If you’re even from another location right into e-mail newsletters, you have actually probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different concerning this system, something that makes makers like you stop, breathe, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Expert…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Attempting to pick the ideal e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. Yet after virtually one decade of helping individuals navigate email marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I finally took the plunge and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And looter: I really did not simply dabble. I relocated whatever over. Right here’s why you might intend to do the exact same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You Might Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They have actually obtained a tidy interface and a devoted community of writers. Yet when it involves money making and target market ownership, they falter. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears cool theoretically, right? Like, much more exposure, more involvement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t real subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before decide to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re developing a list … that you do not have.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a genuine partnership. That’s how it should be.
The Hidden Cost of Ease
Currently let’s talk money. Every time someone pays for your 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 pocketing just over $6. Not horrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That added cash adds up quickly, specifically if you’re planning to expand or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to construct a company (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating into your profits prior to you even begin.
What It’s Really Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re fretted that moving your list or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: damaged forms, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. However with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting handy videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to just throwing your email domain name into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain name utilizing their own facilities. It’s smart. Like, actually smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No cool CSV concerns. No subscribers disappearing into deep space. Also attaching my site was great– fine, the styling took a little elbow grease, however hey, no platform’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t perfect. Yet it’s great. Truly excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Wish to drop in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly alert you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I have actually had actually beautifully composed newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I discovered a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML dimension prior to sending out. It’s a bit manual, certain, once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreadful clipping concern.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It’s like they actually desire you to grow your target market. Surprising, best?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current clients bring in new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable recommendations baked right into the system.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer an incentive for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Money, Less Headaches
This was just one of the biggest factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in ad network that links you with genuine enrollers.
Customizable paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for buying website traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was already gaining greater than I ever before did on my old system and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: many e-newsletter devices don’t care regarding your landing page. But Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your past problems
- Custom-made types, branding and Beehiiv Expert
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for most makers, it’s ample. And it simply works. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click prices. You get actual 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, tweak, and maximize every step of your funnel, from form to open up to buy. And that type of visibility? Valuable when you’re attempting to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Can Boost?
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to grow. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the odd side cases.
But below’s things, Beehiiv really listens. I have actually currently seen updates present based upon user responses, which’s a really good sign.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Expert
If you’re a designer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your list quick,
- To keep full possession of your customers,
- To in fact earn money without platform fines,
- And to not combat with confusing e-mail building contractors …
After that yes, you need to definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want sophisticated CRM automations, maybe look elsewhere. However if you’re developing a community, a personal brand, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I move my existing email checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully sustained. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the typical Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for newbies?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never ever established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market possession, much better monetization tools, no platform fees, and more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even help you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, ad networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.