If you’re even remotely into e-mail newsletters, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different concerning this system, something that makes creators like you stop, breathe, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Matt Mcgarry GrowLetter…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Trying to choose the best e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. But after almost ten years of helping individuals browse email marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I lastly started and offered Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just mess around. I moved every little thing over. Right here’s why you could intend to do the same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a clean user interface and a faithful community of authors. But when it concerns money making and target market ownership, they falter. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “follow” feature on Substack? It sounds awesome on paper, right? Like, extra visibility, more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t genuine customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t get your emails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So basically, you’re constructing a checklist … that you don’t own.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct a genuine partnership. That’s exactly how it should be.
The Hidden Cost of Comfort
Now let’s chat cash. Each time somebody spends for your newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re pocketing simply over $6. Not awful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That additional cash money accumulates quick, especially if you’re intending to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to develop a business (also a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating right into your revenues before you even begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re worried that migrating your list or establishing automations will be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: damaged forms, ghosted clients, styling nightmares. Yet with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of simply tossing your email domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain utilizing their very own facilities. It’s clever. Like, actually wise.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No cool CSV problems. No clients vanishing right into deep space. Even connecting my site was fine– okay, the styling took a little effort, but hey, no platform’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. However it’s great. Truly great.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview effortlessly. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Want to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly advise you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had actually wonderfully composed e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I discovered a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension before sending. It’s a bit hand-operated, certain, but once you master it, you’ll avoid the dreadful clipping issue.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely radiates.
It’s like they really desire you to grow your target market. Surprising, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current subscribers bring in brand-new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer a benefit for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically 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 Money, Less Frustrations
This was one of the greatest reasons I transferred to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that connects you with genuine sponsors.
Adjustable paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for buying traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was currently earning more than I ever before did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: many e-newsletter devices don’t care about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your past problems
- Personalized types, branding and Matt Mcgarry GrowLetter
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for most creators, it’s ample. And it simply works. No messy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t simply get open and click prices. You obtain genuine understandings:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and optimize every action of your funnel, from form to available to purchase. Which kind of visibility? Valuable when you’re attempting to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to expand. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the strange edge situations.
Yet below’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact listens. I have actually already seen updates turn out based on customer feedback, and that’s a truly good sign.
The Bottom Line: Matt Mcgarry GrowLetter
If you’re a maker, author, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your listing quick,
- To maintain full ownership of your customers,
- To really generate income without system charges,
- And to not battle with cumbersome e-mail contractors …
Then indeed, you should definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want advanced CRM automations, maybe look somewhere else. Yet if you’re developing a community, a personal brand name, or an interest project?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I move my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully sustained. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Simply the standard Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never ever established a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience possession, much better monetization tools, no system costs, and much more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you warm it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.