If you’re even from another location right into e-mail e-newsletters, you have actually possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something various concerning this system, something that makes makers like you quit, take a breath, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv AI Newsletter…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Attempting to select the best email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. However after nearly one decade of helping individuals navigate email marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I finally took the plunge and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And looter: I really did not just dabble. I relocated every little thing over. Below’s why you might wish to do the exact same.
Why I Dropped 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 devoted community of authors. Yet when it concerns monetization and audience possession, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds trendy on paper, right? Like, extra exposure, even more engagement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t get your emails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before decide to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So basically, you’re developing a list … that you don’t have.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a real connection. That’s how it must be.
The Hidden Price of Ease
Currently let’s talk money. Every time someone spends for your e-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 just over $6. Not horrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That added cash adds up fast, particularly if you’re planning to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to develop a service (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating into your earnings before you also begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re stressed that moving your checklist or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: busted forms, ghosted clients, styling problems. However with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking practical videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of simply throwing your e-mail domain right into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain utilizing their very own framework. It’s wise. Like, truly clever.
And importing my list? Smooth. No cool CSV problems. No customers going away into deep space. Even connecting my site was fine– okay, the designing took a little elbow grease, however hey, no platform’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. However it’s great. Actually excellent.
You can drag, drop, style, and sneak peek easily. If you’re not doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll possibly enjoy it. Wish to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always caution you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I have actually had beautifully written newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I discovered a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending. It’s a little bit hands-on, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreadful clipping concern.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely shines.
It resembles they in fact want you to grow your target market. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your present customers bring in brand-new ones– and it really works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable references baked right into the system.
Wish to run a free gift? Offer a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Less Headaches
This was one of the largest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that attaches you with genuine sponsors.
Adjustable paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for buying web traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already gaining greater than I ever before did on my old system and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: most newsletter devices don’t care about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your past problems
- Custom types, branding and Beehiiv AI Newsletter
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for many developers, it’s more than enough. And it just works. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not just obtain open and click rates. You get real insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and optimize every step of your funnel, from form to open to purchase. Which sort of exposure? Valuable when you’re trying to expand on purpose.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s got room to grow. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the unusual side cases.
However right here’s the thing, Beehiiv really listens. I have actually currently seen updates present based on user comments, which’s a truly great sign.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv AI Newsletter
If you’re a designer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your listing quick,
- To maintain complete possession of your clients,
- To in fact earn money without system charges,
- And to not battle with clunky e-mail home builders …
After that of course, you need to absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want sophisticated CRM automations, maybe look elsewhere. But if you’re building a community, an individual brand, or an interest project?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I move my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and completely supported. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Just the basic Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for novices?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you’ve never set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market ownership, better monetization tools, no system fees, and more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.