If you’re even remotely into email e-newsletters, you’ve possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something various regarding this platform, something that makes designers like you stop, take a breath, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Advertising…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Trying to pick the appropriate e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. However after almost 10 years of helping people browse email marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I lastly started and offered Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And looter: I really did not simply dabble. I moved whatever over. Below’s why you might want to do the exact 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 clean interface and a faithful community of authors. However when it concerns monetization and target market ownership, they falter. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It seems cool on paper, right? Like, extra visibility, even more involvement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever make a decision to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re building a checklist … that you don’t have.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a genuine connection. That’s just how it needs to be.
The Hidden Expense of Benefit
Currently let’s talk cash. Each time a person spends for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 client? You’re filching just over $6. Not horrible … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That additional money builds up quick, especially if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to construct a company (also a side one), you need a system that’s not eating into your earnings before you also begin.
What It’s Really Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re fretted that migrating your checklist or establishing automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: broken forms, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than simply throwing your e-mail domain into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain using their very own framework. It’s wise. Like, really wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No funky CSV problems. No customers disappearing right into the void. Even linking my site was fine– all right, the styling took a little bit of effort, however hey, no platform’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. However it’s excellent. Truly good.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Intend to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly caution you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had wonderfully written e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I located a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML dimension before sending. It’s a little bit hands-on, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreaded clipping concern.
Growing Your List with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Genuine Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely shines.
It resembles they really want you to grow your audience. Surprising, ideal?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your existing customers bring in new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Wish to run a free gift? Deal a bonus offer 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 other newsletters’ target markets. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Cash, Fewer Headaches
This was one of the most significant reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in ad network that connects you with actual sponsors.
Personalized paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for acquiring website traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already earning more than I ever did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: many newsletter tools uncommitted concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your previous problems
- Custom-made kinds, branding and Beehiiv Advertising
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for many makers, it’s ample. And it just works. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not just get open and click rates. You obtain genuine insights:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and enhance every step of your funnel, from type to available to buy. And that type of exposure? Invaluable when you’re trying to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Could Boost?
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got space to grow. Right here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the weird side instances.
But here’s things, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I’ve already seen updates turn out based on individual comments, and that’s a really great indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Advertising
If you’re a developer, author, or indie publisher who desires:
- To grow your listing quickly,
- To maintain complete possession of your clients,
- To really make money without platform fines,
- And to not combat with confusing email home builders …
Then of course, you should absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire advanced CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. However if you’re building a community, a personal brand name, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I move my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally supported. No CSV problems below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the standard Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you’ve never ever set up an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better money making devices, no system costs, and extra list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all native features.