If you’re also from another location right into email e-newsletters, you’ve most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something various concerning this system, something that makes makers like you stop, breathe, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv 101…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Attempting to pick the ideal e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. Yet after virtually one decade helpful individuals browse e-mail marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I ultimately started and offered Beehiiv a proper, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I really did not just mess around. I relocated whatever over. Below’s why you might want to do the same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They have actually got a clean interface and a faithful community of authors. But when it involves monetization and target market possession, they falter. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears trendy on paper, right? Like, much more visibility, even more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t real clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not obtain your emails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before choose to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So essentially, you’re constructing a listing … that you don’t possess.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real relationship. That’s exactly how it ought to be.
The Hidden Expense of Convenience
Currently let’s speak money. Whenever someone pays 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 customer? You’re taking just over $6. Not dreadful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That additional cash money builds up quickly, particularly if you’re preparing to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to build a company (also a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating into your earnings prior to you also start.
What It’s In Fact Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re stressed that moving your listing or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … don’t be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: broken types, ghosted subscribers, styling headaches. Yet with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting practical video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of just tossing your email domain into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain using their own facilities. It’s wise. Like, actually clever.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No cool CSV problems. No clients going away right into deep space. Even connecting my website was fine– all right, the designing took a little bit of effort, yet hey, no system’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. Yet it’s good. Really good.
You can drag, drop, design, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re refraining from doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll probably like it. Intend to decrease in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly alert you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had wonderfully created e-newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I found a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size before sending. It’s a bit hand-operated, sure, but once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the dreaded clipping concern.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It’s like they really desire you to expand your target market. Shocking, ideal?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current subscribers generate new ones– and it really works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Want to run a free gift? Deal an incentive for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Money, Fewer Migraines
This was just one of the largest factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that connects you with genuine sponsors.
Customizable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for buying web traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already gaining more than I ever did on my old system and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: most newsletter devices don’t care about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your past problems
- Personalized kinds, branding and Beehiiv 101
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for many designers, it’s ample. And it simply functions. No messy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not just obtain open and click rates. You get 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, tweak, and enhance every action of your funnel, from type to available to purchase. And that type of exposure? Invaluable when you’re trying to grow intentionally.
What Beehiiv Can Improve?
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to expand. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the weird side cases.
However below’s the thing, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates roll out based on user feedback, which’s an actually excellent indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv 101
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your checklist quick,
- To keep complete possession of your customers,
- To really generate income without system charges,
- And to not fight with clunky e-mail builders …
Then of course, you must absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look somewhere else. However if you’re building a community, a personal brand, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you have actually never ever established an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience possession, much better monetization tools, no system fees, and extra list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all native features.