools like Beehiiv’s segmentation features can turn casual readers into active followers. Let’s look at ways to grow your list while keeping it relevant and trustworthy.
Strategies to Grow Your Subscriber Base
Start by offering something valuable. Don’t buy lists, as they harm your reputation. Instead:
- Give away lead magnets like free templates or eBooks for email addresses
- Share your newsletter on social media with clear calls to action
- Use pop-ups or sidebars on your website to add subscribers
Beehiiv’s drag-and-drop form builder makes creating opt-in forms easy. You can match your brand perfectly.
Importance of Segmentation
Not everyone wants the same emails. Targeted email campaigns with Beehiiv’s tagging system make your emails more relevant:
| Metrics | Segmented Campaigns | Non-Segmented Campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| Open Rate | 34% | 18% |
| Click-Through Rate | 9.2% | 3.1% |
| Unsubscribe Rate | 0.8% | 2.4% |
Segment by interests or engagement levels. This email automation ensures your content is relevant to your audience.
Incentives for New Subscribers
First impressions are key. Welcome sequences with rewards can boost retention:
- Exclusive 10% discounts for ecommerce brands
- Subscriber-only video tutorials
- Early access to new products
Beehiiv’s analytics show which incentives work best. Try new offers every month to keep your strategy fresh.
Promoting Your Newsletter
To grow your subscriber list, you need to promote your newsletter in creative ways. Even with tools like Beehiiv, reaching more people requires effort. Here are three effective ways to increase your newsletter’s visibility and attract readers.
Leveraging Social Media
Social media is a great way to get more people to sign up for your newsletter. Share sneak peeks of your content on:
- LinkedIn carousel posts with key insights from your latest editions
- Twitter threads with previews of exclusive articles
- Instagram Stories with Beehiiv’s sign-up forms
To boost sign-ups, add WordPress subscription widgets to your blog. Also, use Beehiiv’s referral program. It rewards subscribers for sharing your newsletter, helping it grow.
Collaborations and Guest Contributions
Working with others can help you reach more people. Here are some ideas:
- Co-host webinars with experts and collect emails during registration
- Write guest articles for other newsletters with links to your sign-up page
- Include influencer quotes in your content and ask for shares
These strategies not only expand your audience but also increase your credibility by linking with well-known voices.
Utilizing SEO Strategies
Make your content easy to find on search engines to attract more subscribers:
- Create SEO-friendly landing pages for phrases like “weekly marketing insights”
- Turn newsletter content into blog posts with email capture forms
- Get backlinks by guest posting on sites with high domain authority
Use Google Search Console to see how your SEO is doing. Then, send targeted emails to people who didn’t sign up to encourage them.
Analyzing and Optimizing Performance
Effective email campaign management relies on constant analysis and improvement. By tracking key data, you can find out what works and what doesn’t. This helps in making your campaigns better.
Key Metrics to Monitor
Keep an eye on click-through rates (CTR) as your main goal. Apple’s Mail Privacy Protection has made open rates less reliable. But CTR still shows how engaged your subscribers are. Beehiiv’s analytics dashboard shows trends like:
- Peak engagement times
- Top-performing content categories
- Device-specific interaction patterns
| Metric | Importance | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Click-Through Rate | Measures content relevance | Optimize call-to-action buttons |
| Bounce Rate | Indicates list health | Clean inactive emails quarterly |
| Unsubscribe Rate | Shows content alignment | Review recent send topics |
A/B Testing Your Emails
Run head-to-head comparisons to avoid guessing. Use Beehiiv’s split-testing tools to test different elements:
- Subject lines (question vs statement format)
- Content layouts (text-heavy vs visual-focused)
- Send times (morning vs evening deliveries)
Test only one variable at a time for clear results. Most campaigns see a 12-18% boost after A/B optimization.
Informed Adjustments for Growth
Use trend data and test results to make smart changes. If Tuesday sends get 22% higher CTRs, send on Tuesdays. If recipe content does better than tech news, focus on recipes.
Beehiiv’s growth recommendations tool helps with this. It suggests changes based on your past data. Check these suggestions weekly to keep improving.
Monetizing Your Email Newsletter
Turning your email newsletter into a money maker needs a plan. Beehiiv’s platform helps you make money without losing your audience’s trust. You can earn from subscriptions and sponsorships, all without flooding your readers with too many ads.
Options for Subscription Models
With tiered subscriptions, you can share free content and save the best for your paid members. Beehiiv offers:
- Freemium models (basic updates free, deep dives paid)
- Exclusive community access for premium tiers
- Early access to reports or industry insights
Creator Ryan Robinson mixes free and paid content well. His free newsletter attracts readers, and paid subscribers get special tools. Pro tip: Start with free content to gain trust before adding paid options.
Sponsored Content Opportunities
Beehiiv’s ad marketplace connects you with brands willing to pay $500-$5,000 for a spot. The benefits are:
- Automated sponsor matching based on your niche
- Performance tracking through click-through rates
- Non-intrusive ad placements within newsletter sections
“Email marketing delivers $38 ROI for every $1 spent—sponsors know this.”
Affiliate Marketing
Share products you really use through affiliate links. Beehiiv’s tools assist in:
- Tracking which links convert best
- A/B testing promotional language
- Disclosing partnerships clearly
Choose products your audience will find valuable. A tech newsletter might partner with software companies, while a parenting blog could promote educational toys. Always focus on relevance over how much you can earn.
Maintaining Subscriber Engagement
To keep your audience interested, you need a plan. Start by setting a regular schedule, like weekly tips or monthly updates. This builds excitement. Tools like Beehiiv make it easy with automated emails.
Turn Data Into Action
Low open and click rates mean people are losing interest. Use Beehiiv to find inactive subscribers. Then, send them special emails to get them back.
Listen to Improve
Use Beehiiv’s feedback tools to ask what your readers want. Ask about their favorite content or new topics. This helps you improve and makes readers feel important.
Revive Quiet Subscribers
For those who don’t engage much, send them special content. Beehiiv makes it easy to target the right people without bothering others.
Good newsletters keep changing and listening to readers. Watch your numbers, try new things, and update your style. With smart scheduling and automation, you’ll keep your readers coming back for more.
FAQ
What is an email newsletter?
An email newsletter is a regular email that helps build relationships and share valuable content. It’s different from transactional emails, like receipts. For example, Ellevest’s “What The Elle” newsletter offers financial advice and tips, with a 32% open rate.
Why should I choose Beehiiv over Substack?
Beehiiv has tools for creators like a built-in ad network and advanced segmentation. Substack is simpler. Ryan Reynolds moved to Beehiiv for better features and saw a 27% increase in subscriber retention. Beehiiv also has better pricing for growing audiences.
How do I ensure high email deliverability with Beehiiv?
Set up SPF/DKIM records during onboarding to verify your sender identity. This helps avoid spam flags. Beehiiv also works with CRM tools like HubSpot and removes bad addresses, keeping deliverability high.
What design elements boost newsletter engagement?
Use Beehiiv’s templates to match your brand and keep designs clean. Netflix’s House of Cards promo used GIFs and simple text for a 19% CTR. Emails with 1-2 images get 15% more clicks than text-only ones.
How can AI improve my newsletter content?
AI tools like ChatGPT can help with subject lines and repurpose blog posts. Ellevest uses AI for tips but keeps them authentic with human edits. Beehiiv’s AI suggests content based on what works well in your niche.
What’s the best way to grow my subscriber list ethically?
Offer free stuff like templates or guides to get sign-ups. Beehiiv’s tags help segment subscribers for better campaigns. Brands that segment see 45% higher open rates.
How do I promote my newsletter beyond email?
Share teasers on LinkedIn with Beehiiv’s signup forms or optimize landing pages for SEO. Use Beehiiv’s referral program to encourage sharing. This tactic helped Morning Brew grow 63%.
Which metrics matter most for newsletter success?
Focus on open rates (21%), click-through rates (2.5%), and unsubscribe rates. Beehiiv’s dashboard shows CTR trends. A/B testing subject lines can increase opens by 12%. Ryan’s team boosted revenue 18% by testing send times.
How can I monetize my Beehiiv newsletter?
Use tiered subscriptions, sponsored content, or affiliate links. Ryan’s hybrid model makes k/month. Beehiiv doesn’t take commission on subscription revenue, unlike Substack.
How often should I send newsletters?
Send newsletters weekly (e.g., Friday tips) for 68% of creators. Use Beehiiv’s survey tool to ask subscribers. Automate re-engagement sequences for inactive users to reactivate 14% of lapsed subscribers.
I’m into tech, trends, and all things digital. At CrazeNest, I share what’s new, what’s next, and why it matters — always with a curious mind and a creative twist.
