If you’re even from another location into e-mail newsletters, you have actually probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something various regarding this platform, something that makes designers like you quit, take a breath, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Branding…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Attempting to choose the ideal e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. However after almost one decade of helping people browse email marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I finally took the plunge and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply mess around. I moved every little thing over. Here’s why you might wish to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re well-established. They have actually got a tidy user interface and a loyal community of writers. But when it concerns monetization and audience ownership, they falter. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds cool theoretically, right? Like, more visibility, even more involvement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t real customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not obtain your emails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before choose to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re constructing a listing … that you don’t have.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a genuine partnership. That’s exactly how it needs to be.
The Hidden Expense of Comfort
Now let’s talk money. Each time a person spends 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 filching just over $6. Not awful … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That added money adds up quickly, specifically if you’re planning to expand or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to build a service (even a side one), you need a system that’s not eating into your earnings prior to you also begin.
What It’s Really Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re worried that moving your checklist or establishing automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: busted types, ghosted customers, styling headaches. However with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting helpful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than simply tossing your e-mail domain into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain name utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s smart. Like, really clever.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No clients disappearing into the void. Also attaching my internet site was great– alright, the designing took a little effort, however hey, no system’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. Yet it’s good. Truly great.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview effortlessly. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Wish to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always alert you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had actually wonderfully composed e-newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I found a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a little bit hand-operated, sure, but once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the dreadful clipping problem.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It resembles they in fact desire you to grow your audience. Surprising, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your present clients bring in new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a giveaway? Deal 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 other e-newsletters’ target markets. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Fewer Frustrations
This was one of the most significant reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that attaches you with genuine enrollers.
Customizable paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently making greater than I ever did on my old platform and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: a lot of newsletter tools uncommitted concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous problems
- Custom types, branding and Beehiiv Branding
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for most designers, it’s sufficient. And it just functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not just get open and click prices. You obtain actual understandings:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and maximize every step of your funnel, from form to open up to purchase. And that sort of exposure? Invaluable when you’re trying to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Could Boost?
No system is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to grow. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the unusual edge situations.
Yet here’s the thing, Beehiiv really listens. I’ve already seen updates roll out based on customer comments, which’s a truly excellent sign.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Branding
If you’re a creator, author, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your checklist quick,
- To keep full ownership of your subscribers,
- To actually generate income without platform fines,
- And to not fight with clunky e-mail contractors …
Then indeed, you ought to absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want innovative CRM automations, possibly look somewhere else. But if you’re developing a community, an individual brand, or an interest job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I move my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV problems below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the typical Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you have actually never ever set up an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market possession, much better money making devices, no platform charges, and a lot more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even help you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.