If you’re also from another location right into e-mail e-newsletters, you have actually most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something various regarding this system, something that makes creators like you quit, breathe, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Alternatives…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Attempting to pick the appropriate email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. However after nearly one decade helpful people navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my very own newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just dabble. I moved everything over. Here’s why you might want to do the very same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a clean interface and a loyal community of writers. Yet when it involves money making and target market possession, they falter. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears amazing theoretically, right? Like, extra presence, more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever make a decision to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So essentially, you’re constructing a list … that you do not have.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv or 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 exactly how it must be.
The Hidden Price of Benefit
Now let’s speak cash. Each time someone pays for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re swiping simply over $6. Not dreadful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That added cash money accumulates quick, especially if you’re preparing to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to construct a business (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your earnings prior to you even start.
What It’s Really Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re stressed that migrating your list or establishing automations will be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: damaged types, ghosted customers, styling headaches. But with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking practical videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual support when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to just tossing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain utilizing their very own framework. It’s clever. Like, actually clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No funky CSV issues. No customers going away right into the void. Also connecting my website was fine– fine, the designing took a bit of elbow grease, however hey, no platform’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s excellent. Truly great.
You can drag, drop, design, and preview with ease. If you’re refraining anything too design-heavy, you’ll most likely love it. Want to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always warn you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had actually perfectly created e-newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I discovered a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size before sending. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, once you master it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping problem.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they actually desire you to expand your target market. Surprising, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your present customers generate new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Offer a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Less Headaches
This was just one of the biggest factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that connects you with genuine enrollers.
Customizable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing website traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already earning more than I ever before did on my old platform and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: most newsletter devices don’t care regarding your landing page. But Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your past problems
- Personalized types, branding and Beehiiv Alternatives
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for the majority of makers, it’s more than enough. And it just works. No untidy DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply obtain open and click prices. You get actual insights:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and maximize every action of your funnel, from type to available to buy. Which type of exposure? Invaluable when you’re attempting to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Might Boost?
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to expand. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some ecommerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the odd edge situations.
But below’s the thing, Beehiiv in fact listens. I have actually currently seen updates turn out based on customer comments, which’s a truly excellent indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Alternatives
If you’re a designer, author, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your checklist quick,
- To keep full possession of your clients,
- To actually earn money without system charges,
- And to not fight with clunky email builders …
Then of course, you should definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want innovative CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. Yet if you’re building a community, a personal brand name, or an interest job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I move my existing e-mail listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV nightmares below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the common Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for novices?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and very easy, even if you’ve never ever set up a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience possession, much better money making tools, no platform charges, and extra list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also help you warm it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.