If you’re also remotely into e-mail e-newsletters, you’ve probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something different regarding this platform, something that makes makers like you quit, take a breath, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv For Independent Journalist…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Attempting to choose the best email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. But after virtually ten years helpful people navigate email marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I finally started and offered Beehiiv a correct, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply dabble. I moved every little thing over. Here’s why you could intend to do the exact same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You Might Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve got a clean interface and a dedicated community of writers. Yet when it involves money making and audience ownership, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds great on paper, right? Like, more presence, even more involvement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t real customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So generally, you’re constructing a list … that you do not possess.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct an actual connection. That’s how it ought to be.
The Hidden Price of Convenience
Now let’s talk cash. Whenever someone spends 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 subscriber? You’re pocketing simply over $6. Not dreadful … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That extra money adds up fast, specifically if you’re planning to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to build a business (also a side one), you need a system that’s not eating right into your earnings before you even begin.
What It’s Really Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that migrating your listing or setting up automations will be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: broken forms, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking practical video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to just tossing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain name utilizing their own infrastructure. It’s clever. Like, really clever.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No customers vanishing right into deep space. Even attaching my internet site was great– okay, the styling took a little effort, yet hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. However it’s great. Really good.
You can drag, drop, style, and sneak peek easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Want to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly advise you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had perfectly created newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I discovered 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 get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the dreadful clipping issue.
Growing Your List with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they really desire you to grow your audience. Shocking, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your existing subscribers generate brand-new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Wish to run a giveaway? Offer a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was among the greatest reasons I transferred to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that attaches you with actual enrollers.
Personalized paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently earning more than I ever did on my old platform and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: the majority of e-newsletter devices don’t care concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your past issues
- Personalized kinds, branding and Beehiiv For Independent Journalist
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for most developers, it’s ample. And it simply works. No unpleasant DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click rates. You get real understandings:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and optimize every action of your funnel, from kind to open up to purchase. Which kind of presence? Valuable when you’re trying to expand intentionally.
What Beehiiv Can Boost?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got area to grow. Right here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the unusual side cases.
But right here’s the important things, Beehiiv actually listens. I have actually currently seen updates present based upon individual feedback, and that’s a really excellent indicator.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv For Independent Journalist
If you’re a designer, writer, or indie author who desires:
- To grow your list fast,
- To keep full possession of your customers,
- To in fact generate income without platform fines,
- And to not fight with clunky e-mail building contractors …
Then of course, you should definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want innovative CRM automations, maybe look in other places. But if you’re developing a community, a personal brand, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I move my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV problems 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 novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you have actually never ever set up an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better money making tools, no system charges, and extra list-growth options.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also help you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.