If you’re also from another location into email e-newsletters, you have actually probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something various about this platform, something that makes makers like you stop, breathe, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Bootstrapped Giants…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Attempting to choose the appropriate e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. However after nearly one decade helpful people browse email marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and offered Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And looter: I really did not simply dabble. I moved whatever over. Here’s why you might want to do the very same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a clean interface and a loyal community of writers. However when it concerns monetization and target market possession, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It appears great theoretically, right? Like, more exposure, more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t real subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever choose to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So primarily, you’re constructing a list … that you do not possess.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct a real partnership. That’s just how it must be.
The Hidden Price of Comfort
Currently let’s speak cash. Each time somebody spends for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re taking simply over $6. Not dreadful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That added cash money builds up quick, especially if you’re intending to expand or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to develop a service (also a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating into your earnings before you even begin.
What It’s Actually Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that moving your listing or establishing automations will be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: busted types, ghosted clients, styling headaches. However with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking handy videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of just throwing your email domain right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain utilizing their own facilities. It’s wise. Like, actually wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No clients disappearing right into the void. Even linking my internet site was fine– okay, the styling took a little effort, yet hey, no system’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. However it’s excellent. Really great.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview with ease. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Intend to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always warn you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had wonderfully created e-newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I discovered a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size before sending out. It’s a little bit manual, sure, once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreadful clipping issue.
Growing Your List with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely shines.
It resembles they actually desire you to expand your audience. Stunning, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your current subscribers bring in new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the system.
Wish to run a free gift? Offer a benefit for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Less Headaches
This was just one of the greatest reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in ad network that connects you with genuine enrollers.
Adjustable paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for purchasing website traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently earning more than I ever before did on my old system and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: a lot of newsletter tools do not care about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your past concerns
- Personalized forms, branding and Beehiiv Bootstrapped Giants
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for many designers, it’s sufficient. And it just works. No untidy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click prices. You obtain real insights:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and enhance every step of your funnel, from type to open to acquire. Which kind of presence? Invaluable when you’re trying to grow intentionally.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s got space to expand. Here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
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 strange edge situations.
However below’s the thing, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates roll out based upon individual comments, which’s a really great indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Bootstrapped Giants
If you’re a designer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your checklist quick,
- To keep complete ownership of your subscribers,
- To in fact make money without system penalties,
- And to not fight with confusing e-mail contractors …
Then of course, you need to definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want sophisticated CRM automations, maybe look somewhere else. However if you’re building a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing email checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just 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 have actually never ever established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market possession, much better monetization devices, no system costs, and much more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.