If you’re even from another location right into e-mail newsletters, you have actually probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different concerning this system, something that makes developers like you quit, breathe, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Mission…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Attempting to select the appropriate e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. But after almost one decade helpful individuals navigate email marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I ultimately started and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just dabble. I relocated everything over. Here’s why you might wish to do the same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a clean interface and a devoted community of authors. Yet when it involves money making and audience ownership, they falter. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems awesome theoretically, right? Like, extra visibility, more engagement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t real customers. They’re locked 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 primarily, you’re constructing a checklist … that you do not have.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct a real partnership. That’s how it should be.
The Hidden Expense of Benefit
Currently let’s speak cash. Each time a person 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 client? You’re stealing just over $6. Not dreadful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform charges. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That added cash builds up quickly, especially if you’re planning to expand or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to construct a business (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your earnings prior to you also start.
What It’s Actually Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re stressed that migrating your checklist or setting up automations will be a pain … don’t be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: damaged types, ghosted clients, styling problems. However with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting handy video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of just tossing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain name utilizing their own facilities. It’s clever. Like, actually wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No subscribers going away into the void. Also attaching my internet site was fine– alright, the styling took a little effort, however hey, no platform’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t perfect. Yet it’s excellent. Really great.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re refraining anything too design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Want to drop in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always alert you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had beautifully created newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I located a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML dimension before sending out. It’s a bit hand-operated, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreadful clipping concern.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It resembles they in fact desire you to grow your audience. Shocking, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current clients bring in new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Wish to run a free gift? Offer a benefit for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very 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.
Money making: Even More Money, Fewer Frustrations
This was among the largest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in ad network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Adjustable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing website traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was currently making more than I ever before did on my old platform and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: most newsletter devices uncommitted about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous issues
- Custom-made forms, branding and Beehiiv Mission
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for many makers, it’s more than enough. And it simply functions. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click prices. You obtain actual insights:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral sources are working.
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 available to buy. Which type of exposure? Priceless when you’re attempting to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Can Enhance?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s got area to grow. Right here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the unusual edge situations.
However below’s the thing, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I’ve already seen updates present based on customer responses, and that’s a really excellent indicator.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Mission
If you’re a designer, author, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your list fast,
- To maintain full possession of your subscribers,
- To really generate income without system penalties,
- And to not fight with cumbersome e-mail home builders …
After that yes, you should absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want innovative CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. However if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand name, or an interest job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I move my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally supported. No CSV problems below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the conventional Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for novices?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you have actually never ever established a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience possession, far better monetization devices, no platform charges, and a lot more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all native features.