If you’re even remotely right into e-mail e-newsletters, you’ve most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different concerning this platform, something that makes designers like you quit, take a breath, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Mailchimp…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Attempting to pick the best email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. However after almost 10 years of helping individuals browse email marketing and two years running my own e-newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine test run.
And looter: I didn’t simply dabble. I moved every little thing over. Below’s why you might wish to do the same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They have actually obtained a clean interface and a loyal community of authors. But when it involves monetization and audience ownership, they falter. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It appears great theoretically, right? Like, more exposure, more involvement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not obtain your emails in their inbox. You can not contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So generally, you’re constructing a checklist … that you do not possess.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct a genuine connection. That’s exactly how it ought to be.
The Hidden Cost of Comfort
Now let’s talk money. Each time someone 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 client? You’re filching simply over $6. Not terrible … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra cash money accumulates fast, especially if you’re intending to expand 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 into your revenues before you even start.
What It’s Really Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re worried that migrating your checklist or setting up automations will be a pain … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: broken kinds, ghosted customers, styling nightmares. However with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking handy videos, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than simply tossing your email domain name into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain using their own framework. It’s smart. Like, really smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No funky CSV problems. No subscribers vanishing into deep space. Even attaching my internet site was great– fine, the styling took a little bit of effort, however hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. Yet it’s excellent. Truly excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll probably love it. Wish to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Watch 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’ve had actually magnificently created e-newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I discovered a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension before sending out. It’s a bit hand-operated, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll prevent the dreadful clipping issue.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they in fact want you to grow your audience. Stunning, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your current customers bring in brand-new ones– and it actually works. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Wish to run a free gift? Offer a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the largest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Personalized paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing website traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was currently making greater than I ever did on my old platform and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: a lot of e-newsletter tools uncommitted concerning your landing page. But Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your past problems
- Custom-made forms, branding and Beehiiv Mailchimp
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for most designers, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No untidy DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t simply obtain open and click rates. You get genuine insights:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and enhance every action of your funnel, from form to open to acquire. And that sort of presence? Invaluable when you’re trying to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Can Boost?
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to expand. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit rigid. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the unusual side instances.
Yet right here’s the thing, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I’ve already seen updates present based upon user comments, which’s a really good sign.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Mailchimp
If you’re a designer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your list quick,
- To keep complete ownership of your subscribers,
- To in fact earn money without platform penalties,
- And to not battle with clunky email contractors …
After that yes, you need to definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. 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.
FAQs About
1. Can I migrate my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the common Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and very easy, even if you’ve never established an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market possession, better monetization devices, no system charges, and a lot more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid registrations are all native features.