How to Migrate from Kit (ConvertKit) to beehiiv
Newsletter creators switch from ConvertKit to beehiiv for its purpose-built newsletter growth tools. beehiiv's referral program, recommendation network, ad network, and built-in analytics dashboard are designed specifically for newsletter businesses. While ConvertKit is a broader email marketing platform, beehiiv focuses entirely on the newsletter use case with monetization and growth features that ConvertKit doesn't match.
What Transfers?
Method: CSV export/import
Export ConvertKit subscribers and import into beehiiv.
beehiiv has its own newsletter editor. Rebuild your newsletter format in beehiiv.
beehiiv has limited automation. Basic welcome sequences can be recreated.
Use beehiiv's subscribe pages and embeddable forms.
Historical data stays in ConvertKit.
beehiiv does not use a tagging system like ConvertKit. Subscriber organization is simpler.
Step-by-Step Migration Guide
- 1
Export subscribers from ConvertKit
Export all subscribers as CSV from ConvertKit's Subscribers section. Include email addresses and any relevant custom fields.
- 2
Set up your beehiiv publication
Create your beehiiv account and configure your publication — name, description, branding, and custom domain.
- 3
Import subscribers
Upload the CSV to beehiiv's Audience import. Map the email field. beehiiv will process and deduplicate.
- 4
Configure newsletter format
Design your newsletter template in beehiiv's editor. Set up recurring sections, branding elements, and any sponsored content placements.
- 5
Set up growth tools
Enable beehiiv's referral program, recommendation network, and magic links. These growth features are why many creators switch to beehiiv.
- 6
Update subscribe links
Replace ConvertKit form embeds and landing page links with beehiiv subscribe page URLs or embedded forms.
- 7
Send your first newsletter
Compose and send your first edition. Check deliverability and subscriber engagement.
Watch Out For
beehiiv has far fewer automation capabilities than ConvertKit. If you rely on ConvertKit sequences and tag-based automations, you'll lose that functionality.
ConvertKit Commerce (digital product sales) has no equivalent in beehiiv. beehiiv supports paid subscriptions via Stripe but not standalone digital product sales.
beehiiv's subscriber segmentation is simpler than ConvertKit's tag system. Complex subscriber journeys may not be possible.
Ready to switch to beehiiv?
Start with beehiiv's free plan and import your contacts.
What You Get with beehiiv
Pros
- +Purpose-built for newsletter businesses
- +Built-in ad network for monetization
- +Referral program to grow subscribers
- +Paid subscription support
- +Founded by ex-Morning Brew team
Cons
- −Limited to newsletter use case
- −Fewer templates than established tools
- −Smaller integration ecosystem
- −No SMS marketing
- −Relatively new platform (2021)