If you’re even from another location right into e-mail e-newsletters, you have actually probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different concerning this platform, something that makes designers like you quit, breathe, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” What Is The Story Behind Beehiiv…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Attempting to pick the best e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. However after nearly one decade of helping individuals browse e-mail marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And looter: I didn’t simply mess around. I moved whatever over. Here’s why you might intend to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They have actually got a clean interface and a devoted community of authors. But when it concerns money making and target market ownership, they falter. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds cool on paper, right? Like, more visibility, even more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t real subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So primarily, you’re constructing a checklist … that you don’t own.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop an actual partnership. That’s just how it must be.
The Hidden Cost of Benefit
Now let’s speak money. Whenever a person spends 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 client? You’re stealing simply over $6. Not dreadful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That additional cash adds up quickly, especially if you’re preparing to expand or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to develop a service (also a side one), you need a system that’s not eating right into your revenues before you even begin.
What It’s Really Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that moving your listing or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: broken kinds, ghosted clients, styling nightmares. But with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than just tossing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain name utilizing their very own framework. It’s wise. Like, truly smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No cool CSV concerns. No customers disappearing right into the void. Also connecting my web site was fine– alright, the styling took a little elbow grease, yet hey, no platform’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. Yet it’s good. Really great.
You can drag, go down, design, and preview easily. If you’re not doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Wish to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always alert you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had actually wonderfully created e-newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not fun.
Yet I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size before sending out. It’s a bit hand-operated, certain, once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the feared clipping issue.
Growing Your List with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It’s like they actually desire you to expand your target market. Surprising, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your present customers generate new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Wish to run a giveaway? Offer a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the biggest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that connects you with real enrollers.
Customizable paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for buying website traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already gaining more than I ever before did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: a lot of e-newsletter devices don’t care about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your previous concerns
- Personalized forms, branding and What Is The Story Behind Beehiiv
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for the majority of designers, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click rates. You obtain genuine insights:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and optimize every step of your funnel, from type to open up to purchase. And that kind of visibility? Valuable when you’re trying to grow intentionally.
What Beehiiv Might Improve?
No system is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got area to expand. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some e-commerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the strange side instances.
Yet here’s things, Beehiiv really listens. I have actually already seen updates present based on customer comments, and that’s an actually good indication.
The Bottom Line: What Is The Story Behind Beehiiv
If you’re a designer, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your checklist fast,
- To keep complete ownership of your clients,
- To in fact generate income without system fines,
- And to not battle with clunky email home builders …
Then indeed, you must definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look in other places. But if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and completely supported. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for beginners?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and very easy, even if you’ve never set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience possession, far better monetization devices, no system fees, and more list-growth options.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.