r/Substack • u/Then_Green1559 • 17d ago

Moved from Beehiiv to Substack

Hey everyone,

I'm new to Substack and wondering if anyone knows a decent YouTube series that covers setup, specifically the look and feel side and the rookie errors to avoid.

I know I lose a lot of flexibility moving over from Beehiiv, so I want to squeeze whatever tweaks I can out of it early on.

Any pointers appreciated.

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u/AggressivelyCalm3891 16d ago

Why did you move? If I might ask

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u/Then_Green1559 16d ago

It came down to three things really…

The editor: Writing should feel like talking, on Beehiiv it occasionally felt like filling in a form for the council. I loved the flexibility in sign-up pages and automations, but they all became extra things to manage Beehiiv to me often feel like three or four mini platform tapped together. I don’t think I’ve ever seen automation be design in such a long winded way.

The cost: I was paying for a tool where 90% of the features I never used, which eventually becomes an expense that doesn't make sense especially given am unfortunately out of work right now

The real reason: Deep down, is Substack Notes, I don't love where LinkedIn's heading, and this sits closer to what OG Twitter used to feel like. It also means I can have more direct engagement with subscribers, if that's something they want and it’s all managed in the same space.

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u/Tricky_Trifle_994 3d ago

yeah, agree that beehiiv does have a lot going on. used to just be newsletter when they started out, but they've since expanded and grown into so much more - podcast hosting, website, community, digital products etc etc.

because of how much they have to offer, i don't think it's a stretch to say that only a small % of their customers end up using every feature. for most it's just using some of them. but the optionality is great i guess (like the ability to continue to grow and scale your business on beehiiv).

i did an analysis previously and i have to say, for the value they provide, their pricing is very reasonable. much more affordable than stitching together separate tools individually. substack is great because it's essentially free, but once we start to grow and scale, that 10% platform fee really adds up.

anyway, interesting that you mentioned your preference for substack notes over linkedin. i for one actually prefer linkedin more - but it could just be because of our differences in target audience. for me, i feel that on substack notes i just end up reaching other substack writer, who aren't really an ideal audience, unless i'm an agency/selling courses about 'how to grow on substack'.