If you’re even from another location right into email newsletters, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different about this system, something that makes creators like you quit, take a breath, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Pros and Cons of Beehiiv…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Attempting to pick the appropriate e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. However after virtually ten years helpful individuals navigate email marketing and 2 years running my very own e-newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and gave Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just mess around. I relocated whatever over. Right here’s why you may intend to do the exact same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You Might Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They’ve got a clean user interface and a devoted community of writers. But when it involves money making and audience possession, they falter. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems trendy theoretically, right? Like, a lot more visibility, even more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t real clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before make a decision to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So primarily, you’re constructing a listing … that you don’t own.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct a real relationship. That’s how it must be.
The Hidden Expense of Comfort
Currently let’s speak money. Whenever someone spends for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re pocketing just over $6. Not horrible … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform charges. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That added cash adds up quickly, particularly if you’re preparing to grow or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to build a business (even a side one), you need a system that’s not eating into your revenues before you even begin.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re worried that migrating your list or establishing automations will be a pain … don’t be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You recognize the drill: damaged kinds, ghosted customers, styling problems. However with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting helpful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of just tossing your email domain name right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain name using their very own infrastructure. It’s smart. Like, actually smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No cool CSV issues. No subscribers vanishing right into deep space. Even linking my site was great– all right, the styling took a little elbow grease, yet 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 great. Really excellent.
You can drag, drop, design, and preview easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Wish to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always caution you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had beautifully written e-newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I found a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a little bit hand-operated, certain, once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreaded clipping concern.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It’s like they in fact desire you to grow your audience. Stunning, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your present subscribers bring in new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Want to run a free gift? Offer a bonus for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially 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 Cash, Less Headaches
This was just one of the biggest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that links you with genuine sponsors.
Customizable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently earning more than I ever did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: many newsletter tools don’t care concerning your landing page. But Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your previous issues
- Custom types, branding and Pros and Cons of Beehiiv
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for a lot of developers, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No untidy DNS configs or broken embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply obtain open and click prices. You obtain real insights:.
Where subscribers originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and optimize every step of your funnel, from form to open up to purchase. Which kind of presence? Priceless when you’re attempting to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Can Enhance?
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to expand. Right here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the strange side cases.
However here’s the thing, Beehiiv actually listens. I’ve currently seen updates present based on user feedback, and that’s an actually excellent indicator.
All-time Low Line: Pros and Cons of Beehiiv
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your list fast,
- To keep full ownership of your subscribers,
- To actually earn money without system fines,
- And to not fight with clunky e-mail home builders …
Then yes, you need to definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want sophisticated CRM automations, maybe look in other places. However if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand, or an interest task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I move my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully sustained. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the typical Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv great for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you’ve never ever established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market ownership, much better monetization tools, no platform costs, and extra list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all native features.