If you’re also remotely right into e-mail newsletters, you have actually possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something various about this platform, something that makes creators like you stop, breathe, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Bevoho…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Trying to pick the ideal e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. But after almost ten years helpful people navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I finally took the plunge and offered Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just mess around. I relocated everything over. Right here’s why you may intend to do the very same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They have actually obtained a clean interface and a dedicated community of writers. Yet when it pertains to monetization and target market ownership, they falter. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It appears cool on paper, right? Like, extra exposure, more interaction?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t real clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before choose to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So basically, you’re developing a checklist … that you do not own.
Now compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can build an actual relationship. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Cost of Comfort
Now let’s talk money. Every single time somebody pays 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 swiping just over $6. Not dreadful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That additional money accumulates fast, specifically if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to build a service (also a side one), you need a system that’s not eating into your revenues prior to you also begin.
What It’s Really Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that moving your list or establishing automations will be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: busted types, ghosted clients, styling headaches. However with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than just tossing your email domain name right into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively presents your domain name utilizing their own infrastructure. It’s smart. Like, really smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No customers disappearing into the void. Even connecting my web site was fine– fine, the styling took a little effort, however hey, no platform’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. However it’s excellent. Actually excellent.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Want to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly warn you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had actually beautifully created newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I discovered a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size before sending. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the dreadful clipping problem.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It resembles they really desire you to grow your target market. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your present subscribers bring in brand-new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Want to run a free gift? Offer a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other e-newsletters’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the biggest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in ad network that links you with real enrollers.
Customizable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for getting website traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently gaining more than I ever did on my old system and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: a lot of newsletter tools don’t care concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your past concerns
- Personalized kinds, branding and Beehiiv Bevoho
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for most creators, it’s more than enough. And it simply works. No untidy 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 simply get open and click prices. You get real insights:.
Where subscribers originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and optimize every step of your funnel, from type to available to purchase. And that sort of presence? Priceless when you’re attempting to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Might Improve?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got area to grow. Here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the unusual side cases.
Yet below’s the thing, Beehiiv really pays attention. I’ve already seen updates roll out based upon customer feedback, which’s a truly good sign.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Bevoho
If you’re a designer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your list quick,
- To keep complete ownership of your customers,
- To actually generate income without system charges,
- And to not battle with confusing e-mail builders …
After that of course, you ought to definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire advanced CRM automations, possibly look in other places. Yet if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand name, or a passion task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the common Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you’ve never ever set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market ownership, much better money making tools, no system fees, and a lot more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.