If you’re even from another location right into e-mail newsletters, you have actually possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different concerning this platform, something that makes designers like you quit, breathe, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Half Baked Beehiiv…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Attempting to choose the best email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. However after almost one decade helpful people navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my very own e-newsletter, I ultimately started and offered Beehiiv a proper, genuine test run.
And looter: I really did not simply dabble. I relocated everything over. Right here’s why you might intend to do the very same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They have actually obtained a tidy user interface and a loyal community of authors. However when it involves money making and target market ownership, they falter. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds great on paper, right? Like, much more exposure, even more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not obtain your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So generally, you’re constructing a list … that you don’t have.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct a real connection. That’s just how it should be.
The Hidden Cost of Ease
Now let’s talk cash. Whenever somebody pays for your 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 swiping simply over $6. Not awful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That additional cash accumulates fast, especially if you’re preparing to expand or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to build a service (also a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating into your profits before you also start.
What It’s In Fact Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re fretted that migrating your listing or establishing automations will be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: broken types, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting valuable videos, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than simply tossing your email domain name right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain name using their own facilities. It’s smart. Like, actually clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No clients going away into the void. Even attaching my website was great– all right, the designing 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 flawless. But it’s great. Actually excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re refraining anything too design-heavy, you’ll possibly enjoy it. Wish to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always warn you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had actually beautifully written e-newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I found a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML dimension prior to sending out. It’s a little bit hands-on, certain, but once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the dreaded clipping concern.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It resembles they really want you to grow your audience. Shocking, best?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your present clients generate brand-new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Want to run a free gift? Deal an incentive for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Cash, Fewer Frustrations
This was among the largest reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with actual enrollers.
Personalized paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for purchasing web traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was already making more than I ever did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: many newsletter tools do not care regarding your landing page. But Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your past concerns
- Custom kinds, branding and Half Baked Beehiiv
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for the majority of makers, it’s sufficient. And it simply works. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t simply get open and click prices. You obtain real understandings:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and optimize every action of your funnel, from type to open to acquire. Which sort of exposure? Priceless when you’re attempting to expand purposefully.
What Beehiiv Could Enhance?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s got area to expand. Right here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the odd side instances.
However below’s the thing, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I’ve already seen updates present based on individual responses, and that’s a really excellent sign.
The Bottom Line: Half Baked Beehiiv
If you’re a designer, author, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your list quick,
- To maintain full possession of your clients,
- To in fact generate income without platform penalties,
- And to not combat with cumbersome e-mail home builders …
After that of course, you need to absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire innovative CRM automations, perhaps look somewhere else. Yet if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I migrate my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and fully supported. No CSV problems here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the common Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv great for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you’ve never ever established a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market possession, better monetization devices, no platform charges, and much more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even help you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid registrations are all native features.