If you’re even remotely right into e-mail newsletters, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different about this platform, something that makes developers like you quit, breathe, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” The Rabbit Hole Beehiiv…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Trying to pick the best email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. Yet after virtually 10 years helpful people browse email marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I finally took the plunge and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And looter: I didn’t simply dabble. I moved every little thing over. Here’s why you might wish to do the very same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They have actually obtained a tidy interface and a devoted community of authors. But when it involves money making and audience ownership, they falter. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It seems cool theoretically, right? Like, more visibility, even more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t genuine subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can not call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever make a decision to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re building a listing … that you don’t have.
Currently 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 develop a real partnership. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Cost of Comfort
Now let’s talk cash. Every single time someone pays for your e-newsletter on Substack, you shed 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 horrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That extra cash adds up fast, especially if you’re planning to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to construct a service (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating into your earnings before you even begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re worried that moving your list or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: broken forms, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. However with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting valuable video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual support when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of simply tossing your email domain into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain name using their very own framework. It’s wise. Like, actually smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No cool CSV problems. No customers going away into the void. Even connecting my site was great– okay, the designing took a little bit of elbow grease, but hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s great. Truly good.
You can drag, drop, style, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re refraining from doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Want to decrease in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly caution you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had actually wonderfully created newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending. It’s a little bit hand-operated, sure, but once you master it, you’ll avoid the dreaded clipping problem.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It resembles they in fact desire you to grow your audience. Surprising, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your existing subscribers bring in new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable references baked right into the system.
Wish to run a giveaway? Deal a benefit 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: More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the largest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that connects you with real sponsors.
Personalized paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already gaining more than I ever did on my old platform and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: many newsletter tools uncommitted about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous concerns
- Customized forms, branding and The Rabbit Hole Beehiiv
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for many makers, it’s ample. And it simply works. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not just obtain open and click prices. You get genuine insights:.
Where clients came 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 step of your funnel, from type to open to buy. Which type of presence? Priceless when you’re trying to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Can Enhance?
No system is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got space to expand. Below’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some ecommerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the unusual edge situations.
However right here’s the thing, Beehiiv actually listens. I’ve currently seen updates present based on customer comments, which’s an actually great sign.
The Bottom Line: The Rabbit Hole Beehiiv
If you’re a designer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your listing quickly,
- To maintain complete possession of your customers,
- To in fact earn money without system fines,
- And to not fight with clunky email builders …
Then yes, you should absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want advanced CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. But if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand, or an enthusiasm project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely supported. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for novices?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you have actually never ever set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market ownership, better monetization devices, no platform charges, and more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.