If you’re even remotely right into e-mail newsletters, you have actually most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different about this system, something that makes creators like you quit, take a breath, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Matt Mcgarry Podcast…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Trying to choose the appropriate e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. Yet after nearly 10 years of helping people navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I finally took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I really did not just dabble. I relocated whatever over. Below’s why you could wish to do the same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They’ve got a clean interface and a devoted community of authors. Yet when it pertains to money making and audience possession, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears great theoretically, right? Like, extra exposure, more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t real subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever make a decision to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re building a listing … that you do not own.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can build an actual partnership. That’s how it must be.
The Hidden Price of Benefit
Currently let’s speak money. Every single time somebody pays 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 taking just over $6. Not terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That additional cash money accumulates quickly, especially if you’re intending to expand or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to develop a company (also a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your earnings before you even begin.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that migrating your listing or establishing automations will be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: busted kinds, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking helpful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than just tossing your e-mail domain right into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain name using their own facilities. It’s clever. Like, truly clever.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No fashionable CSV issues. No subscribers going away into deep space. Also linking my site was fine– all right, the designing took a bit of elbow grease, but hey, no system’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t perfect. Yet it’s excellent. Really excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek easily. If you’re refraining anything also design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Intend to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always warn you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had actually magnificently created newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I located a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a little bit manual, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the feared clipping issue.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It’s like they in fact desire you to expand your audience. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your present clients bring in brand-new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Wish to run a giveaway? Deal an incentive for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Less Headaches
This was among the most significant reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated ad network that connects you with real sponsors.
Customizable paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for buying traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently earning more than I ever before did on my old platform and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: many e-newsletter devices do not care regarding your landing page. However Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your previous concerns
- Personalized forms, branding and Matt Mcgarry Podcast
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for a lot of designers, it’s sufficient. And it just works. No unpleasant 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 do not just obtain open and click rates. You get actual understandings:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every action of your funnel, from form to open to acquire. Which sort of exposure? Valuable when you’re trying to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Can Improve?
No system is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to grow. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the strange side instances.
However below’s things, Beehiiv really pays attention. I have actually already seen updates roll out based on individual feedback, and that’s a truly excellent indicator.
The Bottom Line: Matt Mcgarry Podcast
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie author who desires:
- To grow your checklist quickly,
- To keep full ownership of your clients,
- To in fact make money without system charges,
- And to not fight with cumbersome email building contractors …
Then indeed, you should definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want innovative CRM automations, possibly look somewhere else. Yet if you’re building a community, an individual brand name, or an interest task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I move my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Just the typical Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv great for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you’ve never established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market possession, far better monetization tools, no system costs, and much more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you warm it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.