If you’re also remotely into email newsletters, you have actually most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something various regarding this platform, something that makes makers like you stop, breathe, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Kristi Digital Beehiiv…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Trying to pick the best email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. However after virtually ten years of helping people browse e-mail marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I ultimately started and provided Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply dabble. I relocated everything over. Below’s why you might wish to do the same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a tidy interface and a faithful community of writers. However when it concerns monetization and target market possession, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “follow” feature on Substack? It appears cool theoretically, right? Like, much more visibility, even more involvement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” 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 contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So primarily, you’re developing a checklist … that you do not possess.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real relationship. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Price of Convenience
Currently let’s chat cash. Every time someone pays 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 filching simply over $6. Not dreadful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That extra cash builds up fast, specifically if you’re planning to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to develop an organization (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating right into your profits prior to you also begin.
What It’s Actually Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re fretted that migrating your checklist or setting up automations will be a pain … don’t be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: busted forms, ghosted customers, styling nightmares. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking helpful videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to simply tossing your e-mail domain into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name utilizing their very own facilities. It’s wise. Like, truly smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No customers disappearing into the void. Even linking my website was fine– all right, the designing took a little effort, yet hey, no platform’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t flawless. However it’s good. Really excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re refraining from doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll possibly love it. Want to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always warn you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had wonderfully written newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size before sending out. It’s a little bit hands-on, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll prevent the feared clipping issue.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It resembles they actually want you to expand your audience. Surprising, best?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your current subscribers generate brand-new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Wish to run a giveaway? Deal a perk 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 e-newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Cash, Fewer Frustrations
This was one of the largest factors I moved to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Adjustable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already gaining greater than I ever did on my old system and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: a lot of e-newsletter devices uncommitted concerning your landing page. However Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous issues
- Customized forms, branding and Kristi Digital Beehiiv
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for a lot of creators, it’s more than enough. And it simply works. No untidy 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 prices. You obtain real understandings:.
Where customers came 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 purchase. And that sort of presence? Priceless when you’re attempting to expand intentionally.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s got space to expand. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit rigid. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the odd edge cases.
However here’s the thing, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I’ve currently seen updates present based upon user responses, which’s a truly excellent sign.
All-time Low Line: Kristi Digital Beehiiv
If you’re a maker, author, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your checklist quick,
- To maintain complete possession of your subscribers,
- To really generate income without system penalties,
- And to not combat with confusing email builders …
Then yes, you need to definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire advanced CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. But if you’re building a community, an individual brand, or an interest job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I move my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the standard Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you’ve never set up an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market possession, far better money making tools, no system costs, and much more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even help you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all native features.