If you’re also remotely into email newsletters, you have actually most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something various regarding this platform, something that makes designers like you quit, breathe, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Features…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Attempting to select the appropriate e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. Yet after virtually 10 years of helping individuals browse e-mail marketing and 2 years running my very own newsletter, I finally started and gave Beehiiv a correct, genuine test run.
And looter: I didn’t just dabble. I moved every little thing over. Below’s why you might want to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They have actually obtained a tidy user interface and a faithful community of authors. But when it pertains to money making and target market ownership, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It sounds awesome theoretically, right? Like, more visibility, more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t genuine subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re constructing a list … that you do not possess.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can develop an actual partnership. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Currently let’s talk money. Every time somebody pays for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re swiping just over $6. Not dreadful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra cash adds up quickly, especially if you’re intending to expand or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to construct a business (also a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your earnings before you also start.
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 be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: damaged types, ghosted subscribers, styling headaches. Yet with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking handy videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to just tossing your email domain right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively presents your domain name using their own facilities. It’s wise. Like, actually wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No funky CSV problems. No subscribers disappearing right into the void. Even connecting my site was great– okay, the designing took a bit of elbow grease, but hey, no platform’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s good. Truly great.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview easily. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Want to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly caution you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I have actually had magnificently written e-newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
Yet I discovered a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending. It’s a bit manual, sure, once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the dreaded clipping problem.
Expanding Your Listing with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It’s like they in fact want you to grow your audience. Shocking, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your present customers generate new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Wish to run a free gift? Deal a reward 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 e-newsletters’ target markets. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Fewer Frustrations
This was among the greatest factors I moved to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that links you with genuine sponsors.
Customizable paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for acquiring web traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already gaining more than I ever before did on my old platform and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: many newsletter tools don’t care concerning your landing page. However Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your previous concerns
- Custom types, branding and Beehiiv Features
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for most designers, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not just obtain open and click prices. You get real understandings:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and enhance every action of your funnel, from kind to open up to buy. And that kind of visibility? Valuable when you’re attempting to expand purposefully.
What Beehiiv Can Enhance?
No system is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to expand. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit rigid. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the weird edge situations.
However right here’s the thing, Beehiiv really listens. I have actually already seen updates present based on individual comments, which’s a truly good indicator.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Features
If you’re a designer, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your listing quick,
- To maintain full possession of your customers,
- To actually earn money without system fines,
- And to not combat with clunky e-mail builders …
After that of course, you should definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire advanced CRM automations, maybe look somewhere else. However if you’re building a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm project?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I move my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV headaches below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the standard Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv great for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and easy, even if you’ve never ever set up an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market possession, much better money making tools, no system charges, and more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even help you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all native features.