If you’re also from another location right into email e-newsletters, you’ve most likely listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something different about this platform, something that makes developers like you quit, breathe, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Founder…
I have actually been precisely where you are. Attempting to choose the ideal email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. However after almost ten years helpful people browse email marketing and 2 years running my very own e-newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I really did not just mess around. I relocated whatever over. Below’s why you may intend to do the same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a tidy interface and a faithful community of writers. Yet when it involves monetization and target market ownership, they falter. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds amazing theoretically, right? Like, a lot more presence, more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before decide to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re constructing a listing … that you don’t own.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop an actual connection. That’s how it should be.
The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Now let’s chat cash. Each time someone pays for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re swiping just over $6. Not awful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra money adds up quick, especially if you’re preparing to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to build an organization (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your profits prior to you also start.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that migrating your checklist or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: broken forms, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking valuable video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than simply tossing your e-mail domain into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain name using their very own infrastructure. It’s smart. Like, truly clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No clients going away into deep space. Also attaching my web site was fine– all right, the styling took a little elbow grease, but hey, no platform’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t perfect. However it’s great. Really excellent.
You can drag, drop, style, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Intend to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always caution you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had beautifully created e-newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I found a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size before sending. It’s a bit hand-operated, sure, once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreadful clipping problem.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they actually desire you to grow your audience. Stunning, best?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current clients bring in brand-new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Wish to run a giveaway? Deal a benefit for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Fewer Headaches
This was one of the biggest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that connects you with genuine enrollers.
Customizable paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already earning greater than I ever did on my old platform and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: many e-newsletter tools don’t care about your landing page. However Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your previous problems
- Custom-made kinds, branding and Beehiiv Founder
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for the majority of makers, it’s sufficient. And it just works. No untidy DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t simply obtain open and click prices. You obtain actual insights:.
Where subscribers originated from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and enhance every step of your funnel, from kind to open up to purchase. And that sort of exposure? Invaluable when you’re attempting to expand intentionally.
What Beehiiv Can Improve?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got space to expand. Here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some e-commerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the unusual side situations.
Yet below’s the thing, Beehiiv actually listens. I have actually already seen updates turn out based upon individual feedback, and that’s a truly great indication.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Founder
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To grow your listing quick,
- To keep full ownership of your clients,
- To actually generate income without platform charges,
- And to not battle with confusing email building contractors …
Then yes, you ought to absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire advanced CRM automations, maybe look in other places. But if you’re developing a community, an individual brand, or a passion project?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I move my existing email checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the typical Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you’ve never set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better money making devices, no system costs, and a lot more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.