If you’re also from another location into email newsletters, you’ve probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something various concerning this platform, something that makes developers like you stop, take a breath, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv GDPR…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Trying to select the right email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. However after almost ten years helpful people navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I finally took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a correct, genuine trial run.
And looter: I didn’t simply dabble. I relocated whatever over. Right here’s why you might intend to do the same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You Might Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a tidy interface and a dedicated community of writers. However when it involves money making and audience possession, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “follow” feature on Substack? It appears amazing theoretically, right? Like, much more exposure, more involvement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not obtain your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before make a decision to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re building a listing … that you do not have.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can build an actual connection. That’s how it ought to be.
The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Currently let’s talk money. Every single 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 client? You’re taking just over $6. Not awful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That added money accumulates fast, particularly if you’re planning to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to build a service (also a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your revenues prior to you also begin.
What It’s Actually Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re stressed that migrating your listing or establishing automations will be a pain … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You recognize the drill: broken forms, ghosted subscribers, styling headaches. But with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking helpful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to just throwing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain name utilizing their very own framework. It’s smart. Like, really clever.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No clients vanishing into deep space. Even connecting my internet site was fine– okay, the styling took a bit of elbow grease, yet hey, no platform’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s good. Truly great.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll probably like it. Intend to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always warn you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had actually beautifully written e-newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I located a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size before sending. It’s a little bit hand-operated, sure, but once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the dreadful clipping issue.
Growing Your List with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely radiates.
It resembles they in fact want you to grow your audience. Stunning, ideal?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your present subscribers generate new ones– and it actually works. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a giveaway? 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 newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Cash, Less Migraines
This was among the biggest reasons I transferred to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that links you with genuine enrollers.
Customizable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for buying website traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently gaining more than I ever did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: many e-newsletter tools uncommitted about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your past issues
- Custom-made kinds, branding and Beehiiv GDPR
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for a lot of makers, it’s ample. And it simply works. No unpleasant DNS configs or damaged embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not just get open and click rates. You get genuine insights:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every action of your funnel, from kind to open up to acquire. And that sort of visibility? Priceless when you’re attempting to expand purposefully.
What Beehiiv Can Enhance?
No system is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got room to expand. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the weird side situations.
Yet below’s things, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates roll out based upon individual responses, and that’s a really excellent indicator.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv GDPR
If you’re a designer, author, or indie author who desires:
- To expand your listing quickly,
- To maintain complete possession of your customers,
- To really generate income without system penalties,
- And to not combat with clunky e-mail contractors …
After that yes, you need to definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire advanced CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. But if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand name, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I move my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV nightmares here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Simply the typical Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you’ve never established an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market possession, better monetization devices, no platform fees, and much more list-growth options.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even help you warm it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.