If you’re also remotely right into e-mail newsletters, you’ve most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different about this system, something that makes makers like you stop, breathe, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Audio…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Trying to choose the appropriate email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. Yet after virtually 10 years of helping people browse email marketing and 2 years running my very own newsletter, I ultimately started and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply mess around. I relocated whatever over. Here’s why you may intend 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 have actually got a clean user interface and a faithful community of authors. Yet when it concerns monetization and audience possession, they falter. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds trendy theoretically, right? Like, extra exposure, more involvement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So generally, you’re building a listing … that you do not possess.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct a genuine connection. That’s just how it should be.
The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Now let’s talk cash. Whenever someone pays for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re filching simply over $6. Not dreadful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That additional cash money adds up quickly, specifically if you’re planning to expand or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to construct a business (also a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating into your profits before you also start.
What It’s Actually Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re worried that migrating your list or establishing automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: damaged types, ghosted clients, styling nightmares. Yet with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting helpful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to just tossing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain utilizing their own facilities. It’s wise. Like, truly smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No subscribers disappearing right into the void. Also attaching my website was fine– fine, the styling took a little effort, yet hey, no system’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s excellent. Actually good.
You can drag, drop, style, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re not doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Intend to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always caution you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had wonderfully written newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I discovered a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size prior to sending. It’s a little bit hands-on, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreadful clipping problem.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It’s like they actually want you to grow your audience. Stunning, ideal?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your current subscribers bring in new ones– and it really works. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a giveaway? Deal 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 other e-newsletters’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Cash, Less Frustrations
This was one of the greatest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that links you with genuine sponsors.
Customizable paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already earning greater than I ever before did on my old system and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: the majority of newsletter tools do not care concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous concerns
- Custom-made forms, branding and Beehiiv Audio
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for many developers, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click rates. You get genuine understandings:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and maximize every action of your funnel, from form to open to purchase. And that type of exposure? Valuable when you’re attempting to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Might Improve?
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to expand. Right here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One type = 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 shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the odd edge situations.
However here’s things, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates roll out based on customer comments, which’s an actually great sign.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Audio
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your listing quickly,
- To maintain complete ownership of your customers,
- To really make money without system fines,
- And to not battle with confusing email builders …
Then of course, you ought to absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want advanced CRM automations, maybe look somewhere else. But if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand name, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing email checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV nightmares below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the basic Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and easy, even if you’ve never ever established an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market possession, much better money making tools, no platform costs, and a lot more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you warm it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.