If you’re even from another location right into e-mail newsletters, you have actually most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different regarding this system, something that makes creators like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Local Newsletter Summit…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Trying to pick the ideal email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. But after almost 10 years helpful people navigate email marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and offered Beehiiv a proper, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply dabble. I relocated whatever over. Right here’s why you might intend to do the very same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They have actually obtained a tidy user interface and a faithful community of writers. Yet when it involves monetization and target market ownership, they falter. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It seems trendy on paper, right? Like, extra exposure, even more involvement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So primarily, you’re developing a list … that you don’t own.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct an actual partnership. That’s exactly how it needs to be.
The Hidden Expense of Comfort
Currently let’s chat money. Whenever somebody spends for your newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re filching simply over $6. Not terrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That added money builds up quickly, particularly if you’re preparing to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to construct an organization (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating right into your profits prior to you also start.
What It’s Actually Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re fretted that moving your checklist or establishing automations will be a pain … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: broken forms, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. However with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking helpful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to just tossing your email domain right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain using their own framework. It’s smart. Like, truly smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No customers disappearing right into deep space. Even attaching my web site was great– fine, the styling took a little bit of effort, however hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s excellent. Truly excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll probably like it. Wish to drop in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly warn you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had perfectly written e-newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I located a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size before sending out. It’s a little bit hand-operated, certain, but once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreaded clipping issue.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Genuine Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It’s like they in fact want you to grow your target market. Shocking, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current subscribers bring in new ones– and it actually works. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Wish to run a giveaway? Offer an incentive for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Money, Fewer Headaches
This was one of the most significant factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that attaches you with real sponsors.
Personalized paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for buying web traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently gaining greater than I ever did on my old platform and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: many e-newsletter tools don’t care about your landing page. However Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your previous problems
- Custom-made forms, branding and Beehiiv Local Newsletter Summit
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for the majority of developers, it’s more than enough. And it simply functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or damaged embeds. Just 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 genuine understandings:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and optimize every action of your funnel, from type to open to buy. And that kind of visibility? Valuable when you’re attempting to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Might Boost?
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got area to grow. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the strange side instances.
Yet right here’s the thing, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I have actually already seen updates present based upon customer comments, and that’s a really excellent indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Local Newsletter Summit
If you’re a developer, author, or indie publisher who desires:
- To grow your list quickly,
- To maintain full ownership of your clients,
- To actually earn money without platform penalties,
- And to not battle with clunky email contractors …
After that of course, you need to definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire advanced CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. However if you’re developing a community, a personal brand name, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV problems right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Just the common Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you have actually never set up a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market possession, far better money making tools, no platform costs, and a lot more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.