If you’re also from another location right into e-mail newsletters, you’ve possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different about this platform, something that makes developers like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv C’est Quoi…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Attempting to select the ideal email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. Yet after virtually 10 years of helping individuals navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and gave Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And looter: I really did not simply dabble. I relocated every little thing over. Below’s why you might wish to do the same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve got a tidy user interface and a faithful community of authors. Yet when it concerns monetization and target market possession, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “follow” feature on Substack? It appears amazing on paper, right? Like, more exposure, more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t genuine clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So generally, you’re constructing a checklist … that you don’t have.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can build a genuine partnership. That’s just how it needs to be.
The Hidden Expense of Benefit
Currently let’s chat money. Whenever 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 client? You’re filching simply over $6. Not terrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That additional cash accumulates fast, particularly if you’re planning to grow or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to build a service (also a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating right into your earnings prior to you also begin.
What It’s Really Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that moving your list or establishing automations will certainly be a pain … don’t be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You recognize the drill: damaged kinds, ghosted customers, styling problems. However with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than simply throwing your email domain name into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain name using their own facilities. It’s clever. Like, really clever.
And importing my list? Smooth. No cool CSV concerns. No customers disappearing right into deep space. Even attaching my web site was great– alright, the styling took a bit of effort, yet hey, no system’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. However it’s great. Actually good.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re not doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Intend to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always advise you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had actually wonderfully created newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML dimension before sending. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreadful clipping issue.
Growing Your List with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Genuine Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely shines.
It’s like they really desire you to grow your audience. Stunning, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your current clients bring in new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Wish to run a free gift? Offer a bonus for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Fewer Frustrations
This was just one of the most significant factors I moved to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that links you with real enrollers.
Adjustable paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for acquiring traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already making greater than I ever did on my old platform and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: many newsletter devices don’t care about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your past issues
- Customized forms, branding and Beehiiv C’est Quoi
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for most designers, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No untidy DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t simply obtain open and click rates. You obtain genuine understandings:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and enhance every action of your funnel, from form to open to buy. And that type of presence? Invaluable when you’re trying to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Might Improve?
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to grow. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the weird edge situations.
However right here’s things, Beehiiv really listens. I’ve currently seen updates present based on user responses, which’s an actually excellent sign.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv C’est Quoi
If you’re a designer, writer, or indie publisher who wants:
- To grow your list quickly,
- To maintain full ownership of your subscribers,
- To really make money without system charges,
- And to not fight with confusing e-mail contractors …
Then indeed, you must definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire sophisticated CRM automations, perhaps look elsewhere. But if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand, or an interest task?
Beehiiv’s got 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 right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the common Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you’ve never established an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience possession, far better monetization devices, no platform costs, and a lot more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.