If you’re also remotely right into e-mail newsletters, you have actually most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something different about this system, something that makes developers like you quit, breathe, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Nicholas Agardy…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Trying to pick the right e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. However after virtually one decade helpful individuals navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I lastly started and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I really did not just dabble. I moved every little thing over. Right here’s why you may intend to do the very same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a tidy interface and a dedicated community of authors. Yet when it concerns money making and target market ownership, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds awesome theoretically, right? Like, a lot more presence, more involvement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So essentially, you’re building a list … that you do not have.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a real partnership. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Price of Comfort
Now let’s speak money. Every time somebody pays for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re stealing just over $6. Not terrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That additional cash adds up fast, specifically if you’re planning to expand or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to develop a service (also a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating right into your earnings prior to you even begin.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re stressed that migrating your list or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: busted types, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking helpful videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than simply throwing your email domain into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain using their very own facilities. It’s clever. Like, actually wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No subscribers disappearing right into deep space. Even attaching my website was great– fine, the styling took a bit of elbow grease, but hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t flawless. But it’s great. Really excellent.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re not doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Intend to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always advise you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I have actually had wonderfully written e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
Yet I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML dimension before sending. It’s a little bit manual, sure, once you master it, you’ll prevent the feared clipping problem.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they actually desire you to grow your audience. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your existing customers generate brand-new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Deal a reward 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’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Money, Less Headaches
This was among the largest reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that connects you with genuine sponsors.
Personalized paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for getting web traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was already making greater than I ever did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: most e-newsletter tools don’t care concerning your landing page. However Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your previous issues
- Customized kinds, branding and Beehiiv Nicholas Agardy
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for most makers, it’s ample. And it just works. No untidy DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not just get open and click prices. You obtain real insights:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and optimize every step of your funnel, from kind to open to acquire. And that sort of visibility? Valuable when you’re attempting to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Might Boost?
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to expand. Right here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the odd edge situations.
But right here’s the thing, Beehiiv actually listens. I have actually currently seen updates present based on individual feedback, and that’s a really excellent indication.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Nicholas Agardy
If you’re a creator, writer, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your listing quick,
- To maintain full ownership of your customers,
- To really make money without system charges,
- And to not battle with cumbersome email home builders …
Then indeed, you need to definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire innovative CRM automations, maybe look elsewhere. But if you’re developing a community, a personal brand, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely supported. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Just the conventional Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for novices?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and easy, even if you’ve never set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience ownership, far better monetization devices, no platform costs, and more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, ad networks and paid registrations are all native features.