If you’re also from another location into email newsletters, you have actually most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different about this platform, something that makes designers like you stop, take a breath, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Kevin Chambers Beehiiv…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Trying to pick the right e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. However after virtually ten years helpful people navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I finally started and provided Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply dabble. I moved every little thing over. Here’s why you might want to do the very same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You Might Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve got a tidy user interface and a devoted community of writers. But when it concerns money making and target market ownership, they falter. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It seems amazing theoretically, right? Like, a lot more visibility, more involvement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before make a decision to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So primarily, you’re constructing a checklist … that you do not have.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct a genuine relationship. That’s just how it must be.
The Hidden Cost of Ease
Now let’s chat money. Whenever somebody pays for your newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re taking simply over $6. Not horrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra cash money builds up fast, specifically if you’re planning to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to construct an organization (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your revenues before you even start.
What It’s Actually Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re worried that migrating your listing or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You recognize the drill: broken forms, ghosted customers, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking handy videos, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than just tossing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain using their very own infrastructure. It’s smart. Like, really wise.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No fashionable CSV issues. No clients going away right into the void. Even linking my site was great– all right, the styling took a bit of elbow grease, but hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. Yet it’s excellent. Truly excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview with ease. If you’re refraining anything also design-heavy, you’ll possibly love it. Wish to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly advise you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had actually beautifully composed newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I discovered a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a bit manual, certain, but once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the feared clipping concern.
Expanding Your Listing with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It’s like they actually desire you to grow your audience. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current clients bring in brand-new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer a bonus for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Money, Less Headaches
This was just one of the greatest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with actual enrollers.
Personalized paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for purchasing web traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already earning more than I ever did on my old platform and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: a lot of newsletter devices do not care concerning your landing page. But Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous concerns
- Customized types, branding and Kevin Chambers Beehiiv
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for most creators, it’s more than enough. And it just works. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just get open and click rates. You get genuine insights:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
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 available to buy. And that type of visibility? Invaluable when you’re trying to expand intentionally.
What Beehiiv Might Improve?
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got space to expand. Here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the odd side instances.
Yet below’s the important things, Beehiiv really listens. I have actually already seen updates present based upon customer responses, and that’s an actually good sign.
The Bottom Line: Kevin Chambers Beehiiv
If you’re a designer, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your listing fast,
- To keep full possession of your subscribers,
- To really generate income without platform fines,
- And to not battle with cumbersome email home builders …
Then yes, you should absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. But if you’re building a community, an individual brand name, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and completely supported. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Just the standard Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you have actually never established an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience ownership, better money making devices, no platform charges, and more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even help you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.