If you’re even from another location right into email e-newsletters, you have actually most likely listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something various about this system, something that makes designers like you stop, breathe, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Design…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Attempting to select the ideal e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. However after almost ten years helpful individuals browse e-mail marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness test run.
And looter: I really did not just mess around. I relocated whatever over. Here’s why you might wish 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 well-established. They’ve obtained a clean interface and a dedicated community of authors. However when it concerns money making and target market ownership, they falter. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It seems great theoretically, right? Like, extra presence, more interaction?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So basically, you’re constructing a listing … that you do not possess.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a real connection. That’s exactly how it must be.
The Hidden Expense of Convenience
Now let’s talk cash. Every single time somebody pays 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 customer? You’re taking simply over $6. Not awful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That added cash accumulates quick, especially if you’re planning to grow or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to construct a service (even a side one), you need a system that’s not eating into your revenues before you even begin.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re worried that migrating your listing or establishing automations will be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: broken forms, 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 support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of just throwing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name utilizing their own facilities. It’s clever. Like, truly clever.
And importing my list? Smooth. No cool CSV concerns. No clients going away right into the void. Also connecting my site was fine– all right, the designing took a little effort, however hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t perfect. However it’s great. Really excellent.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re refraining anything too design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Wish to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always warn you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had actually beautifully composed e-newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I found a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size prior to sending. It’s a little bit hands-on, sure, but once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the dreadful clipping issue.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It resembles they in fact want you to grow your target market. Stunning, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your existing subscribers bring in brand-new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a giveaway? Deal a reward 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 various other e-newsletters’ target markets. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Cash, Less Migraines
This was among the greatest factors I moved to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that connects you with real sponsors.
Adjustable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already earning greater than I ever did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: a lot of e-newsletter devices don’t care concerning your landing page. However Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your previous problems
- Personalized types, branding and Beehiiv Design
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for many designers, it’s sufficient. And it simply works. No untidy DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click rates. You obtain genuine insights:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and maximize every step of your funnel, from form to available to purchase. Which type of exposure? Invaluable when you’re trying to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Might Boost?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to grow. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail 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 unusual side situations.
However right here’s the thing, Beehiiv in fact listens. I have actually already seen updates turn out based upon individual feedback, which’s a truly good sign.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Design
If you’re a creator, writer, or indie publisher who wants:
- To grow your listing fast,
- To keep full ownership of your clients,
- To actually generate income without system fines,
- And to not battle with clunky e-mail home builders …
Then of course, you must definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look somewhere else. However if you’re developing a community, a personal brand, or an enthusiasm project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I move my existing e-mail listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Just the common Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you’ve never set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience possession, much better monetization tools, no system fees, and a lot more list-growth options.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all native features.