If you’re also from another location right into email e-newsletters, you have actually possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something various about this system, something that makes designers like you quit, take a breath, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv or ConvertKit…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Attempting to choose the ideal email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. However after almost one decade helpful people navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I finally started and gave Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And looter: I didn’t simply dabble. I moved everything over. Right here’s why you may wish to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They’ve got a clean interface and a devoted community of authors. Yet when it involves monetization and audience ownership, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds great theoretically, right? Like, a lot more presence, even more engagement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” aren’t genuine subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before make a decision to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So basically, you’re building a listing … that you do not have.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a genuine connection. That’s how it should be.
The Hidden Expense of Comfort
Currently let’s speak money. Every single time someone pays for your e-newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 client? You’re taking just over $6. Not terrible … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That added cash builds up fast, especially if you’re preparing to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to construct a company (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your revenues before you also start.
What It’s In Fact Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re worried that moving your list or setting up automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You recognize the drill: damaged kinds, ghosted clients, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting helpful videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than simply throwing your email domain into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain using their very own infrastructure. It’s wise. Like, truly smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No cool CSV problems. No subscribers going away into deep space. Even linking my internet site was fine– all right, the styling took a little effort, yet hey, no platform’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. But it’s good. Actually excellent.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek easily. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably like it. Want to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required 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 doesn’t constantly advise you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had magnificently composed newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size before sending. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, but once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the dreaded clipping concern.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they really want you to grow your audience. Surprising, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your present clients bring in brand-new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Intend to run a free gift? Offer a perk 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: More Cash, Less Frustrations
This was just one of the most significant reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with actual sponsors.
Customizable paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for acquiring web traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently making more than I ever did on my old platform and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: a lot of e-newsletter devices don’t care about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your previous concerns
- Custom-made types, branding and Beehiiv or ConvertKit
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for many designers, it’s ample. And it simply functions. No messy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t simply obtain open and click prices. You get real insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral resources 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 form to open up to purchase. And that type of exposure? Valuable when you’re attempting to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Could Boost?
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got room to grow. Here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the strange side instances.
But right here’s things, Beehiiv in fact listens. I have actually currently seen updates turn out based on user feedback, and that’s a truly great sign.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv or ConvertKit
If you’re a designer, author, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your list quick,
- To keep complete ownership of your clients,
- To actually make money without platform fines,
- And to not fight with confusing e-mail home builders …
After that yes, you need to definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want sophisticated CRM automations, maybe look in other places. However if you’re developing a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV problems below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the conventional Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you’ve never ever set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better money making tools, no platform fees, and more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, ad networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.