If you’re even remotely right into email newsletters, you’ve most likely listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something various regarding this platform, something that makes designers like you quit, take a breath, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Notion…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Attempting to select the appropriate e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. Yet after nearly ten years of helping people browse email marketing and 2 years running my very own e-newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a correct, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just dabble. I moved everything over. Below’s why you may wish to do the same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re well-established. They’ve got a clean user interface and a devoted community of authors. Yet when it comes to money making and audience ownership, they falter. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It seems cool theoretically, right? Like, much more visibility, even more involvement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re developing a list … that you don’t have.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real connection. That’s just how it should be.
The Hidden Cost of Ease
Currently let’s speak cash. Every single time someone spends 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 taking simply over $6. Not awful … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That extra cash money builds up quickly, specifically if you’re planning to expand or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to build a service (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your revenues prior to you even start.
What It’s Really Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re fretted that migrating your listing or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: broken forms, ghosted clients, styling headaches. However with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking practical video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to simply throwing your email domain name right into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain using their very own framework. It’s smart. Like, truly smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV issues. No subscribers going away into the void. Also connecting my web site was great– fine, the styling took a bit of effort, but hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. However it’s great. Truly excellent.
You can drag, go down, design, and preview effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll possibly love it. Intend to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly advise you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had magnificently written newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I located a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML dimension prior to sending. It’s a little bit hand-operated, sure, but once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreadful clipping concern.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It resembles they really want you to expand your target market. Stunning, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your present clients bring in brand-new ones– and it actually works. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the system.
Intend to run a free gift? Offer a bonus offer 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 other newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Cash, Fewer Headaches
This was among the greatest factors I moved to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that attaches you with actual enrollers.
Customizable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was already making greater than I ever did on my old system and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: many e-newsletter devices don’t care about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your previous problems
- Customized types, branding and Beehiiv Notion
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for a lot of makers, it’s ample. And it simply functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click rates. You obtain real understandings:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and maximize every step of your funnel, from kind to open up to buy. Which sort of exposure? Priceless when you’re trying to expand on purpose.
What Beehiiv Can Enhance?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to expand. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email 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 quicker on the weird edge cases.
Yet right here’s things, Beehiiv in fact listens. I have actually already seen updates roll out based upon user comments, which’s an actually good indicator.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Notion
If you’re a developer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your list quick,
- To maintain complete ownership of your subscribers,
- To actually earn money without system charges,
- And to not fight with cumbersome e-mail contractors …
Then yes, you need to absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. Yet if you’re developing a community, a personal brand, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I move my existing email checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV problems right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you’ve never set up an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience possession, much better monetization tools, no system costs, and extra list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also help you warm it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.