If you’re also remotely into email newsletters, you have actually most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something different regarding this system, something that makes makers like you stop, take a breath, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Oilman Jim Beehiiv…
I have actually been precisely where you are. Attempting to choose the right email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. Yet after almost one decade of helping people browse e-mail marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I finally started and provided Beehiiv a correct, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just mess around. I moved whatever over. Right here’s why you could want to do the very same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They have actually obtained a clean user interface and a faithful community of authors. However when it involves money making and target market possession, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears cool theoretically, right? Like, a lot more visibility, more involvement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t real subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before choose to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So generally, you’re constructing a listing … that you don’t possess.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or even 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 Expense of Ease
Currently let’s speak cash. Every time somebody 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 customer? You’re taking simply over $6. Not terrible … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That additional money adds up fast, especially if you’re preparing to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to build a service (even a side one), you need a system that’s not eating right into your revenues before you also start.
What It’s Really Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re stressed that migrating your checklist or establishing automations will certainly be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: busted forms, ghosted customers, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting helpful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than just throwing your email domain right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain using their very own framework. It’s wise. Like, really clever.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV issues. No customers vanishing right into the void. Even attaching my website was great– all right, the designing took a little bit of effort, but hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t flawless. Yet it’s good. Actually great.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview effortlessly. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Intend to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always alert you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had magnificently written newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I discovered a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML dimension prior to sending. It’s a bit manual, sure, once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreadful clipping concern.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely radiates.
It’s like they really want you to expand your audience. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current customers bring in new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Wish to run a giveaway? Deal a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Less Headaches
This was among the biggest factors I moved to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in ad network that connects you with actual sponsors.
Adjustable paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already making greater than I ever before did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: most newsletter devices don’t care regarding your landing page. However Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your previous issues
- Custom forms, branding and Oilman Jim Beehiiv
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for the majority of designers, it’s more than enough. And it just works. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just get open and click rates. You obtain actual insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and enhance every step of your funnel, from form to available to acquire. And that kind of presence? Priceless when you’re attempting to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Can Enhance?
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to expand. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the odd edge situations.
Yet here’s the important things, Beehiiv really pays attention. I have actually already seen updates roll out based upon user responses, which’s a truly excellent indication.
All-time Low Line: Oilman Jim Beehiiv
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your list quick,
- To keep full ownership of your customers,
- To actually generate income without system penalties,
- And to not fight with clunky e-mail builders …
After that indeed, you must definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire innovative CRM automations, perhaps look elsewhere. Yet 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 email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally supported. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never set up a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better monetization tools, no system fees, and extra list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also help you warm it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.