If you’re also from another location right into email e-newsletters, you’ve probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something different about this system, something that makes makers like you quit, breathe, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Network…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Attempting to pick the appropriate email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. However after virtually ten years of helping people navigate email marketing and 2 years running my very own e-newsletter, I finally took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a correct, genuine test run.
And looter: I really did not simply mess around. I relocated everything over. Here’s why you might wish to do the very same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They have actually obtained a clean user interface and a faithful community of authors. However when it concerns monetization and audience ownership, they falter. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems awesome on paper, right? Like, a lot more presence, more involvement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re building a listing … that you don’t possess.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct an actual relationship. That’s exactly how it must be.
The Hidden Cost of Ease
Currently let’s chat money. Every time somebody 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 customer? You’re filching just over $6. Not awful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That added money accumulates fast, particularly if you’re planning to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to build a business (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your profits prior to you also start.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re stressed that migrating your listing or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: broken kinds, ghosted customers, styling nightmares. But with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking useful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual support when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to just throwing your email domain name right into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s clever. Like, truly clever.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV issues. No clients going away into the void. Also attaching my web site was fine– okay, the designing took a little effort, but hey, no platform’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. Yet it’s great. Actually great.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re not doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably like it. Wish to decrease in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly warn you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had actually perfectly composed newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size before sending out. It’s a bit hand-operated, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the dreadful clipping issue.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It resembles they actually desire you to grow your target market. Surprising, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current customers generate new ones– and it actually works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable references baked right into the system.
Wish to run a giveaway? Offer a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ target markets. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Less Migraines
This was one of the biggest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that connects you with genuine enrollers.
Adjustable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for acquiring web traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was currently earning more than I ever before did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: many newsletter tools do not care concerning your landing page. But Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous problems
- Customized forms, branding and Beehiiv Network
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for many creators, it’s more than enough. And it simply works. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t simply get open and click prices. You obtain genuine insights:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every action of your funnel, from form to open to purchase. And that sort of presence? Priceless when you’re trying to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Can Boost?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to grow. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One form = 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 shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the strange edge instances.
However right here’s the thing, Beehiiv actually listens. I have actually currently seen updates roll out based upon customer comments, which’s an actually good sign.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Network
If you’re a developer, author, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your checklist quickly,
- To keep complete possession of your customers,
- To actually earn money without system charges,
- And to not fight with clunky e-mail builders …
After that of course, you should absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire innovative CRM automations, maybe look in other places. But if you’re building a community, a personal brand, or a passion project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I move my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the basic Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv great for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you’ve never ever set up an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better money making tools, no system fees, and a lot more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also help you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.