If you’re also remotely into e-mail newsletters, you have actually possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something various regarding this platform, something that makes developers like you quit, breathe, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Creator Spotlight…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Trying to pick the right email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. But after virtually one decade helpful individuals navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my own e-newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and gave Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness test run.
And looter: I didn’t simply mess around. I relocated every little thing over. Right here’s why you may wish to do the exact same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They’ve got a clean interface and a devoted community of writers. Yet when it comes to money making and audience possession, they falter. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears amazing theoretically, right? Like, extra visibility, even more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t real customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before choose to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So primarily, you’re constructing a listing … that you do not own.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can develop an actual connection. That’s how it must be.
The Hidden Price of Comfort
Now let’s speak money. Every single time someone spends for your e-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 just over $6. Not horrible … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That additional cash accumulates quickly, especially if you’re preparing to expand or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to develop an organization (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating right into your revenues prior to you also start.
What It’s Really Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re worried that moving your list or setting up automations will be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: broken kinds, ghosted customers, styling headaches. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking valuable video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to simply throwing your email domain right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain utilizing their very own framework. It’s clever. Like, truly smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV problems. No customers vanishing right into the void. Even linking my internet site was fine– alright, the designing took a little elbow grease, yet hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. However it’s good. Actually good.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek easily. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Intend to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always alert you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had perfectly composed e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size before sending out. It’s a bit hand-operated, sure, but once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreaded clipping issue.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It resembles they really want you to grow your audience. Surprising, best?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current customers bring in new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Deal a bonus for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Fewer Headaches
This was among the biggest factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Personalized paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for buying traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently earning more than I ever did on my old system and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: many e-newsletter tools don’t care regarding your landing page. But Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your past concerns
- Custom kinds, branding and Beehiiv Creator Spotlight
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for the majority of designers, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No messy DNS configs or broken embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click rates. You get real insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and maximize every step of your funnel, from kind to available to purchase. Which type of presence? Priceless when you’re trying to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s got area to expand. Right here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the odd side cases.
However here’s the important things, Beehiiv actually listens. I’ve currently seen updates present based on customer comments, which’s an actually great indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Creator Spotlight
If you’re a maker, author, or indie author who desires:
- To grow your listing quick,
- To maintain full ownership of your clients,
- To in fact make money without system fines,
- And to not combat with confusing e-mail builders …
After that of course, you need to absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want sophisticated CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. But if you’re building a community, an individual brand name, or a passion project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV headaches below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you’ve never established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market possession, far better money making devices, no platform fees, and more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.