If you’re also remotely into e-mail e-newsletters, you have actually most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just 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 Free Plan…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Attempting to choose the best email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. But after nearly one decade helpful people browse email marketing and two years running my own e-newsletter, I finally started and offered Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And looter: I really did not simply mess around. I relocated whatever over. Below’s why you could wish to do the exact same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a clean interface and a loyal community of writers. However when it involves monetization and target market ownership, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds cool theoretically, right? Like, much more visibility, more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” aren’t genuine clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can not contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever make a decision to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So generally, you’re constructing a list … that you don’t have.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can build an actual relationship. That’s just how it ought to be.
The Hidden Cost of Comfort
Currently let’s speak money. Each time a person pays 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 filching just over $6. Not awful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That extra cash builds up quick, specifically if you’re preparing to expand or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to develop a service (also a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating right into your earnings before you also begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re stressed that migrating your list or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: broken kinds, ghosted clients, styling nightmares. But with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking handy video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of just throwing your email domain name right into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain utilizing their own facilities. It’s smart. Like, really smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No cool CSV concerns. No customers disappearing right into deep space. Even linking my website was great– all right, the styling took a little effort, however hey, no system’s best.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t flawless. Yet it’s great. Really great.
You can drag, drop, design, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Wish to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly warn you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had wonderfully composed e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However 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 stay clear of the feared clipping problem.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It resembles they really desire you to grow your audience. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current subscribers generate brand-new ones– and it actually works. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Offer a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
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.
Money making: More Cash, Fewer Headaches
This was among the largest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that links you with actual sponsors.
Personalized paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was currently gaining more than I ever did on my old platform and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: a lot of e-newsletter tools don’t care about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your past problems
- Customized types, branding and Beehiiv Free Plan
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for most designers, it’s ample. And it just works. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not just obtain open and click prices. You get actual understandings:.
Where subscribers originated from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash 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 to purchase. And that type of exposure? Priceless when you’re attempting to expand on purpose.
What Beehiiv Can Boost?
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got room to grow. Here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some ecommerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the unusual edge cases.
Yet below’s the thing, Beehiiv in fact listens. I have actually currently seen updates present based on individual feedback, which’s a really good sign.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Free Plan
If you’re a developer, author, or indie author who desires:
- To expand your list quick,
- To keep complete ownership of your clients,
- To actually make money without platform charges,
- And to not combat with cumbersome email home builders …
Then yes, you must definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look in other places. Yet if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand name, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV headaches below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the conventional Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for newbies?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you’ve never set up a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market possession, much better money making devices, no system fees, and extra list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all native features.