If you’re also from another location into e-mail e-newsletters, you have actually probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something different about this system, something that makes developers like you stop, take a breath, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Discover Experts…
I have actually been precisely where you are. Trying to pick the best email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. But after nearly one decade of helping individuals browse e-mail marketing and 2 years running my own newsletter, I finally took the plunge and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just dabble. I moved whatever over. Right here’s why you may want to do the same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They’ve got a clean interface and a dedicated community of authors. Yet when it comes to money making and audience possession, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It seems cool on paper, right? Like, more visibility, more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t real clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever choose to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So primarily, you’re building a list … that you don’t own.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can build a genuine relationship. That’s how it must be.
The Hidden Expense of Comfort
Currently let’s speak cash. Whenever a person pays for your newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re pocketing simply over $6. Not awful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra cash adds up quickly, specifically if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to develop a service (also a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your earnings before you also start.
What It’s In Fact Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re fretted that migrating your list or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: busted types, ghosted subscribers, styling headaches. However with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting helpful videos, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of just tossing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name utilizing their very own framework. It’s clever. Like, actually wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No customers going away into deep space. Even attaching my internet site was fine– okay, the styling took a bit of elbow grease, yet hey, no platform’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t perfect. But it’s great. Actually good.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview effortlessly. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Wish to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly alert you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had actually wonderfully created newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I found a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML dimension before sending. It’s a bit hand-operated, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreaded clipping concern.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely shines.
It’s like they in fact want you to grow your target market. Surprising, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your current clients bring in new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Offer an incentive for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was just one of the most significant factors I moved to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that connects you with real enrollers.
Personalized paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for purchasing web traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was currently earning greater than I ever before did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: a lot of e-newsletter tools uncommitted concerning your landing page. But Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your past problems
- Custom-made kinds, branding and Beehiiv Discover Experts
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for most makers, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply obtain open and click prices. You get real insights:.
Where subscribers originated from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every action of your funnel, from kind to available to purchase. And that type of presence? Valuable when you’re trying to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Could Boost?
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got space to grow. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the weird edge cases.
However below’s things, Beehiiv really listens. I have actually currently seen updates present based on user responses, and that’s a really good indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Discover Experts
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie author who desires:
- To expand your checklist quickly,
- To maintain full possession of your clients,
- To in fact generate income without system penalties,
- And to not battle with cumbersome email building contractors …
After that yes, you must absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want advanced CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. However if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand, or an interest task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I move my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully sustained. No CSV headaches below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the typical Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv great for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better monetization devices, no system fees, and extra list-growth options.
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, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.