If you’re also remotely right into email newsletters, you have actually most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something various about this platform, something that makes designers like you quit, breathe, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Are Beehiiv Boosts Worth It…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Attempting to select the appropriate email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. However after nearly 10 years helpful people navigate email marketing and two years running my own e-newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and provided Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just mess around. I relocated whatever over. Here’s why you might wish to do the same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You Might Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They have actually got a tidy user interface and a loyal community of authors. Yet when it concerns monetization and audience ownership, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds cool on paper, right? Like, a lot more visibility, more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can not call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So generally, you’re constructing a list … that you do not have.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct a real connection. That’s how it must be.
The Hidden Cost of Ease
Now let’s speak cash. Whenever someone spends for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 client? You’re pocketing simply over $6. Not dreadful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That extra cash money builds up quickly, especially if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to build a service (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your profits before you also start.
What It’s Actually Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re worried that migrating your listing or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You recognize the drill: busted kinds, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. However with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking helpful videos, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One point 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 progressively presents your domain name utilizing their own facilities. It’s wise. Like, really smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No customers disappearing into the void. Even linking my site was great– fine, the styling took a little elbow grease, however hey, no system’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t flawless. However it’s good. Really great.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Wish to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly advise you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had beautifully created e-newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I found a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size prior to sending. It’s a little bit hands-on, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping issue.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It’s like they in fact desire you to grow your audience. Stunning, best?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current subscribers bring in brand-new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other newsletters’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Fewer Headaches
This was among the most significant factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with real sponsors.
Personalized paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for buying traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently making more than I ever before did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: most newsletter devices uncommitted regarding your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your past issues
- Personalized kinds, branding and Are Beehiiv Boosts Worth It
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for many designers, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No untidy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just get open and click rates. You get real insights:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and optimize every step of your funnel, from type to open to purchase. Which kind of exposure? Valuable when you’re attempting to expand on purpose.
What Beehiiv Can Improve?
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to grow. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the unusual edge cases.
But right here’s the important things, Beehiiv really pays attention. I’ve currently seen updates turn out based on individual feedback, and that’s a really great sign.
All-time Low Line: Are Beehiiv Boosts Worth It
If you’re a developer, author, or indie publisher who desires:
- To grow your list quickly,
- To maintain complete possession of your clients,
- To really earn money without platform charges,
- And to not combat with clunky email contractors …
Then of course, you need to definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want innovative CRM automations, perhaps look elsewhere. But if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand name, or an interest project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I move my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV headaches below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the common Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never ever set up a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience possession, far better monetization tools, no system fees, and much more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.