If you’re even from another location right into e-mail e-newsletters, you’ve most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something various regarding this system, something that makes developers like you quit, breathe, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Hivemind…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Attempting to choose the appropriate e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. But after virtually ten years helpful people browse e-mail marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I ultimately started and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And looter: I didn’t just dabble. I relocated every little thing over. Below’s why you may intend to do the same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a clean user interface and a devoted community of authors. But when it concerns monetization and audience possession, they falter. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems trendy on paper, right? Like, much more presence, more interaction?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. 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 constructing 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 develop a real connection. That’s just how it must be.
The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Currently let’s talk cash. Each time somebody pays for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re taking just over $6. Not horrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That extra cash builds up quickly, especially if you’re intending to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to construct a company (also a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your revenues before you also begin.
What It’s Actually Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re fretted that migrating your listing or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle before. You recognize the drill: busted kinds, ghosted clients, styling headaches. However with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than just throwing your email domain into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain name using their own infrastructure. It’s wise. Like, truly wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No cool CSV concerns. No subscribers disappearing right into the void. Also linking my web site was fine– okay, the styling took a little effort, however hey, no system’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s excellent. Actually excellent.
You can drag, go down, design, and preview effortlessly. If you’re refraining from doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll most likely love it. Wish to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly warn you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had beautifully created newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I discovered a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size before sending out. It’s a bit hand-operated, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll prevent the feared clipping issue.
Expanding Your Listing with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It resembles they in fact desire you to expand your audience. Surprising, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your existing clients bring in brand-new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable references baked right into the system.
Want to run a giveaway? Deal a bonus 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’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was among the most significant factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that links you with actual enrollers.
Adjustable paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for purchasing web traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently earning greater than I ever before did on my old platform and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: the majority of newsletter devices uncommitted concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous issues
- Customized kinds, branding and Beehiiv Hivemind
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for many developers, it’s ample. And it simply functions. No untidy DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply obtain open and click prices. You get real insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and optimize every action of your funnel, from type to available to acquire. And that kind of presence? Invaluable when you’re trying to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got space to grow. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. 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 store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the strange edge situations.
Yet right here’s the important things, Beehiiv really listens. I have actually already seen updates roll out based upon individual comments, which’s an actually excellent indication.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Hivemind
If you’re a maker, author, or indie publisher who wants:
- To grow your list quickly,
- To maintain complete possession of your clients,
- To in fact make money without platform charges,
- And to not battle with cumbersome e-mail contractors …
After that indeed, you should definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire innovative CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. Yet if you’re building a community, a personal brand name, or an interest task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I migrate my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully sustained. No CSV headaches right here.
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?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you’ve never set up an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience possession, far better monetization tools, no platform costs, and more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also help you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, ad networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.