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 about this platform, something that makes creators like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Newsletter Operator Podcast…
I have actually been precisely where you are. Attempting to select the appropriate email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. However after almost ten years of helping people browse e-mail marketing and two years running my own e-newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and provided Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply mess around. I relocated whatever over. Below’s why you could intend to do the very same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They have actually got a clean interface and a devoted community of authors. Yet when it involves monetization and audience possession, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds great theoretically, right? Like, a lot more presence, more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t real subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t obtain your emails in their inbox. You can not 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 basically, you’re constructing a listing … that you don’t possess.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can build an actual relationship. That’s just how it must be.
The Hidden Price of Benefit
Currently let’s speak cash. Every single time a person spends for your e-newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 client? You’re pocketing simply over $6. Not awful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform charges. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That extra money builds up quick, particularly if you’re preparing to expand or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to develop a company (also a side one), you need a system that’s not eating into your profits prior to you also begin.
What It’s Really Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re fretted that moving your list or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: damaged kinds, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking practical video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of simply tossing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name utilizing their own framework. It’s smart. Like, actually clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No funky CSV problems. No customers disappearing right into the void. Even attaching my internet site was great– all right, the designing took a little bit of effort, however hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s excellent. Truly good.
You can drag, drop, design, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Intend to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always warn you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had wonderfully created e-newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I discovered a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension prior to sending. It’s a little bit hand-operated, certain, but once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreadful clipping concern.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It resembles they in fact desire you to grow your audience. Surprising, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your present clients generate brand-new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Less Headaches
This was one of the greatest reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that links you with actual enrollers.
Adjustable paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for acquiring traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already earning more than I ever did on my old system and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: a lot of newsletter tools do not care about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your past concerns
- Customized types, branding and Newsletter Operator Podcast
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for a lot of developers, it’s sufficient. And it simply works. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply plug 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 real insights:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and maximize every action of your funnel, from form to open up to purchase. Which sort of exposure? Priceless when you’re trying to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Can Boost?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got area to grow. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the unusual side instances.
However right here’s the important things, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I’ve already seen updates roll out based on user feedback, which’s a really excellent indicator.
The Bottom Line: Newsletter Operator Podcast
If you’re a designer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your list quick,
- To keep full possession of your customers,
- To actually earn money without system charges,
- And to not combat with confusing e-mail contractors …
Then of course, you must absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want sophisticated CRM automations, perhaps look somewhere else. But if you’re building a community, an individual brand, or a passion task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I move my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally supported. No CSV problems below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the conventional Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and easy, even if you have actually never set up an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience ownership, better monetization tools, no system fees, and a lot more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also help you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all native features.