![\"\ud83d\ude1c\"](\"https:\/\/s.w.org\/images\/core\/emoji\/16.0.1\/72x72\/1f61c.png\" "\\"Beehiiv\\"")
<\/em><\/p>\nWe\u2019ll do a breakdown of their strengths, weaknesses, and unique features. So, get ready to discover which one will fit your needs like a glove. <\/p>\n
Rest assured that by the end of this post, you\u2019ll have a clear winner in mind. Let\u2019s get to it! <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A Brief History of ConvertKit <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.brooksconkle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-brief-history-of-convertkit-1024x525.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nIn 2013, blogger and creator Nathan Barry set out to find the optimal way to connect with his audience and sell his books and courses. <\/p>\n
Frustrated with generic tools, he teamed up, took the plunge, and created ConvertKit. <\/p>\n
Although their initial goal of reaching $5,000 in monthly recurring revenue fell short, they didn\u2019t give up. <\/p>\n
With the encouragement of Hiten Shah, co-founder of CrazyEgg and KISSmetrics, ConvertKit doubled down on its mission in 2014. <\/p>\n
They invested $50,000 focused on marketing to professional bloggers and adopted a direct sales approach. <\/p>\n
And it paid off. <\/p>\n
In 2017, they redesigned their platform, introducing visual automation and user-friendly features. <\/p>\n
Today, ConvertKit runs as an independent company, with its focus still set on empowering creators. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A Brief History of Beehiiv <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.brooksconkle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/a-brief-history-of-beehiiv-1024x587.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nCo-founders Tyler Denk and Benjamin Hargett, alongside the engineering whiz Jake Hurd, got their hands dirty at Morning Brew. They honed their skills in growing newsletters. <\/p>\n
They went all out, implementing stuff like referral programs, SEO optimization, and easy social sharing. Bam! Subscriber counts went from a humble 100k to a jaw-dropping million. <\/p>\n
While others struggled to replicate that magic, fumbling with clunky systems and having zero insights about their audience, the trio had a lightbulb moment. That\u2019s when Beehiiv was born. <\/p>\n
Enter Andrew Platkin, the tech guru who joined the gang as a technical advisor. Armed with his guidance, Beehiiv levels up even more. <\/p>\n
Investors were skeptical, but they managed to secure a whopping $2.6 million in seed funding. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConverKit vs. Beehiiv:<\/strong> Going Head-to-Head <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n![\"convertkit](\"https:\/\/www.brooksconkle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/convertkit-vs-beehiiv-going-head-to-head-1024x573.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWhat better way to test how ConvertKit and Beehiiv stack up against each other than by listing their strengths and weaknesses? <\/p>\n
Here we go!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit Strengths<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nLet\u2019s start with ConvertKit, one of the bigger names in this industry. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Simple to Use <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re a newbie dipping your toes into the world of newsletters and feeling a bit overwhelmed, don\u2019t worry. ConvertKit has your back, making the whole process seamless. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a small breakdown: <\/p>\n
\n- Easy-peasy account creation:<\/strong> No fuss, no headaches. <\/li>\n
- User-friendly interface:<\/strong> Everything is right where you need it. <\/li>\n
- Hassle-free features:<\/strong> You\u2019re up and running in just a few clicks. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Now, I can sense what you\u2019re thinking \u2014 \u201cOkay, it\u2019s a decent email marketing tool. It all sounds a bit too generic.\u201d <\/p>\n
But let me tell you, ConverKit is a real OG in the newsletter game. Others probably took cues from them, not the other way around. <\/p>\n
Let\u2019s talk about the good stuff that creators care about: <\/p>\n
\n- Segmentation:<\/strong> Target your audience like a pro. <\/li>\n
- Tagging system:<\/strong> Organize your subscribers with a breeze. <\/li>\n
- Automation:<\/strong> Set it and forget it; let ConvertKit do the heavy lifting. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
And that\u2019s just scratching the surface. ConvertKit keeps things sleek and straightforward, especially in its text editor. <\/p>\n
They call it a \u2018broadcast,\u2019 and boy, does it make life easier. The clean layout lets you focus on your content while customizing it effortlessly.<\/p>\n
Plus, ConvertKit gives you options. From simple welcome emails to mind-boggling marketing funnels that could launch a rocket, they\u2019ve got it all to help you make that money. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, if you’re sold on testing out ConvertKit here’s my link<\/a> to get you started (I’m not sure if you get special pricing or not??)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nFree Plan<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nOn a tight budget? That\u2019s alright. <\/p>\n
One of the reasons why I think ConvertKit is a great choice for new creators is its free plan. <\/p>\n
Currently, there are three CK plans, and the free one can accommodate up to 1,000 subscribers. <\/p>\n
So, what can you do with this free plan? It includes all the fantastic features that make CK shine, like broadcasts, unlimited landing pages, forms, and even a creator library. <\/p>\n
You even have the opportunity to sell digital products, like eBooks! Not many competitors offer that kind of flexibility. <\/p>\n
As long as your subscriber count stays below the limit, you can enjoy the free plan as long as you like. <\/p>\n
Once you exceed it, the starting price for paid plans is reasonable, considering your growing audience and the money you should be making at that stage. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Flexible Monetization <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nConvertKit has awesome monetization features built right into the platform that let you rake in those dollars from your subscribers. <\/p>\n
You can sell various digital goodies using CK\u2019s Earn tab. Think newsletters, digital courses, digital assets like eBooks or images, and even consultations and coaching. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s super simple to set up. <\/p>\n
Just choose the product type, set the price and billing frequency, upload your assets, pick the URL that showcases your offerings, and you\u2019re good to go. <\/p>\n
You can jazz up the landing page to match your personal brand. <\/p>\n
And ConverKit has this cool feature called the \u201ctip jar.\u201d It works like a real one where your fans can show their support and appreciation for your efforts. <\/p>\n
The best part? CK only takes a teeny 0.6% cut from your sales (plus the standard credit card fees). <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ad Network <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nFinding sponsorships and brand deals can open up exciting opportunities for creators with a large audience. <\/p>\n
But let\u2019s face it; the aftermath can be a real drag. <\/p>\n
I\u2019m talking about endless inquiries, price negotiations, payment follow-ups, and result reporting. It can use up a substantial chunk of your time.<\/p>\n
Enter ConvertKit Sponsor Network (CKSN), your secret weapon for staying focused on what you do best: creating awesome content. <\/p>\n
CKSN acts as a matchmaker, connecting advertisers with creators like you. They\u2019ll handle all the nitty-gritty tasks that make your head spin. <\/p>\n
To join CKSN, you\u2019ll need a subscriber count of at least 10,000. ConvertKit will charge a 20% commission on the total sponsorship revenue, which is a small price to pay for the convenience and extra cash flow they bring your way. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Decent Customization <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nThe look of your content matters. We know it, and so does ConvertKit. <\/p>\n
That\u2019s why they have stunning templates for newsletters, landing pages, and forms. <\/p>\n
With CK, you can make a visual impact without starting from scratch. You can easily customize elements like font colors, sizes, background colors, and button styles. <\/p>\n
ConvertKit even allows you to unleash your creativity with custom CSS. <\/p>\n
One feature that creators love is content snippets. These reusable blocks of content are perfect for those repetitive tasks. Create them once and use them forever, streamlining your workflow. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiiv Strengths <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nNow let\u2019s put Beehiiv under the microscope, a newcomer that aims to dethrone the OGs. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Monetization with 0% Cut <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv offers a unique advantage when it comes to monetizing your own newsletter. Unlike any other newsletter platform, they don\u2019t take a cut of your revenue from memberships. <\/p>\n
So, as your earnings grow, you won\u2019t have to give a bigger potion. The only deductions you\u2019ll see are the standard Stripe fees, typically ranging from 2%-3.5%. <\/p>\n
Setting up memberships is a breeze on Beehiiv. Just connect your Stripe account, and you\u2019re ready to roll. No need to fuss with plugins or complicated installations. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Stellar SEO <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nCreators understand the vital role of SEO in drawing in more visitors and turning them into paying subscribers. <\/p>\n
The exciting news is that Beehiiv has a strong focus on SEO, offering features like: <\/p>\n
\n- Custom domain <\/li>\n
- XML Sitemap <\/li>\n
- Schema markup <\/li>\n
- Robots.txt <\/li>\n
- Noundex URL <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In the early stages of its development, Beehiiv\u2019s SEO features had some drawbacks. However, the team has diligently addressed most of these issues, resulting in a solid SEO foundation available with their higher tiers. <\/p>\n
There is room for further improvement, sure, but overall, Beehiiv\u2019s SEO toolkit is commendable. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, if you’re sold on trying out Beehiiv, my link<\/a> will get you a 20% discount for 3 months.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nNo Software to Install <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nWhen it comes to Behiiv, there\u2019s one thing they absolutely nail: simplicity. <\/p>\n
I mean, who wants to struggle through a complicated user experience? Not us, right? <\/p>\n
In less than two minutes, you\u2019ll be all set to dive into the world of content creation with Beehiiv. No hassle at all. <\/p>\n
You can even import your existing content if you want, or you start creating your very first newsletter. <\/p>\n
You don\u2019t have to worry about pesky software updates, either. Beehiiv takes care of all that technical stuff for you. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Hybrid Tool <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiv breaks free from the mold of typical newsletter tools, offering you a refreshing hybrid platform. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s your website, and newsletter hub rolled into one! <\/p>\n
And, of course, you\u2019re in complete control. When it\u2019s time to share your content, Beehiiv gives you the freedom to choose your approach. <\/p>\n
You can opt to display it on your website or go the intimate route by sending it straight to the inbox of your dedicated subscribers (or both). <\/p>\n
Best of all, it\u2019s a user-friendly experience tailored to direct your focus on what genuinely matters: creating content that resonates with your audience. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Integrations <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBy seamlessly connecting different tools, you can streamline communication, save time, and enjoy increased flexibility. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, you can integrate with popular tools like WordPress, Wix, Shopify, and Zapier, expanding your capabilities. <\/p>\n
And don\u2019t worry; Beehiiv ensures your data\u2019s security by providing unique API keys for each integration. If you ever decide to end one, simply delete the corresponding key to halt data sharing. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Highly Customizable Emails<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nWhen it comes to email aesthetics, Beehiiv knows how to level up your game. It may seem like a minute detail, but trust me; it adds some serious value to your work. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, you make your emails look exactly how you want, from the font style, color, and size, to the spacing between the elements. <\/p>\n
The best part? You don\u2019t need to be a code ninja to do it. Just use the intuitive buttons and sliders, and voila, you can instantly see how your email will look. <\/p>\n
Last year, Beehiiv took things up a notch, adding even more creative freedom. They introduced email bylines and custom footers, giving your emails that extra touch of professionalism. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Strong Analytics <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nYou know what could quickly get on your nerves as a creator? Using newsletter tools that lack solid analytics. <\/p>\n
Fortunately, Beehiiv is here to save the day with its impressive analytics capabilities. <\/p>\n
You can forget about searching for external analytics tools or struggling to gather insights from scattered sources. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, everything you need is right there on the platform. <\/p>\n
As soon as you jump into your dashboard, you\u2019re greeted with a detailed overview of the past 30 days, complete with percentage variations compared to the previous period. <\/p>\n
So, what kind of insights can you expect? Well, Beehiiv covers all the essentials. You get a clear view of your active subscriber numbers, average open rate, and average click rate. <\/p>\n
Plus, they go the extra mile by providing pertinent subscriber info, recent signups, and a breakdown of your free and paid subscription bases.<\/p>\n
But here\u2019s the real game-changer \u2014 the click rate. <\/strong><\/p>\nThis mighty metric tells you the percentage of engaged subscribers who click on the links in your newsletters. This will help you measure the effectiveness of your content! <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Multiple Newsletters Under a Single Account <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv understands the diverse needs of creators, which is why they offer the remarkable ability to manage multiple newsletters under one roof! It\u2019s one of the first platforms in the industry to do so. <\/p>\n
No more grappling with separate accounts and logins for each newsletter. With Beehiiv, you can streamline your workflow and expand your offerings without the unnecessary \u201cjumping through hoops.\u201d <\/p>\n
You can create and oversee newsletters for different categories. Whether you\u2019re curating sports updates, political insights, or health tips, Beehiiv empowers you to handle it all. <\/p>\n
But please be advised that this feature is limited to advanced users on a paid plan. It\u2019s a worthwhile investment that will help your business(es) grow, though!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Automation and Segmentation <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nYou can supercharge your email marketing with Beehiiv\u2019s segmentation features, which you can do in two ways: <\/p>\n
Static: Manually divide your subscribers into segments during creation, providing a one-time snapshot without updates. <\/p>\n
Dynamic: Automatically update your segments daily as new subscribers join or existing members no longer meet the criteria that you\u2019ve set. <\/p>\n
And Beehiiv goes beyond segmentation with its email automation capabilities. You can create automated email sequences triggered by subscriber actions, like signing up or upgrading to a premium offering. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit Weaknesses <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nNot Good Enough for Blogging <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nI know ConvertKit is not a blogging platform, so I can\u2019t judge it as such. However, they have been making strides to incorporate blogging capabilities into their offerings. <\/p>\n
But compared to Beehiiv, it\u2019s really obvious that their efforts are in the early stages. <\/p>\n
Currently, ConvertKit allows creators to display a feed of their recent newsletters on their creator page. <\/p>\n
While it\u2019s not a full-fledged blogging experience, it does provide a way to showcase content and gain online visibility for emails. It\u2019s a step towards bridging the gap between newsletters and blogging.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Limited Testing <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nConvertKit\u2019s testing features are pretty basic, as they only offer A\/B testing for subject lines. Unfortunately, you won\u2019t be able to test email content, images, or send times. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiiv Weaknesses <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nLimited Free Plan <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv\u2019s generous free option allows you to grow your subscriber list up to 2,500, which is higher than most of its competitors. <\/p>\n
However, if you\u2019re looking for sophisticated functionalities like SEO, custom domain, paid newsletters, integrations, and more, you\u2019ll need to upgrade to one of their paid plans. <\/p>\n
The free plan also doesn\u2019t allow team member access, so if collaboration is important to you, upgrading is a must\u2026 and it\u2019s not going to be cheap. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nLimited Range of Customization for Websites <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBehiiv falls short in terms of site customization, especially when you compare it to its robust newsletter features. <\/p>\n
While you can make minor adjustments, such as changing button colors, selecting fonts, and toggling between light or dark modes, the customization options are severely limited beyond these basic changes.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
No Code Injection <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nThe absence of code injection means relying on Google Analytics alone. If you\u2019re used to third-party analytics tools, this is a major drawback. <\/p>\n
And with the rise of cookie-less analytics platforms like Fathom or Plausible, Beehiiv\u2019s lack of code injection will keep you from getting more detailed user insights. <\/p>\n
Plus, the platform restricts the embedding of CSS or JavaScript. This can be frustrating for advanced users looking for more customization options. This also means that there isn\u2019t a native comment system for posts. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Pricing <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Pricing is often a crucial metric for creators, especially when they\u2019re first starting out. So, I\u2019ll leave ConverKit\u2019s and Beehiiv\u2019s pricing structures here: <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit Pricing <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n\n![\"convertkit](\"https:\/\/www.brooksconkle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/convertkit-pricing-1024x421.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n- Free (up to 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Creator ($25\/month for 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Creator Pro ($50\/month for 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
*Rates are dependent on your number of subscribers. Please use the slider on their <\/em>pricing page<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv Pricing <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n\n![\"beehiiv](\"https:\/\/www.brooksconkle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/beehiiv-pricing-1024x536.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n- Launch (free up to 2,500 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Grow ($42\/month up to 10,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Scale ($84\/month up to 100,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Enterprise (contact Beehiiv for rates) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Related Reading: Why I Love Beehiiv – Click Here To Learn More!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\nFinal Thoughts <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, it’s time for me to Bee real with you for a second.<\/p>\n
I – Love – Beehiiv.<\/a><\/p>\nI have respect for Convertkit, but…<\/p>\n
I actually moved my email newsletter from their platform to Beehiiv a few years back when I was frustrated with how Convertkit handled their annual billing plans.<\/p>\n
I won’t go into details, but I made an entire video<\/a> about it if you’d like to watch. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nIn 2013, blogger and creator Nathan Barry set out to find the optimal way to connect with his audience and sell his books and courses. <\/p>\n
Frustrated with generic tools, he teamed up, took the plunge, and created ConvertKit. <\/p>\n
Although their initial goal of reaching $5,000 in monthly recurring revenue fell short, they didn\u2019t give up. <\/p>\n
With the encouragement of Hiten Shah, co-founder of CrazyEgg and KISSmetrics, ConvertKit doubled down on its mission in 2014. <\/p>\n
They invested $50,000 focused on marketing to professional bloggers and adopted a direct sales approach. <\/p>\n
And it paid off. <\/p>\n
In 2017, they redesigned their platform, introducing visual automation and user-friendly features. <\/p>\n
Today, ConvertKit runs as an independent company, with its focus still set on empowering creators. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A Brief History of Beehiiv <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nCo-founders Tyler Denk and Benjamin Hargett, alongside the engineering whiz Jake Hurd, got their hands dirty at Morning Brew. They honed their skills in growing newsletters. <\/p>\n
They went all out, implementing stuff like referral programs, SEO optimization, and easy social sharing. Bam! Subscriber counts went from a humble 100k to a jaw-dropping million. <\/p>\n
While others struggled to replicate that magic, fumbling with clunky systems and having zero insights about their audience, the trio had a lightbulb moment. That\u2019s when Beehiiv was born. <\/p>\n
Enter Andrew Platkin, the tech guru who joined the gang as a technical advisor. Armed with his guidance, Beehiiv levels up even more. <\/p>\n
Investors were skeptical, but they managed to secure a whopping $2.6 million in seed funding. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConverKit vs. Beehiiv:<\/strong> Going Head-to-Head <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWhat better way to test how ConvertKit and Beehiiv stack up against each other than by listing their strengths and weaknesses? <\/p>\n
Here we go!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit Strengths<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nLet\u2019s start with ConvertKit, one of the bigger names in this industry. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Simple to Use <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re a newbie dipping your toes into the world of newsletters and feeling a bit overwhelmed, don\u2019t worry. ConvertKit has your back, making the whole process seamless. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a small breakdown: <\/p>\n
\n- Easy-peasy account creation:<\/strong> No fuss, no headaches. <\/li>\n
- User-friendly interface:<\/strong> Everything is right where you need it. <\/li>\n
- Hassle-free features:<\/strong> You\u2019re up and running in just a few clicks. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Now, I can sense what you\u2019re thinking \u2014 \u201cOkay, it\u2019s a decent email marketing tool. It all sounds a bit too generic.\u201d <\/p>\n
But let me tell you, ConverKit is a real OG in the newsletter game. Others probably took cues from them, not the other way around. <\/p>\n
Let\u2019s talk about the good stuff that creators care about: <\/p>\n
\n- Segmentation:<\/strong> Target your audience like a pro. <\/li>\n
- Tagging system:<\/strong> Organize your subscribers with a breeze. <\/li>\n
- Automation:<\/strong> Set it and forget it; let ConvertKit do the heavy lifting. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
And that\u2019s just scratching the surface. ConvertKit keeps things sleek and straightforward, especially in its text editor. <\/p>\n
They call it a \u2018broadcast,\u2019 and boy, does it make life easier. The clean layout lets you focus on your content while customizing it effortlessly.<\/p>\n
Plus, ConvertKit gives you options. From simple welcome emails to mind-boggling marketing funnels that could launch a rocket, they\u2019ve got it all to help you make that money. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, if you’re sold on testing out ConvertKit here’s my link<\/a> to get you started (I’m not sure if you get special pricing or not??)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nFree Plan<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nOn a tight budget? That\u2019s alright. <\/p>\n
One of the reasons why I think ConvertKit is a great choice for new creators is its free plan. <\/p>\n
Currently, there are three CK plans, and the free one can accommodate up to 1,000 subscribers. <\/p>\n
So, what can you do with this free plan? It includes all the fantastic features that make CK shine, like broadcasts, unlimited landing pages, forms, and even a creator library. <\/p>\n
You even have the opportunity to sell digital products, like eBooks! Not many competitors offer that kind of flexibility. <\/p>\n
As long as your subscriber count stays below the limit, you can enjoy the free plan as long as you like. <\/p>\n
Once you exceed it, the starting price for paid plans is reasonable, considering your growing audience and the money you should be making at that stage. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Flexible Monetization <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nConvertKit has awesome monetization features built right into the platform that let you rake in those dollars from your subscribers. <\/p>\n
You can sell various digital goodies using CK\u2019s Earn tab. Think newsletters, digital courses, digital assets like eBooks or images, and even consultations and coaching. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s super simple to set up. <\/p>\n
Just choose the product type, set the price and billing frequency, upload your assets, pick the URL that showcases your offerings, and you\u2019re good to go. <\/p>\n
You can jazz up the landing page to match your personal brand. <\/p>\n
And ConverKit has this cool feature called the \u201ctip jar.\u201d It works like a real one where your fans can show their support and appreciation for your efforts. <\/p>\n
The best part? CK only takes a teeny 0.6% cut from your sales (plus the standard credit card fees). <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ad Network <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nFinding sponsorships and brand deals can open up exciting opportunities for creators with a large audience. <\/p>\n
But let\u2019s face it; the aftermath can be a real drag. <\/p>\n
I\u2019m talking about endless inquiries, price negotiations, payment follow-ups, and result reporting. It can use up a substantial chunk of your time.<\/p>\n
Enter ConvertKit Sponsor Network (CKSN), your secret weapon for staying focused on what you do best: creating awesome content. <\/p>\n
CKSN acts as a matchmaker, connecting advertisers with creators like you. They\u2019ll handle all the nitty-gritty tasks that make your head spin. <\/p>\n
To join CKSN, you\u2019ll need a subscriber count of at least 10,000. ConvertKit will charge a 20% commission on the total sponsorship revenue, which is a small price to pay for the convenience and extra cash flow they bring your way. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Decent Customization <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nThe look of your content matters. We know it, and so does ConvertKit. <\/p>\n
That\u2019s why they have stunning templates for newsletters, landing pages, and forms. <\/p>\n
With CK, you can make a visual impact without starting from scratch. You can easily customize elements like font colors, sizes, background colors, and button styles. <\/p>\n
ConvertKit even allows you to unleash your creativity with custom CSS. <\/p>\n
One feature that creators love is content snippets. These reusable blocks of content are perfect for those repetitive tasks. Create them once and use them forever, streamlining your workflow. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiiv Strengths <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nNow let\u2019s put Beehiiv under the microscope, a newcomer that aims to dethrone the OGs. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Monetization with 0% Cut <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv offers a unique advantage when it comes to monetizing your own newsletter. Unlike any other newsletter platform, they don\u2019t take a cut of your revenue from memberships. <\/p>\n
So, as your earnings grow, you won\u2019t have to give a bigger potion. The only deductions you\u2019ll see are the standard Stripe fees, typically ranging from 2%-3.5%. <\/p>\n
Setting up memberships is a breeze on Beehiiv. Just connect your Stripe account, and you\u2019re ready to roll. No need to fuss with plugins or complicated installations. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Stellar SEO <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nCreators understand the vital role of SEO in drawing in more visitors and turning them into paying subscribers. <\/p>\n
The exciting news is that Beehiiv has a strong focus on SEO, offering features like: <\/p>\n
\n- Custom domain <\/li>\n
- XML Sitemap <\/li>\n
- Schema markup <\/li>\n
- Robots.txt <\/li>\n
- Noundex URL <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In the early stages of its development, Beehiiv\u2019s SEO features had some drawbacks. However, the team has diligently addressed most of these issues, resulting in a solid SEO foundation available with their higher tiers. <\/p>\n
There is room for further improvement, sure, but overall, Beehiiv\u2019s SEO toolkit is commendable. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, if you’re sold on trying out Beehiiv, my link<\/a> will get you a 20% discount for 3 months.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nNo Software to Install <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nWhen it comes to Behiiv, there\u2019s one thing they absolutely nail: simplicity. <\/p>\n
I mean, who wants to struggle through a complicated user experience? Not us, right? <\/p>\n
In less than two minutes, you\u2019ll be all set to dive into the world of content creation with Beehiiv. No hassle at all. <\/p>\n
You can even import your existing content if you want, or you start creating your very first newsletter. <\/p>\n
You don\u2019t have to worry about pesky software updates, either. Beehiiv takes care of all that technical stuff for you. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Hybrid Tool <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiv breaks free from the mold of typical newsletter tools, offering you a refreshing hybrid platform. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s your website, and newsletter hub rolled into one! <\/p>\n
And, of course, you\u2019re in complete control. When it\u2019s time to share your content, Beehiiv gives you the freedom to choose your approach. <\/p>\n
You can opt to display it on your website or go the intimate route by sending it straight to the inbox of your dedicated subscribers (or both). <\/p>\n
Best of all, it\u2019s a user-friendly experience tailored to direct your focus on what genuinely matters: creating content that resonates with your audience. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Integrations <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBy seamlessly connecting different tools, you can streamline communication, save time, and enjoy increased flexibility. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, you can integrate with popular tools like WordPress, Wix, Shopify, and Zapier, expanding your capabilities. <\/p>\n
And don\u2019t worry; Beehiiv ensures your data\u2019s security by providing unique API keys for each integration. If you ever decide to end one, simply delete the corresponding key to halt data sharing. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Highly Customizable Emails<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nWhen it comes to email aesthetics, Beehiiv knows how to level up your game. It may seem like a minute detail, but trust me; it adds some serious value to your work. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, you make your emails look exactly how you want, from the font style, color, and size, to the spacing between the elements. <\/p>\n
The best part? You don\u2019t need to be a code ninja to do it. Just use the intuitive buttons and sliders, and voila, you can instantly see how your email will look. <\/p>\n
Last year, Beehiiv took things up a notch, adding even more creative freedom. They introduced email bylines and custom footers, giving your emails that extra touch of professionalism. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Strong Analytics <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nYou know what could quickly get on your nerves as a creator? Using newsletter tools that lack solid analytics. <\/p>\n
Fortunately, Beehiiv is here to save the day with its impressive analytics capabilities. <\/p>\n
You can forget about searching for external analytics tools or struggling to gather insights from scattered sources. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, everything you need is right there on the platform. <\/p>\n
As soon as you jump into your dashboard, you\u2019re greeted with a detailed overview of the past 30 days, complete with percentage variations compared to the previous period. <\/p>\n
So, what kind of insights can you expect? Well, Beehiiv covers all the essentials. You get a clear view of your active subscriber numbers, average open rate, and average click rate. <\/p>\n
Plus, they go the extra mile by providing pertinent subscriber info, recent signups, and a breakdown of your free and paid subscription bases.<\/p>\n
But here\u2019s the real game-changer \u2014 the click rate. <\/strong><\/p>\nThis mighty metric tells you the percentage of engaged subscribers who click on the links in your newsletters. This will help you measure the effectiveness of your content! <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Multiple Newsletters Under a Single Account <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv understands the diverse needs of creators, which is why they offer the remarkable ability to manage multiple newsletters under one roof! It\u2019s one of the first platforms in the industry to do so. <\/p>\n
No more grappling with separate accounts and logins for each newsletter. With Beehiiv, you can streamline your workflow and expand your offerings without the unnecessary \u201cjumping through hoops.\u201d <\/p>\n
You can create and oversee newsletters for different categories. Whether you\u2019re curating sports updates, political insights, or health tips, Beehiiv empowers you to handle it all. <\/p>\n
But please be advised that this feature is limited to advanced users on a paid plan. It\u2019s a worthwhile investment that will help your business(es) grow, though!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Automation and Segmentation <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nYou can supercharge your email marketing with Beehiiv\u2019s segmentation features, which you can do in two ways: <\/p>\n
Static: Manually divide your subscribers into segments during creation, providing a one-time snapshot without updates. <\/p>\n
Dynamic: Automatically update your segments daily as new subscribers join or existing members no longer meet the criteria that you\u2019ve set. <\/p>\n
And Beehiiv goes beyond segmentation with its email automation capabilities. You can create automated email sequences triggered by subscriber actions, like signing up or upgrading to a premium offering. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit Weaknesses <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nNot Good Enough for Blogging <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nI know ConvertKit is not a blogging platform, so I can\u2019t judge it as such. However, they have been making strides to incorporate blogging capabilities into their offerings. <\/p>\n
But compared to Beehiiv, it\u2019s really obvious that their efforts are in the early stages. <\/p>\n
Currently, ConvertKit allows creators to display a feed of their recent newsletters on their creator page. <\/p>\n
While it\u2019s not a full-fledged blogging experience, it does provide a way to showcase content and gain online visibility for emails. It\u2019s a step towards bridging the gap between newsletters and blogging.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Limited Testing <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nConvertKit\u2019s testing features are pretty basic, as they only offer A\/B testing for subject lines. Unfortunately, you won\u2019t be able to test email content, images, or send times. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiiv Weaknesses <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nLimited Free Plan <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv\u2019s generous free option allows you to grow your subscriber list up to 2,500, which is higher than most of its competitors. <\/p>\n
However, if you\u2019re looking for sophisticated functionalities like SEO, custom domain, paid newsletters, integrations, and more, you\u2019ll need to upgrade to one of their paid plans. <\/p>\n
The free plan also doesn\u2019t allow team member access, so if collaboration is important to you, upgrading is a must\u2026 and it\u2019s not going to be cheap. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nLimited Range of Customization for Websites <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBehiiv falls short in terms of site customization, especially when you compare it to its robust newsletter features. <\/p>\n
While you can make minor adjustments, such as changing button colors, selecting fonts, and toggling between light or dark modes, the customization options are severely limited beyond these basic changes.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
No Code Injection <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nThe absence of code injection means relying on Google Analytics alone. If you\u2019re used to third-party analytics tools, this is a major drawback. <\/p>\n
And with the rise of cookie-less analytics platforms like Fathom or Plausible, Beehiiv\u2019s lack of code injection will keep you from getting more detailed user insights. <\/p>\n
Plus, the platform restricts the embedding of CSS or JavaScript. This can be frustrating for advanced users looking for more customization options. This also means that there isn\u2019t a native comment system for posts. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Pricing <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Pricing is often a crucial metric for creators, especially when they\u2019re first starting out. So, I\u2019ll leave ConverKit\u2019s and Beehiiv\u2019s pricing structures here: <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit Pricing <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n- Free (up to 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Creator ($25\/month for 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Creator Pro ($50\/month for 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
*Rates are dependent on your number of subscribers. Please use the slider on their <\/em>pricing page<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv Pricing <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n- Launch (free up to 2,500 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Grow ($42\/month up to 10,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Scale ($84\/month up to 100,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Enterprise (contact Beehiiv for rates) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Related Reading: Why I Love Beehiiv – Click Here To Learn More!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\nFinal Thoughts <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, it’s time for me to Bee real with you for a second.<\/p>\n
I – Love – Beehiiv.<\/a><\/p>\nI have respect for Convertkit, but…<\/p>\n
I actually moved my email newsletter from their platform to Beehiiv a few years back when I was frustrated with how Convertkit handled their annual billing plans.<\/p>\n
I won’t go into details, but I made an entire video<\/a> about it if you’d like to watch. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nCo-founders Tyler Denk and Benjamin Hargett, alongside the engineering whiz Jake Hurd, got their hands dirty at Morning Brew. They honed their skills in growing newsletters. <\/p>\n
They went all out, implementing stuff like referral programs, SEO optimization, and easy social sharing. Bam! Subscriber counts went from a humble 100k to a jaw-dropping million. <\/p>\n
While others struggled to replicate that magic, fumbling with clunky systems and having zero insights about their audience, the trio had a lightbulb moment. That\u2019s when Beehiiv was born. <\/p>\n
Enter Andrew Platkin, the tech guru who joined the gang as a technical advisor. Armed with his guidance, Beehiiv levels up even more. <\/p>\n
Investors were skeptical, but they managed to secure a whopping $2.6 million in seed funding. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConverKit vs. Beehiiv:<\/strong> Going Head-to-Head <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWhat better way to test how ConvertKit and Beehiiv stack up against each other than by listing their strengths and weaknesses? <\/p>\n
Here we go!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit Strengths<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nLet\u2019s start with ConvertKit, one of the bigger names in this industry. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Simple to Use <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re a newbie dipping your toes into the world of newsletters and feeling a bit overwhelmed, don\u2019t worry. ConvertKit has your back, making the whole process seamless. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a small breakdown: <\/p>\n
\n- Easy-peasy account creation:<\/strong> No fuss, no headaches. <\/li>\n
- User-friendly interface:<\/strong> Everything is right where you need it. <\/li>\n
- Hassle-free features:<\/strong> You\u2019re up and running in just a few clicks. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Now, I can sense what you\u2019re thinking \u2014 \u201cOkay, it\u2019s a decent email marketing tool. It all sounds a bit too generic.\u201d <\/p>\n
But let me tell you, ConverKit is a real OG in the newsletter game. Others probably took cues from them, not the other way around. <\/p>\n
Let\u2019s talk about the good stuff that creators care about: <\/p>\n
\n- Segmentation:<\/strong> Target your audience like a pro. <\/li>\n
- Tagging system:<\/strong> Organize your subscribers with a breeze. <\/li>\n
- Automation:<\/strong> Set it and forget it; let ConvertKit do the heavy lifting. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
And that\u2019s just scratching the surface. ConvertKit keeps things sleek and straightforward, especially in its text editor. <\/p>\n
They call it a \u2018broadcast,\u2019 and boy, does it make life easier. The clean layout lets you focus on your content while customizing it effortlessly.<\/p>\n
Plus, ConvertKit gives you options. From simple welcome emails to mind-boggling marketing funnels that could launch a rocket, they\u2019ve got it all to help you make that money. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, if you’re sold on testing out ConvertKit here’s my link<\/a> to get you started (I’m not sure if you get special pricing or not??)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nFree Plan<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nOn a tight budget? That\u2019s alright. <\/p>\n
One of the reasons why I think ConvertKit is a great choice for new creators is its free plan. <\/p>\n
Currently, there are three CK plans, and the free one can accommodate up to 1,000 subscribers. <\/p>\n
So, what can you do with this free plan? It includes all the fantastic features that make CK shine, like broadcasts, unlimited landing pages, forms, and even a creator library. <\/p>\n
You even have the opportunity to sell digital products, like eBooks! Not many competitors offer that kind of flexibility. <\/p>\n
As long as your subscriber count stays below the limit, you can enjoy the free plan as long as you like. <\/p>\n
Once you exceed it, the starting price for paid plans is reasonable, considering your growing audience and the money you should be making at that stage. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Flexible Monetization <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nConvertKit has awesome monetization features built right into the platform that let you rake in those dollars from your subscribers. <\/p>\n
You can sell various digital goodies using CK\u2019s Earn tab. Think newsletters, digital courses, digital assets like eBooks or images, and even consultations and coaching. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s super simple to set up. <\/p>\n
Just choose the product type, set the price and billing frequency, upload your assets, pick the URL that showcases your offerings, and you\u2019re good to go. <\/p>\n
You can jazz up the landing page to match your personal brand. <\/p>\n
And ConverKit has this cool feature called the \u201ctip jar.\u201d It works like a real one where your fans can show their support and appreciation for your efforts. <\/p>\n
The best part? CK only takes a teeny 0.6% cut from your sales (plus the standard credit card fees). <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ad Network <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nFinding sponsorships and brand deals can open up exciting opportunities for creators with a large audience. <\/p>\n
But let\u2019s face it; the aftermath can be a real drag. <\/p>\n
I\u2019m talking about endless inquiries, price negotiations, payment follow-ups, and result reporting. It can use up a substantial chunk of your time.<\/p>\n
Enter ConvertKit Sponsor Network (CKSN), your secret weapon for staying focused on what you do best: creating awesome content. <\/p>\n
CKSN acts as a matchmaker, connecting advertisers with creators like you. They\u2019ll handle all the nitty-gritty tasks that make your head spin. <\/p>\n
To join CKSN, you\u2019ll need a subscriber count of at least 10,000. ConvertKit will charge a 20% commission on the total sponsorship revenue, which is a small price to pay for the convenience and extra cash flow they bring your way. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Decent Customization <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nThe look of your content matters. We know it, and so does ConvertKit. <\/p>\n
That\u2019s why they have stunning templates for newsletters, landing pages, and forms. <\/p>\n
With CK, you can make a visual impact without starting from scratch. You can easily customize elements like font colors, sizes, background colors, and button styles. <\/p>\n
ConvertKit even allows you to unleash your creativity with custom CSS. <\/p>\n
One feature that creators love is content snippets. These reusable blocks of content are perfect for those repetitive tasks. Create them once and use them forever, streamlining your workflow. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiiv Strengths <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nNow let\u2019s put Beehiiv under the microscope, a newcomer that aims to dethrone the OGs. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Monetization with 0% Cut <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv offers a unique advantage when it comes to monetizing your own newsletter. Unlike any other newsletter platform, they don\u2019t take a cut of your revenue from memberships. <\/p>\n
So, as your earnings grow, you won\u2019t have to give a bigger potion. The only deductions you\u2019ll see are the standard Stripe fees, typically ranging from 2%-3.5%. <\/p>\n
Setting up memberships is a breeze on Beehiiv. Just connect your Stripe account, and you\u2019re ready to roll. No need to fuss with plugins or complicated installations. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Stellar SEO <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nCreators understand the vital role of SEO in drawing in more visitors and turning them into paying subscribers. <\/p>\n
The exciting news is that Beehiiv has a strong focus on SEO, offering features like: <\/p>\n
\n- Custom domain <\/li>\n
- XML Sitemap <\/li>\n
- Schema markup <\/li>\n
- Robots.txt <\/li>\n
- Noundex URL <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In the early stages of its development, Beehiiv\u2019s SEO features had some drawbacks. However, the team has diligently addressed most of these issues, resulting in a solid SEO foundation available with their higher tiers. <\/p>\n
There is room for further improvement, sure, but overall, Beehiiv\u2019s SEO toolkit is commendable. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, if you’re sold on trying out Beehiiv, my link<\/a> will get you a 20% discount for 3 months.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nNo Software to Install <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nWhen it comes to Behiiv, there\u2019s one thing they absolutely nail: simplicity. <\/p>\n
I mean, who wants to struggle through a complicated user experience? Not us, right? <\/p>\n
In less than two minutes, you\u2019ll be all set to dive into the world of content creation with Beehiiv. No hassle at all. <\/p>\n
You can even import your existing content if you want, or you start creating your very first newsletter. <\/p>\n
You don\u2019t have to worry about pesky software updates, either. Beehiiv takes care of all that technical stuff for you. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Hybrid Tool <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiv breaks free from the mold of typical newsletter tools, offering you a refreshing hybrid platform. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s your website, and newsletter hub rolled into one! <\/p>\n
And, of course, you\u2019re in complete control. When it\u2019s time to share your content, Beehiiv gives you the freedom to choose your approach. <\/p>\n
You can opt to display it on your website or go the intimate route by sending it straight to the inbox of your dedicated subscribers (or both). <\/p>\n
Best of all, it\u2019s a user-friendly experience tailored to direct your focus on what genuinely matters: creating content that resonates with your audience. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Integrations <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBy seamlessly connecting different tools, you can streamline communication, save time, and enjoy increased flexibility. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, you can integrate with popular tools like WordPress, Wix, Shopify, and Zapier, expanding your capabilities. <\/p>\n
And don\u2019t worry; Beehiiv ensures your data\u2019s security by providing unique API keys for each integration. If you ever decide to end one, simply delete the corresponding key to halt data sharing. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Highly Customizable Emails<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nWhen it comes to email aesthetics, Beehiiv knows how to level up your game. It may seem like a minute detail, but trust me; it adds some serious value to your work. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, you make your emails look exactly how you want, from the font style, color, and size, to the spacing between the elements. <\/p>\n
The best part? You don\u2019t need to be a code ninja to do it. Just use the intuitive buttons and sliders, and voila, you can instantly see how your email will look. <\/p>\n
Last year, Beehiiv took things up a notch, adding even more creative freedom. They introduced email bylines and custom footers, giving your emails that extra touch of professionalism. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Strong Analytics <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nYou know what could quickly get on your nerves as a creator? Using newsletter tools that lack solid analytics. <\/p>\n
Fortunately, Beehiiv is here to save the day with its impressive analytics capabilities. <\/p>\n
You can forget about searching for external analytics tools or struggling to gather insights from scattered sources. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, everything you need is right there on the platform. <\/p>\n
As soon as you jump into your dashboard, you\u2019re greeted with a detailed overview of the past 30 days, complete with percentage variations compared to the previous period. <\/p>\n
So, what kind of insights can you expect? Well, Beehiiv covers all the essentials. You get a clear view of your active subscriber numbers, average open rate, and average click rate. <\/p>\n
Plus, they go the extra mile by providing pertinent subscriber info, recent signups, and a breakdown of your free and paid subscription bases.<\/p>\n
But here\u2019s the real game-changer \u2014 the click rate. <\/strong><\/p>\nThis mighty metric tells you the percentage of engaged subscribers who click on the links in your newsletters. This will help you measure the effectiveness of your content! <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Multiple Newsletters Under a Single Account <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv understands the diverse needs of creators, which is why they offer the remarkable ability to manage multiple newsletters under one roof! It\u2019s one of the first platforms in the industry to do so. <\/p>\n
No more grappling with separate accounts and logins for each newsletter. With Beehiiv, you can streamline your workflow and expand your offerings without the unnecessary \u201cjumping through hoops.\u201d <\/p>\n
You can create and oversee newsletters for different categories. Whether you\u2019re curating sports updates, political insights, or health tips, Beehiiv empowers you to handle it all. <\/p>\n
But please be advised that this feature is limited to advanced users on a paid plan. It\u2019s a worthwhile investment that will help your business(es) grow, though!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Automation and Segmentation <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nYou can supercharge your email marketing with Beehiiv\u2019s segmentation features, which you can do in two ways: <\/p>\n
Static: Manually divide your subscribers into segments during creation, providing a one-time snapshot without updates. <\/p>\n
Dynamic: Automatically update your segments daily as new subscribers join or existing members no longer meet the criteria that you\u2019ve set. <\/p>\n
And Beehiiv goes beyond segmentation with its email automation capabilities. You can create automated email sequences triggered by subscriber actions, like signing up or upgrading to a premium offering. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit Weaknesses <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nNot Good Enough for Blogging <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nI know ConvertKit is not a blogging platform, so I can\u2019t judge it as such. However, they have been making strides to incorporate blogging capabilities into their offerings. <\/p>\n
But compared to Beehiiv, it\u2019s really obvious that their efforts are in the early stages. <\/p>\n
Currently, ConvertKit allows creators to display a feed of their recent newsletters on their creator page. <\/p>\n
While it\u2019s not a full-fledged blogging experience, it does provide a way to showcase content and gain online visibility for emails. It\u2019s a step towards bridging the gap between newsletters and blogging.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Limited Testing <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nConvertKit\u2019s testing features are pretty basic, as they only offer A\/B testing for subject lines. Unfortunately, you won\u2019t be able to test email content, images, or send times. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiiv Weaknesses <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nLimited Free Plan <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv\u2019s generous free option allows you to grow your subscriber list up to 2,500, which is higher than most of its competitors. <\/p>\n
However, if you\u2019re looking for sophisticated functionalities like SEO, custom domain, paid newsletters, integrations, and more, you\u2019ll need to upgrade to one of their paid plans. <\/p>\n
The free plan also doesn\u2019t allow team member access, so if collaboration is important to you, upgrading is a must\u2026 and it\u2019s not going to be cheap. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nLimited Range of Customization for Websites <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBehiiv falls short in terms of site customization, especially when you compare it to its robust newsletter features. <\/p>\n
While you can make minor adjustments, such as changing button colors, selecting fonts, and toggling between light or dark modes, the customization options are severely limited beyond these basic changes.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
No Code Injection <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nThe absence of code injection means relying on Google Analytics alone. If you\u2019re used to third-party analytics tools, this is a major drawback. <\/p>\n
And with the rise of cookie-less analytics platforms like Fathom or Plausible, Beehiiv\u2019s lack of code injection will keep you from getting more detailed user insights. <\/p>\n
Plus, the platform restricts the embedding of CSS or JavaScript. This can be frustrating for advanced users looking for more customization options. This also means that there isn\u2019t a native comment system for posts. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Pricing <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Pricing is often a crucial metric for creators, especially when they\u2019re first starting out. So, I\u2019ll leave ConverKit\u2019s and Beehiiv\u2019s pricing structures here: <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit Pricing <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n- Free (up to 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Creator ($25\/month for 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Creator Pro ($50\/month for 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
*Rates are dependent on your number of subscribers. Please use the slider on their <\/em>pricing page<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv Pricing <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n- Launch (free up to 2,500 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Grow ($42\/month up to 10,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Scale ($84\/month up to 100,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Enterprise (contact Beehiiv for rates) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Related Reading: Why I Love Beehiiv – Click Here To Learn More!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\nFinal Thoughts <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, it’s time for me to Bee real with you for a second.<\/p>\n
I – Love – Beehiiv.<\/a><\/p>\nI have respect for Convertkit, but…<\/p>\n
I actually moved my email newsletter from their platform to Beehiiv a few years back when I was frustrated with how Convertkit handled their annual billing plans.<\/p>\n
I won’t go into details, but I made an entire video<\/a> about it if you’d like to watch. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWhat better way to test how ConvertKit and Beehiiv stack up against each other than by listing their strengths and weaknesses? <\/p>\n
Here we go!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit Strengths<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nLet\u2019s start with ConvertKit, one of the bigger names in this industry. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Simple to Use <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re a newbie dipping your toes into the world of newsletters and feeling a bit overwhelmed, don\u2019t worry. ConvertKit has your back, making the whole process seamless. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a small breakdown: <\/p>\n
\n- Easy-peasy account creation:<\/strong> No fuss, no headaches. <\/li>\n
- User-friendly interface:<\/strong> Everything is right where you need it. <\/li>\n
- Hassle-free features:<\/strong> You\u2019re up and running in just a few clicks. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Now, I can sense what you\u2019re thinking \u2014 \u201cOkay, it\u2019s a decent email marketing tool. It all sounds a bit too generic.\u201d <\/p>\n
But let me tell you, ConverKit is a real OG in the newsletter game. Others probably took cues from them, not the other way around. <\/p>\n
Let\u2019s talk about the good stuff that creators care about: <\/p>\n
\n- Segmentation:<\/strong> Target your audience like a pro. <\/li>\n
- Tagging system:<\/strong> Organize your subscribers with a breeze. <\/li>\n
- Automation:<\/strong> Set it and forget it; let ConvertKit do the heavy lifting. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
And that\u2019s just scratching the surface. ConvertKit keeps things sleek and straightforward, especially in its text editor. <\/p>\n
They call it a \u2018broadcast,\u2019 and boy, does it make life easier. The clean layout lets you focus on your content while customizing it effortlessly.<\/p>\n
Plus, ConvertKit gives you options. From simple welcome emails to mind-boggling marketing funnels that could launch a rocket, they\u2019ve got it all to help you make that money. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, if you’re sold on testing out ConvertKit here’s my link<\/a> to get you started (I’m not sure if you get special pricing or not??)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nFree Plan<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nOn a tight budget? That\u2019s alright. <\/p>\n
One of the reasons why I think ConvertKit is a great choice for new creators is its free plan. <\/p>\n
Currently, there are three CK plans, and the free one can accommodate up to 1,000 subscribers. <\/p>\n
So, what can you do with this free plan? It includes all the fantastic features that make CK shine, like broadcasts, unlimited landing pages, forms, and even a creator library. <\/p>\n
You even have the opportunity to sell digital products, like eBooks! Not many competitors offer that kind of flexibility. <\/p>\n
As long as your subscriber count stays below the limit, you can enjoy the free plan as long as you like. <\/p>\n
Once you exceed it, the starting price for paid plans is reasonable, considering your growing audience and the money you should be making at that stage. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Flexible Monetization <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nConvertKit has awesome monetization features built right into the platform that let you rake in those dollars from your subscribers. <\/p>\n
You can sell various digital goodies using CK\u2019s Earn tab. Think newsletters, digital courses, digital assets like eBooks or images, and even consultations and coaching. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s super simple to set up. <\/p>\n
Just choose the product type, set the price and billing frequency, upload your assets, pick the URL that showcases your offerings, and you\u2019re good to go. <\/p>\n
You can jazz up the landing page to match your personal brand. <\/p>\n
And ConverKit has this cool feature called the \u201ctip jar.\u201d It works like a real one where your fans can show their support and appreciation for your efforts. <\/p>\n
The best part? CK only takes a teeny 0.6% cut from your sales (plus the standard credit card fees). <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ad Network <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nFinding sponsorships and brand deals can open up exciting opportunities for creators with a large audience. <\/p>\n
But let\u2019s face it; the aftermath can be a real drag. <\/p>\n
I\u2019m talking about endless inquiries, price negotiations, payment follow-ups, and result reporting. It can use up a substantial chunk of your time.<\/p>\n
Enter ConvertKit Sponsor Network (CKSN), your secret weapon for staying focused on what you do best: creating awesome content. <\/p>\n
CKSN acts as a matchmaker, connecting advertisers with creators like you. They\u2019ll handle all the nitty-gritty tasks that make your head spin. <\/p>\n
To join CKSN, you\u2019ll need a subscriber count of at least 10,000. ConvertKit will charge a 20% commission on the total sponsorship revenue, which is a small price to pay for the convenience and extra cash flow they bring your way. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Decent Customization <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nThe look of your content matters. We know it, and so does ConvertKit. <\/p>\n
That\u2019s why they have stunning templates for newsletters, landing pages, and forms. <\/p>\n
With CK, you can make a visual impact without starting from scratch. You can easily customize elements like font colors, sizes, background colors, and button styles. <\/p>\n
ConvertKit even allows you to unleash your creativity with custom CSS. <\/p>\n
One feature that creators love is content snippets. These reusable blocks of content are perfect for those repetitive tasks. Create them once and use them forever, streamlining your workflow. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiiv Strengths <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nNow let\u2019s put Beehiiv under the microscope, a newcomer that aims to dethrone the OGs. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Monetization with 0% Cut <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv offers a unique advantage when it comes to monetizing your own newsletter. Unlike any other newsletter platform, they don\u2019t take a cut of your revenue from memberships. <\/p>\n
So, as your earnings grow, you won\u2019t have to give a bigger potion. The only deductions you\u2019ll see are the standard Stripe fees, typically ranging from 2%-3.5%. <\/p>\n
Setting up memberships is a breeze on Beehiiv. Just connect your Stripe account, and you\u2019re ready to roll. No need to fuss with plugins or complicated installations. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Stellar SEO <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nCreators understand the vital role of SEO in drawing in more visitors and turning them into paying subscribers. <\/p>\n
The exciting news is that Beehiiv has a strong focus on SEO, offering features like: <\/p>\n
\n- Custom domain <\/li>\n
- XML Sitemap <\/li>\n
- Schema markup <\/li>\n
- Robots.txt <\/li>\n
- Noundex URL <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In the early stages of its development, Beehiiv\u2019s SEO features had some drawbacks. However, the team has diligently addressed most of these issues, resulting in a solid SEO foundation available with their higher tiers. <\/p>\n
There is room for further improvement, sure, but overall, Beehiiv\u2019s SEO toolkit is commendable. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, if you’re sold on trying out Beehiiv, my link<\/a> will get you a 20% discount for 3 months.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nNo Software to Install <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nWhen it comes to Behiiv, there\u2019s one thing they absolutely nail: simplicity. <\/p>\n
I mean, who wants to struggle through a complicated user experience? Not us, right? <\/p>\n
In less than two minutes, you\u2019ll be all set to dive into the world of content creation with Beehiiv. No hassle at all. <\/p>\n
You can even import your existing content if you want, or you start creating your very first newsletter. <\/p>\n
You don\u2019t have to worry about pesky software updates, either. Beehiiv takes care of all that technical stuff for you. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Hybrid Tool <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiv breaks free from the mold of typical newsletter tools, offering you a refreshing hybrid platform. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s your website, and newsletter hub rolled into one! <\/p>\n
And, of course, you\u2019re in complete control. When it\u2019s time to share your content, Beehiiv gives you the freedom to choose your approach. <\/p>\n
You can opt to display it on your website or go the intimate route by sending it straight to the inbox of your dedicated subscribers (or both). <\/p>\n
Best of all, it\u2019s a user-friendly experience tailored to direct your focus on what genuinely matters: creating content that resonates with your audience. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Integrations <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBy seamlessly connecting different tools, you can streamline communication, save time, and enjoy increased flexibility. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, you can integrate with popular tools like WordPress, Wix, Shopify, and Zapier, expanding your capabilities. <\/p>\n
And don\u2019t worry; Beehiiv ensures your data\u2019s security by providing unique API keys for each integration. If you ever decide to end one, simply delete the corresponding key to halt data sharing. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Highly Customizable Emails<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nWhen it comes to email aesthetics, Beehiiv knows how to level up your game. It may seem like a minute detail, but trust me; it adds some serious value to your work. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, you make your emails look exactly how you want, from the font style, color, and size, to the spacing between the elements. <\/p>\n
The best part? You don\u2019t need to be a code ninja to do it. Just use the intuitive buttons and sliders, and voila, you can instantly see how your email will look. <\/p>\n
Last year, Beehiiv took things up a notch, adding even more creative freedom. They introduced email bylines and custom footers, giving your emails that extra touch of professionalism. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Strong Analytics <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nYou know what could quickly get on your nerves as a creator? Using newsletter tools that lack solid analytics. <\/p>\n
Fortunately, Beehiiv is here to save the day with its impressive analytics capabilities. <\/p>\n
You can forget about searching for external analytics tools or struggling to gather insights from scattered sources. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, everything you need is right there on the platform. <\/p>\n
As soon as you jump into your dashboard, you\u2019re greeted with a detailed overview of the past 30 days, complete with percentage variations compared to the previous period. <\/p>\n
So, what kind of insights can you expect? Well, Beehiiv covers all the essentials. You get a clear view of your active subscriber numbers, average open rate, and average click rate. <\/p>\n
Plus, they go the extra mile by providing pertinent subscriber info, recent signups, and a breakdown of your free and paid subscription bases.<\/p>\n
But here\u2019s the real game-changer \u2014 the click rate. <\/strong><\/p>\nThis mighty metric tells you the percentage of engaged subscribers who click on the links in your newsletters. This will help you measure the effectiveness of your content! <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Multiple Newsletters Under a Single Account <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv understands the diverse needs of creators, which is why they offer the remarkable ability to manage multiple newsletters under one roof! It\u2019s one of the first platforms in the industry to do so. <\/p>\n
No more grappling with separate accounts and logins for each newsletter. With Beehiiv, you can streamline your workflow and expand your offerings without the unnecessary \u201cjumping through hoops.\u201d <\/p>\n
You can create and oversee newsletters for different categories. Whether you\u2019re curating sports updates, political insights, or health tips, Beehiiv empowers you to handle it all. <\/p>\n
But please be advised that this feature is limited to advanced users on a paid plan. It\u2019s a worthwhile investment that will help your business(es) grow, though!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Automation and Segmentation <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nYou can supercharge your email marketing with Beehiiv\u2019s segmentation features, which you can do in two ways: <\/p>\n
Static: Manually divide your subscribers into segments during creation, providing a one-time snapshot without updates. <\/p>\n
Dynamic: Automatically update your segments daily as new subscribers join or existing members no longer meet the criteria that you\u2019ve set. <\/p>\n
And Beehiiv goes beyond segmentation with its email automation capabilities. You can create automated email sequences triggered by subscriber actions, like signing up or upgrading to a premium offering. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit Weaknesses <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nNot Good Enough for Blogging <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nI know ConvertKit is not a blogging platform, so I can\u2019t judge it as such. However, they have been making strides to incorporate blogging capabilities into their offerings. <\/p>\n
But compared to Beehiiv, it\u2019s really obvious that their efforts are in the early stages. <\/p>\n
Currently, ConvertKit allows creators to display a feed of their recent newsletters on their creator page. <\/p>\n
While it\u2019s not a full-fledged blogging experience, it does provide a way to showcase content and gain online visibility for emails. It\u2019s a step towards bridging the gap between newsletters and blogging.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Limited Testing <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nConvertKit\u2019s testing features are pretty basic, as they only offer A\/B testing for subject lines. Unfortunately, you won\u2019t be able to test email content, images, or send times. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiiv Weaknesses <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\nLimited Free Plan <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv\u2019s generous free option allows you to grow your subscriber list up to 2,500, which is higher than most of its competitors. <\/p>\n
However, if you\u2019re looking for sophisticated functionalities like SEO, custom domain, paid newsletters, integrations, and more, you\u2019ll need to upgrade to one of their paid plans. <\/p>\n
The free plan also doesn\u2019t allow team member access, so if collaboration is important to you, upgrading is a must\u2026 and it\u2019s not going to be cheap. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nLimited Range of Customization for Websites <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nBehiiv falls short in terms of site customization, especially when you compare it to its robust newsletter features. <\/p>\n
While you can make minor adjustments, such as changing button colors, selecting fonts, and toggling between light or dark modes, the customization options are severely limited beyond these basic changes.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
No Code Injection <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\nThe absence of code injection means relying on Google Analytics alone. If you\u2019re used to third-party analytics tools, this is a major drawback. <\/p>\n
And with the rise of cookie-less analytics platforms like Fathom or Plausible, Beehiiv\u2019s lack of code injection will keep you from getting more detailed user insights. <\/p>\n
Plus, the platform restricts the embedding of CSS or JavaScript. This can be frustrating for advanced users looking for more customization options. This also means that there isn\u2019t a native comment system for posts. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Pricing <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Pricing is often a crucial metric for creators, especially when they\u2019re first starting out. So, I\u2019ll leave ConverKit\u2019s and Beehiiv\u2019s pricing structures here: <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit Pricing <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n- Free (up to 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Creator ($25\/month for 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Creator Pro ($50\/month for 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
*Rates are dependent on your number of subscribers. Please use the slider on their <\/em>pricing page<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\nBeehiiv Pricing <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n- Launch (free up to 2,500 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Grow ($42\/month up to 10,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Scale ($84\/month up to 100,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Enterprise (contact Beehiiv for rates) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Related Reading: Why I Love Beehiiv – Click Here To Learn More!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\nFinal Thoughts <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, it’s time for me to Bee real with you for a second.<\/p>\n
I – Love – Beehiiv.<\/a><\/p>\nI have respect for Convertkit, but…<\/p>\n
I actually moved my email newsletter from their platform to Beehiiv a few years back when I was frustrated with how Convertkit handled their annual billing plans.<\/p>\n
I won’t go into details, but I made an entire video<\/a> about it if you’d like to watch. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n
If you\u2019re a newbie dipping your toes into the world of newsletters and feeling a bit overwhelmed, don\u2019t worry. ConvertKit has your back, making the whole process seamless. <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a small breakdown: <\/p>\n
- \n
- Easy-peasy account creation:<\/strong> No fuss, no headaches. <\/li>\n
- User-friendly interface:<\/strong> Everything is right where you need it. <\/li>\n
- Hassle-free features:<\/strong> You\u2019re up and running in just a few clicks. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Now, I can sense what you\u2019re thinking \u2014 \u201cOkay, it\u2019s a decent email marketing tool. It all sounds a bit too generic.\u201d <\/p>\n
But let me tell you, ConverKit is a real OG in the newsletter game. Others probably took cues from them, not the other way around. <\/p>\n
Let\u2019s talk about the good stuff that creators care about: <\/p>\n
- \n
- Segmentation:<\/strong> Target your audience like a pro. <\/li>\n
- Tagging system:<\/strong> Organize your subscribers with a breeze. <\/li>\n
- Automation:<\/strong> Set it and forget it; let ConvertKit do the heavy lifting. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
And that\u2019s just scratching the surface. ConvertKit keeps things sleek and straightforward, especially in its text editor. <\/p>\n
They call it a \u2018broadcast,\u2019 and boy, does it make life easier. The clean layout lets you focus on your content while customizing it effortlessly.<\/p>\n
Plus, ConvertKit gives you options. From simple welcome emails to mind-boggling marketing funnels that could launch a rocket, they\u2019ve got it all to help you make that money. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, if you’re sold on testing out ConvertKit here’s my link<\/a> to get you started (I’m not sure if you get special pricing or not??)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Free Plan<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
On a tight budget? That\u2019s alright. <\/p>\n
One of the reasons why I think ConvertKit is a great choice for new creators is its free plan. <\/p>\n
Currently, there are three CK plans, and the free one can accommodate up to 1,000 subscribers. <\/p>\n
So, what can you do with this free plan? It includes all the fantastic features that make CK shine, like broadcasts, unlimited landing pages, forms, and even a creator library. <\/p>\n
You even have the opportunity to sell digital products, like eBooks! Not many competitors offer that kind of flexibility. <\/p>\n
As long as your subscriber count stays below the limit, you can enjoy the free plan as long as you like. <\/p>\n
Once you exceed it, the starting price for paid plans is reasonable, considering your growing audience and the money you should be making at that stage. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Flexible Monetization <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit has awesome monetization features built right into the platform that let you rake in those dollars from your subscribers. <\/p>\n
You can sell various digital goodies using CK\u2019s Earn tab. Think newsletters, digital courses, digital assets like eBooks or images, and even consultations and coaching. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s super simple to set up. <\/p>\n
Just choose the product type, set the price and billing frequency, upload your assets, pick the URL that showcases your offerings, and you\u2019re good to go. <\/p>\n
You can jazz up the landing page to match your personal brand. <\/p>\n
And ConverKit has this cool feature called the \u201ctip jar.\u201d It works like a real one where your fans can show their support and appreciation for your efforts. <\/p>\n
The best part? CK only takes a teeny 0.6% cut from your sales (plus the standard credit card fees). <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ad Network <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
Finding sponsorships and brand deals can open up exciting opportunities for creators with a large audience. <\/p>\n
But let\u2019s face it; the aftermath can be a real drag. <\/p>\n
I\u2019m talking about endless inquiries, price negotiations, payment follow-ups, and result reporting. It can use up a substantial chunk of your time.<\/p>\n
Enter ConvertKit Sponsor Network (CKSN), your secret weapon for staying focused on what you do best: creating awesome content. <\/p>\n
CKSN acts as a matchmaker, connecting advertisers with creators like you. They\u2019ll handle all the nitty-gritty tasks that make your head spin. <\/p>\n
To join CKSN, you\u2019ll need a subscriber count of at least 10,000. ConvertKit will charge a 20% commission on the total sponsorship revenue, which is a small price to pay for the convenience and extra cash flow they bring your way. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Decent Customization <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
The look of your content matters. We know it, and so does ConvertKit. <\/p>\n
That\u2019s why they have stunning templates for newsletters, landing pages, and forms. <\/p>\n
With CK, you can make a visual impact without starting from scratch. You can easily customize elements like font colors, sizes, background colors, and button styles. <\/p>\n
ConvertKit even allows you to unleash your creativity with custom CSS. <\/p>\n
One feature that creators love is content snippets. These reusable blocks of content are perfect for those repetitive tasks. Create them once and use them forever, streamlining your workflow. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiiv Strengths <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Now let\u2019s put Beehiiv under the microscope, a newcomer that aims to dethrone the OGs. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Monetization with 0% Cut <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiiv offers a unique advantage when it comes to monetizing your own newsletter. Unlike any other newsletter platform, they don\u2019t take a cut of your revenue from memberships. <\/p>\n
So, as your earnings grow, you won\u2019t have to give a bigger potion. The only deductions you\u2019ll see are the standard Stripe fees, typically ranging from 2%-3.5%. <\/p>\n
Setting up memberships is a breeze on Beehiiv. Just connect your Stripe account, and you\u2019re ready to roll. No need to fuss with plugins or complicated installations. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Stellar SEO <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
Creators understand the vital role of SEO in drawing in more visitors and turning them into paying subscribers. <\/p>\n
The exciting news is that Beehiiv has a strong focus on SEO, offering features like: <\/p>\n
- \n
- Custom domain <\/li>\n
- XML Sitemap <\/li>\n
- Schema markup <\/li>\n
- Robots.txt <\/li>\n
- Noundex URL <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In the early stages of its development, Beehiiv\u2019s SEO features had some drawbacks. However, the team has diligently addressed most of these issues, resulting in a solid SEO foundation available with their higher tiers. <\/p>\n
There is room for further improvement, sure, but overall, Beehiiv\u2019s SEO toolkit is commendable. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, if you’re sold on trying out Beehiiv, my link<\/a> will get you a 20% discount for 3 months.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
No Software to Install <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
When it comes to Behiiv, there\u2019s one thing they absolutely nail: simplicity. <\/p>\n
I mean, who wants to struggle through a complicated user experience? Not us, right? <\/p>\n
In less than two minutes, you\u2019ll be all set to dive into the world of content creation with Beehiiv. No hassle at all. <\/p>\n
You can even import your existing content if you want, or you start creating your very first newsletter. <\/p>\n
You don\u2019t have to worry about pesky software updates, either. Beehiiv takes care of all that technical stuff for you. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Hybrid Tool <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiv breaks free from the mold of typical newsletter tools, offering you a refreshing hybrid platform. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s your website, and newsletter hub rolled into one! <\/p>\n
And, of course, you\u2019re in complete control. When it\u2019s time to share your content, Beehiiv gives you the freedom to choose your approach. <\/p>\n
You can opt to display it on your website or go the intimate route by sending it straight to the inbox of your dedicated subscribers (or both). <\/p>\n
Best of all, it\u2019s a user-friendly experience tailored to direct your focus on what genuinely matters: creating content that resonates with your audience. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Integrations <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
By seamlessly connecting different tools, you can streamline communication, save time, and enjoy increased flexibility. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, you can integrate with popular tools like WordPress, Wix, Shopify, and Zapier, expanding your capabilities. <\/p>\n
And don\u2019t worry; Beehiiv ensures your data\u2019s security by providing unique API keys for each integration. If you ever decide to end one, simply delete the corresponding key to halt data sharing. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Highly Customizable Emails<\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
When it comes to email aesthetics, Beehiiv knows how to level up your game. It may seem like a minute detail, but trust me; it adds some serious value to your work. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, you make your emails look exactly how you want, from the font style, color, and size, to the spacing between the elements. <\/p>\n
The best part? You don\u2019t need to be a code ninja to do it. Just use the intuitive buttons and sliders, and voila, you can instantly see how your email will look. <\/p>\n
Last year, Beehiiv took things up a notch, adding even more creative freedom. They introduced email bylines and custom footers, giving your emails that extra touch of professionalism. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Strong Analytics <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
You know what could quickly get on your nerves as a creator? Using newsletter tools that lack solid analytics. <\/p>\n
Fortunately, Beehiiv is here to save the day with its impressive analytics capabilities. <\/p>\n
You can forget about searching for external analytics tools or struggling to gather insights from scattered sources. <\/p>\n
With Beehiiv, everything you need is right there on the platform. <\/p>\n
As soon as you jump into your dashboard, you\u2019re greeted with a detailed overview of the past 30 days, complete with percentage variations compared to the previous period. <\/p>\n
So, what kind of insights can you expect? Well, Beehiiv covers all the essentials. You get a clear view of your active subscriber numbers, average open rate, and average click rate. <\/p>\n
Plus, they go the extra mile by providing pertinent subscriber info, recent signups, and a breakdown of your free and paid subscription bases.<\/p>\n
But here\u2019s the real game-changer \u2014 the click rate. <\/strong><\/p>\n
This mighty metric tells you the percentage of engaged subscribers who click on the links in your newsletters. This will help you measure the effectiveness of your content! <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Multiple Newsletters Under a Single Account <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiiv understands the diverse needs of creators, which is why they offer the remarkable ability to manage multiple newsletters under one roof! It\u2019s one of the first platforms in the industry to do so. <\/p>\n
No more grappling with separate accounts and logins for each newsletter. With Beehiiv, you can streamline your workflow and expand your offerings without the unnecessary \u201cjumping through hoops.\u201d <\/p>\n
You can create and oversee newsletters for different categories. Whether you\u2019re curating sports updates, political insights, or health tips, Beehiiv empowers you to handle it all. <\/p>\n
But please be advised that this feature is limited to advanced users on a paid plan. It\u2019s a worthwhile investment that will help your business(es) grow, though!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Automation and Segmentation <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
You can supercharge your email marketing with Beehiiv\u2019s segmentation features, which you can do in two ways: <\/p>\n
Static: Manually divide your subscribers into segments during creation, providing a one-time snapshot without updates. <\/p>\n
Dynamic: Automatically update your segments daily as new subscribers join or existing members no longer meet the criteria that you\u2019ve set. <\/p>\n
And Beehiiv goes beyond segmentation with its email automation capabilities. You can create automated email sequences triggered by subscriber actions, like signing up or upgrading to a premium offering. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit Weaknesses <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Not Good Enough for Blogging <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
I know ConvertKit is not a blogging platform, so I can\u2019t judge it as such. However, they have been making strides to incorporate blogging capabilities into their offerings. <\/p>\n
But compared to Beehiiv, it\u2019s really obvious that their efforts are in the early stages. <\/p>\n
Currently, ConvertKit allows creators to display a feed of their recent newsletters on their creator page. <\/p>\n
While it\u2019s not a full-fledged blogging experience, it does provide a way to showcase content and gain online visibility for emails. It\u2019s a step towards bridging the gap between newsletters and blogging.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Limited Testing <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit\u2019s testing features are pretty basic, as they only offer A\/B testing for subject lines. Unfortunately, you won\u2019t be able to test email content, images, or send times. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiiv Weaknesses <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Limited Free Plan <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiiv\u2019s generous free option allows you to grow your subscriber list up to 2,500, which is higher than most of its competitors. <\/p>\n
However, if you\u2019re looking for sophisticated functionalities like SEO, custom domain, paid newsletters, integrations, and more, you\u2019ll need to upgrade to one of their paid plans. <\/p>\n
The free plan also doesn\u2019t allow team member access, so if collaboration is important to you, upgrading is a must\u2026 and it\u2019s not going to be cheap. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Limited Range of Customization for Websites <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
Behiiv falls short in terms of site customization, especially when you compare it to its robust newsletter features. <\/p>\n
While you can make minor adjustments, such as changing button colors, selecting fonts, and toggling between light or dark modes, the customization options are severely limited beyond these basic changes.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
No Code Injection <\/strong><\/h4>\n<\/p>\n
The absence of code injection means relying on Google Analytics alone. If you\u2019re used to third-party analytics tools, this is a major drawback. <\/p>\n
And with the rise of cookie-less analytics platforms like Fathom or Plausible, Beehiiv\u2019s lack of code injection will keep you from getting more detailed user insights. <\/p>\n
Plus, the platform restricts the embedding of CSS or JavaScript. This can be frustrating for advanced users looking for more customization options. This also means that there isn\u2019t a native comment system for posts. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Pricing <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Pricing is often a crucial metric for creators, especially when they\u2019re first starting out. So, I\u2019ll leave ConverKit\u2019s and Beehiiv\u2019s pricing structures here: <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
ConvertKit Pricing <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Free (up to 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Creator ($25\/month for 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Creator Pro ($50\/month for 1,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
*Rates are dependent on your number of subscribers. Please use the slider on their <\/em>pricing page<\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Beehiiv Pricing <\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n- \n
- Launch (free up to 2,500 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Grow ($42\/month up to 10,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Scale ($84\/month up to 100,000 subscribers) <\/li>\n
- Enterprise (contact Beehiiv for rates) <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Related Reading: Why I Love Beehiiv – Click Here To Learn More!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Final Thoughts <\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Ok, it’s time for me to Bee real with you for a second.<\/p>\n
I – Love – Beehiiv.<\/a><\/p>\n
I have respect for Convertkit, but…<\/p>\n
I actually moved my email newsletter from their platform to Beehiiv a few years back when I was frustrated with how Convertkit handled their annual billing plans.<\/p>\n
I won’t go into details, but I made an entire video<\/a> about it if you’d like to watch. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\n
- Tagging system:<\/strong> Organize your subscribers with a breeze. <\/li>\n
- User-friendly interface:<\/strong> Everything is right where you need it. <\/li>\n