If you’re even from another location into email e-newsletters, you’ve possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something different regarding this platform, something that makes creators like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Matt Mcgarry Newsletter Conference…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Attempting to choose the ideal e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. But after almost one decade of helping people navigate email marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and offered Beehiiv a correct, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply mess around. I relocated everything over. Below’s why you could wish to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a tidy interface and a faithful community of authors. Yet when it involves money making and target market possession, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It appears amazing on paper, right? Like, a lot more presence, more involvement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t real subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t get your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before make a decision to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re constructing a list … that you do not own.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can develop a genuine connection. That’s exactly how it ought to be.
The Hidden Expense of Benefit
Now let’s speak cash. Every time a person pays for your e-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 stealing simply over $6. Not horrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That additional money adds up quickly, specifically if you’re planning to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to construct an organization (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your earnings before you also begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re fretted that moving your listing or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: busted kinds, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. However with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking helpful videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than simply tossing your email domain into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain name utilizing their own facilities. It’s clever. Like, really smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No clients vanishing into deep space. Also linking my internet site was great– all right, the styling took a little elbow grease, however hey, no system’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. Yet it’s excellent. Truly good.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview easily. If you’re not doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll possibly enjoy it. Intend to drop in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly caution you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had wonderfully created newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML dimension before sending out. It’s a little bit hands-on, sure, once you master it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping concern.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It’s like they really desire you to expand your audience. Surprising, best?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your current customers generate new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Want to run a giveaway? Offer a bonus for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other newsletters’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Money, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the largest factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that links you with genuine enrollers.
Customizable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for getting website traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently earning greater than I ever did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: a lot of e-newsletter devices uncommitted regarding your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your previous problems
- Personalized types, branding and Matt Mcgarry Newsletter Conference
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for many creators, it’s more than enough. And it simply works. No untidy DNS configs or broken embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click prices. You obtain actual insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and optimize every step of your funnel, from type to available to purchase. And that kind of presence? Priceless when you’re attempting to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Might Improve?
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got room to expand. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the weird side situations.
But here’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I’ve already seen updates turn out based on customer comments, and that’s a really great indication.
The Bottom Line: Matt Mcgarry Newsletter Conference
If you’re a designer, author, or indie author who desires:
- To expand your listing quickly,
- To keep complete possession of your clients,
- To actually make money without platform fines,
- And to not fight with clunky email builders …
Then indeed, you need to definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire sophisticated CRM automations, perhaps look elsewhere. But if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand name, or an interest project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I move my existing e-mail listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV nightmares here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Simply the typical Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market possession, much better monetization devices, no system costs, and a lot more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even help you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.