If you’re also remotely right into email e-newsletters, you’ve probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different about this platform, something that makes designers like you stop, breathe, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Wit & Wire Beehiiv…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Trying to choose the best e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. But after nearly ten years helpful people browse e-mail marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and gave Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness test run.
And looter: I really did not just mess around. I moved whatever over. Below’s why you could want to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a tidy user interface and a dedicated community of writers. Yet when it involves monetization and audience ownership, they falter. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It seems cool on paper, right? Like, much more visibility, even more involvement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever make a decision to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So generally, you’re building a list … that you don’t have.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct a genuine connection. That’s just how it must be.
The Hidden Expense of Comfort
Currently let’s talk money. Every time someone spends for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 client? You’re taking simply over $6. Not horrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That additional money builds up quick, specifically if you’re planning to expand or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to construct an organization (also a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating right into your profits before you also begin.
What It’s Really Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re fretted that migrating your list or establishing automations will certainly be a pain … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle before. You recognize the drill: damaged forms, ghosted customers, styling headaches. But with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking valuable video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than just throwing your e-mail domain into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s wise. Like, really wise.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No cool CSV concerns. No subscribers disappearing into the void. Also linking my internet site was fine– alright, the designing took a little elbow grease, however hey, no system’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s excellent. Really excellent.
You can drag, drop, design, and sneak peek easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Wish to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly advise you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had wonderfully written e-newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I found a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size before sending. It’s a little bit manual, sure, once you master it, you’ll avoid the dreaded clipping issue.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they in fact want you to grow your target market. Stunning, best?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current subscribers bring in new ones– and it actually works. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable references baked right into the system.
Wish to run a giveaway? Offer a benefit for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the greatest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that connects you with actual enrollers.
Customizable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was currently earning greater than I ever did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: a lot of newsletter devices uncommitted about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your past issues
- Customized forms, branding and Wit & Wire Beehiiv
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for most developers, it’s more than enough. And it simply works. No untidy DNS configs or broken embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click prices. You get actual insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and maximize every step of your funnel, from type to available to acquire. Which type of exposure? Invaluable when you’re attempting to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No system is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got room to expand. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the weird side situations.
However here’s the important things, Beehiiv really listens. I’ve currently seen updates turn out based on user feedback, which’s a really great indication.
All-time Low Line: Wit & Wire Beehiiv
If you’re a designer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your listing fast,
- To maintain complete ownership of your clients,
- To really make money without system penalties,
- And to not battle with confusing e-mail contractors …
Then indeed, you ought to absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire advanced CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. However if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand name, or an interest task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I move my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV problems here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for novices?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you have actually never ever established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market ownership, better monetization tools, no platform charges, and much more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also help you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.