If you’re even remotely right into email newsletters, you’ve probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something various concerning this system, something that makes developers like you quit, breathe, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Open Source…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Attempting to choose the appropriate email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. But after virtually ten years of helping individuals navigate email marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I lastly started and provided Beehiiv a correct, genuine test run.
And looter: I didn’t just dabble. I relocated every little thing over. Below’s why you might want to do the very same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They’ve got a clean user interface and a faithful community of writers. Yet when it concerns money making and audience possession, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “follow” feature on Substack? It sounds amazing theoretically, right? Like, more presence, more involvement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t real customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So generally, you’re constructing a checklist … that you do not have.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can build a real partnership. That’s exactly how it ought to be.
The Hidden Cost of Benefit
Currently let’s chat cash. Every single time a person spends 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 horrible … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra cash money accumulates fast, specifically if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to develop a service (even a side one), you need a system that’s not eating into your earnings prior to you even start.
What It’s In Fact Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that moving your list or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: busted kinds, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting valuable video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of just throwing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name using their very own facilities. It’s smart. Like, truly smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No cool CSV problems. No clients going away into the void. Also linking my web site was fine– all right, the styling took a little effort, however hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t flawless. However it’s good. Really good.
You can drag, go down, design, and preview easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Want to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always advise you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had actually perfectly composed newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML dimension prior to sending. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the dreaded clipping problem.
Growing Your List with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It’s like they actually want you to expand your target market. Stunning, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your present clients generate new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable references baked right into the system.
Wish to run a giveaway? Offer a bonus 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’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Less Frustrations
This was among the greatest reasons I transferred to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated advertisement network that connects you with real sponsors.
Customizable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for buying website traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already gaining greater than I ever before did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: a lot of e-newsletter tools uncommitted concerning your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous problems
- Custom-made types, branding and Beehiiv Open Source
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for most developers, it’s sufficient. And it just works. No untidy DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t simply obtain open and click prices. You obtain real insights:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and optimize every step of your funnel, from form to open to acquire. And that kind of exposure? Priceless when you’re trying to grow intentionally.
What Beehiiv Might Boost?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got room to expand. Below’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need 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).
Assistance could be much faster on the weird edge instances.
However here’s the thing, Beehiiv in fact listens. I have actually currently seen updates roll out based on user feedback, which’s an actually great sign.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Open Source
If you’re a designer, author, or indie author who desires:
- To expand your list quick,
- To keep complete ownership of your customers,
- To in fact earn money without system charges,
- And to not combat with cumbersome e-mail contractors …
Then indeed, you must absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire sophisticated CRM automations, maybe look somewhere else. But if you’re developing a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I move my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you’ve never ever established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market ownership, far better monetization tools, no platform fees, and much more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.