If you’re even from another location into email e-newsletters, you have actually possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different concerning this platform, something that makes creators like you quit, breathe, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Icon…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Trying to select the right email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. However after nearly one decade helpful people navigate email marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and gave Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I really did not just dabble. I moved whatever over. Here’s why you may wish to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a tidy interface and a faithful community of authors. Yet when it comes to money making and target market possession, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds trendy on paper, right? Like, more visibility, even more engagement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t real clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So essentially, you’re developing a checklist … that you don’t have.
Now compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can develop an actual connection. That’s just how it needs to be.
The Hidden Expense of Comfort
Currently let’s chat cash. Each time someone pays for your newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re swiping simply over $6. Not horrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That extra cash money adds up fast, specifically if you’re planning to grow or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to construct a company (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating right into your earnings prior to you also start.
What It’s Really Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re stressed that moving your listing or establishing automations will certainly be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You recognize the drill: damaged types, ghosted clients, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to just tossing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name utilizing their own infrastructure. It’s smart. Like, actually smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No customers disappearing right into deep space. Even linking my web site was fine– alright, the designing took a little elbow grease, but hey, no platform’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s good. Really great.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview effortlessly. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll possibly love it. Want to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always warn you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had beautifully created e-newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I discovered a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML dimension prior to sending out. It’s a bit hand-operated, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the dreaded clipping problem.
Growing Your List with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they actually desire you to grow your target market. Surprising, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your existing customers generate brand-new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Deal a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other e-newsletters’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Cash, Less Frustrations
This was just one of the greatest reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated advertisement network that attaches you with real sponsors.
Customizable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for buying web traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already earning more than I ever before did on my old system and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: the majority of e-newsletter tools uncommitted regarding your landing page. However Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your previous problems
- Custom kinds, branding and Beehiiv Icon
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for the majority of makers, it’s sufficient. And it simply functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or broken embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click rates. You get real insights:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and enhance every step of your funnel, from form to open to purchase. Which kind of visibility? Valuable when you’re trying to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Might Boost?
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to grow. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail 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 much faster on the weird edge instances.
But here’s things, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I have actually already seen updates present based on customer feedback, which’s an actually good indicator.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Icon
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To grow your listing quick,
- To keep full ownership of your clients,
- To really generate income without platform charges,
- And to not battle with confusing email builders …
Then indeed, you ought to definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire innovative CRM automations, perhaps look elsewhere. Yet if you’re building a community, a personal brand name, or an interest project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV problems here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and easy, even if you’ve never ever established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market possession, far better monetization devices, no system charges, and more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.