If you’re even from another location into e-mail newsletters, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something various about this platform, something that makes developers like you stop, breathe, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Community…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Trying to choose the appropriate email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. Yet after nearly 10 years of helping people navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my very own e-newsletter, I ultimately started and offered Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And looter: I didn’t just dabble. I moved everything over. Right here’s why you could intend to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They have actually got a clean interface and a dedicated community of writers. Yet when it pertains to money making and target market ownership, they falter. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems cool theoretically, right? Like, more presence, even more interaction?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re building a listing … that you don’t possess.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real partnership. That’s exactly how it ought to be.
The Hidden Expense of Comfort
Now let’s talk cash. Each time someone spends for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 client? You’re taking just over $6. Not dreadful … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That additional cash money accumulates quickly, particularly if you’re planning to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to develop a business (also a side one), you need a system that’s not eating right into your earnings prior to you also begin.
What It’s Really Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that moving your list or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: damaged types, ghosted clients, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking handy videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual support when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of simply tossing your email domain name right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain name utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s clever. Like, truly smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No subscribers disappearing right into deep space. Even connecting my internet site was great– okay, the styling took a little bit of effort, however hey, no platform’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. Yet it’s excellent. Actually excellent.
You can drag, drop, design, and preview easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Intend to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly advise you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had actually wonderfully written newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size before sending. It’s a little bit hands-on, sure, once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the dreadful clipping problem.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It’s like they actually desire you to grow your audience. Stunning, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your existing subscribers bring in brand-new ones– and it really works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Want to run a free gift? Deal a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Money, Fewer Headaches
This was just one of the greatest factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Adjustable paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently making more than I ever did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: the majority of newsletter tools do not care concerning your landing page. However Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your previous issues
- Customized forms, branding and Beehiiv Community
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for a lot of makers, it’s more than enough. And it simply works. No unpleasant DNS configs or damaged 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 prices. You obtain real insights:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral sources are working.
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? Priceless when you’re trying to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Could Boost?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to expand. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require 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 faster on the strange edge cases.
However below’s the important things, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates present based on individual comments, which’s a really great indicator.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Community
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your listing quickly,
- To maintain complete possession of your clients,
- To actually make money without platform penalties,
- And to not battle with cumbersome email building contractors …
Then indeed, you ought to definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. 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 move my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and completely supported. No CSV problems right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the basic Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for newbies?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you’ve never ever established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market possession, much better monetization devices, no platform fees, and a lot more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid registrations are all native features.