If you’re also from another location into e-mail newsletters, you have actually probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something different regarding this platform, something that makes makers like you stop, breathe, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv For Pop Culture…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Trying to choose the appropriate e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. However after almost 10 years of helping people navigate email marketing and 2 years running my own newsletter, I lastly started and gave Beehiiv a correct, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply dabble. I relocated every little thing over. Right here’s why you could want to do the very same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You Might Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They’ve got a clean interface and a devoted community of authors. But when it comes to monetization and target market ownership, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears great on paper, right? Like, much more visibility, more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever choose to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So generally, you’re constructing a listing … that you do not possess.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real relationship. That’s exactly how it needs to be.
The Hidden Cost of Ease
Currently let’s chat money. Every single time someone spends for your 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 stealing just over $6. Not dreadful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That additional cash money adds up quick, specifically if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to build a company (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating right into your profits before you also begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re fretted that migrating your checklist or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: broken kinds, ghosted subscribers, styling headaches. But with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting helpful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of just tossing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain name using their own infrastructure. It’s clever. Like, really smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No clients vanishing right into the void. Also connecting my website was fine– all right, the designing took a little bit of elbow grease, however hey, no platform’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. However it’s good. Actually excellent.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Intend to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always advise you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had beautifully created e-newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I located a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the feared clipping concern.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It resembles they actually desire you to expand your audience. Stunning, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your existing customers generate new ones– and it actually works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Want to run a free gift? Deal a bonus 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 other newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Fewer Migraines
This was just one of the most significant reasons I transferred to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Adjustable paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already gaining greater than I ever did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: the majority of e-newsletter devices uncommitted regarding your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your past issues
- Customized kinds, branding and Beehiiv For Pop Culture
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for a lot of designers, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply 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 understandings:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and optimize every step of your funnel, from form to open up to buy. And that type of visibility? Valuable when you’re attempting to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Could Enhance?
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got room to grow. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the weird side situations.
However right here’s the thing, Beehiiv really listens. I’ve currently seen updates roll out based upon individual responses, which’s a truly good indicator.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv For Pop Culture
If you’re a designer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your listing quickly,
- To maintain full ownership of your clients,
- To really make money without system fines,
- And to not combat with cumbersome email contractors …
After that indeed, you should absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire advanced CRM automations, maybe look elsewhere. Yet if you’re building a community, a personal brand name, or a passion task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I move my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and fully sustained. No CSV headaches below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the typical Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you have actually never established an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience possession, much better money making tools, no system fees, and extra list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even help you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.