If you’re also remotely into email newsletters, you’ve possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something various regarding this platform, something that makes designers like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Bad Astronomy…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Attempting to pick the ideal e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. But after virtually 10 years of helping individuals browse email marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and provided Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just mess around. I relocated whatever over. Below’s why you could intend to do the exact same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They have actually got a tidy interface and a faithful community of authors. However when it concerns money making and target market possession, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems amazing theoretically, right? Like, much more presence, 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 obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re developing a list … that you do not have.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct a real relationship. That’s how it must be.
The Hidden Cost of Comfort
Now let’s chat money. Every single time somebody spends 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 client? You’re filching just over $6. Not terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That added cash money builds up quick, particularly if you’re intending to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to construct a business (also a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating into your earnings prior to you also begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that migrating your list or establishing automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: busted types, ghosted clients, styling headaches. However with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking handy video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to just tossing your e-mail domain into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain using their very own facilities. It’s smart. Like, actually wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No cool CSV issues. No customers vanishing right into the void. Also connecting my website was great– alright, the designing took a little effort, yet hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. However it’s great. Really excellent.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll possibly enjoy it. Intend 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 constantly caution you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had actually beautifully composed e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I located a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML dimension prior to sending out. It’s a little bit hand-operated, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreadful clipping issue.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It’s like they in fact desire you to grow your audience. Stunning, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your existing subscribers bring in brand-new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a giveaway? Deal a perk for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that 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: More Money, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the greatest reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that connects you with genuine sponsors.
Customizable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for getting website traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already earning greater than I ever did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: the majority of newsletter devices don’t care about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your previous issues
- Custom-made forms, branding and Beehiiv Bad Astronomy
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for most designers, it’s more than enough. And it simply works. No unpleasant DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply plug 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 subscribers originated from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and maximize every step of your funnel, from form to available to acquire. And that sort of visibility? Invaluable when you’re trying to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No system is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got space to grow. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit rigid. One type = 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).
Support could be much faster on the odd side instances.
However here’s things, Beehiiv actually listens. I’ve already seen updates present based upon user comments, and that’s a truly good indicator.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Bad Astronomy
If you’re a creator, author, or indie author who desires:
- To grow your list quickly,
- To maintain full possession of your customers,
- To really earn money without system penalties,
- And to not fight with cumbersome e-mail contractors …
After that of course, you ought to absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire innovative CRM automations, maybe look elsewhere. However if you’re developing a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I move my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally supported. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the typical Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for novices?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you’ve never ever established an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience possession, much better monetization devices, no platform fees, and a lot more list-growth options.
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, references, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.