If you’re even remotely into e-mail e-newsletters, you have actually probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different concerning this platform, something that makes designers like you stop, breathe, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Sama Beehiiv…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Trying to select the best email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. Yet after nearly one decade helpful people navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my very own e-newsletter, I finally started and offered Beehiiv a correct, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply mess around. I moved whatever over. Below’s why you may want to do the exact same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You Might Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a tidy interface and a loyal community of writers. Yet when it involves money making and target market possession, they falter. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems trendy on paper, right? Like, more presence, more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t real clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re constructing a listing … that you do not own.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can build a genuine relationship. That’s how it should be.
The Hidden Expense of Convenience
Currently let’s speak money. Whenever a person spends 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 client? You’re swiping just over $6. Not dreadful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That added cash money adds up fast, particularly if you’re preparing to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to construct 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 In Fact Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that migrating your checklist or establishing automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: broken types, ghosted clients, styling nightmares. But with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking helpful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to simply throwing your email domain name into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively presents your domain name using their own framework. It’s clever. Like, actually clever.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No clients disappearing right into deep space. Also attaching my site was great– okay, the designing took a little bit of elbow grease, however hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. Yet it’s great. Truly excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll possibly love it. Wish to drop in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly warn you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had actually wonderfully composed newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I located a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size prior to sending. It’s a bit hands-on, sure, once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the dreaded clipping concern.
Growing Your List with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they in fact desire you to grow your target market. Surprising, best?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your existing subscribers bring in brand-new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable recommendations baked right into the system.
Want to run a free gift? Offer a perk 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 e-newsletters’ target markets. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Fewer Migraines
This was among the largest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that links you with real sponsors.
Personalized paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for purchasing web traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already gaining greater than I ever before did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: most e-newsletter devices don’t care concerning your landing page. But Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous problems
- Custom-made kinds, branding and Sama Beehiiv
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for the majority of makers, it’s more than enough. And it simply works. No messy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click rates. You get real understandings:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and enhance every step of your funnel, from type to available to purchase. Which type of presence? Invaluable when you’re trying to expand purposefully.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got space to grow. Right here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the weird side cases.
But here’s the thing, Beehiiv really pays attention. I’ve currently seen updates present based upon customer feedback, and that’s an actually excellent indication.
All-time Low Line: Sama Beehiiv
If you’re a designer, author, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your listing quickly,
- To keep complete ownership of your clients,
- To really earn money without platform penalties,
- And to not combat with confusing e-mail building contractors …
Then of course, you should absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want innovative CRM automations, perhaps look somewhere else. However if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand name, or a passion task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV problems below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Simply the basic Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you’ve never set up an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better money making tools, no system charges, and more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.