If you’re even remotely into email e-newsletters, you have actually possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different about this system, something that makes designers like you quit, breathe, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Merge Tags…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Trying to choose the appropriate email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. Yet after almost ten years of helping individuals browse email marketing and two years running my own e-newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply dabble. I moved whatever over. Right here’s why you may want to do the same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They have actually got a clean interface and a dedicated community of authors. Yet when it involves money making and audience possession, they falter. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds great on paper, right? Like, much more exposure, more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever make a decision to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So primarily, you’re developing a list … that you do not own.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can build a real partnership. That’s how it ought to be.
The Hidden Expense of Convenience
Currently let’s chat cash. Every time a person spends for your e-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 just over $6. Not terrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That added cash accumulates quick, especially if you’re intending to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to develop an organization (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your revenues before you even start.
What It’s In Fact Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re fretted that migrating your listing or setting up automations will be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: damaged types, ghosted customers, styling nightmares. However with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking helpful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of just tossing your email domain into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name using their own framework. It’s smart. Like, truly smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No fashionable CSV issues. No clients vanishing into the void. Also linking my internet site was great– all right, the designing took a little effort, yet hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s great. Really great.
You can drag, go down, design, and preview with ease. If you’re refraining anything also design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Wish to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always advise you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had wonderfully composed newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size before sending out. It’s a little bit hand-operated, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreadful clipping problem.
Growing Your List with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely radiates.
It’s like they actually desire you to expand your audience. Surprising, ideal?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current customers generate new ones– and it really works. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Want to run a free gift? Offer an incentive for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Less Headaches
This was just one of the largest factors I moved to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated advertisement network that attaches you with real sponsors.
Adjustable paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for buying traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently earning greater than I ever did on my old platform and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: the majority of e-newsletter devices uncommitted about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your past issues
- Customized types, branding and Beehiiv Merge Tags
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for many makers, it’s sufficient. And it just works. No messy DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not just get open and click prices. You obtain real insights:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and optimize every action of your funnel, from form to open to acquire. Which sort of visibility? Priceless when you’re trying to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got area to expand. Here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a bit rigid. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the unusual side situations.
However below’s things, Beehiiv actually listens. I have actually currently seen updates present based upon customer responses, which’s a truly great sign.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Merge Tags
If you’re a maker, author, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your listing quickly,
- To keep complete possession of your subscribers,
- To actually make money without system fines,
- And to not battle with confusing e-mail contractors …
After that yes, you must definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want innovative CRM automations, perhaps look elsewhere. However if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV nightmares here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for novices?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you’ve never ever set up an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience possession, better monetization devices, no platform costs, and extra list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.