If you’re also remotely right into email e-newsletters, you’ve most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something various about this platform, something that makes creators like you stop, breathe, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv or Klaviyo…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Attempting to pick the best e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. However after virtually 10 years helpful individuals navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a proper, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just mess around. I moved everything over. Here’s why you may want to do the same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a tidy interface and a loyal community of authors. But when it concerns money making and audience ownership, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears awesome theoretically, right? Like, a lot more presence, more involvement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not obtain your emails in their inbox. You can not call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before choose to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re developing a listing … that you do not own.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can develop an actual connection. That’s exactly how it ought to be.
The Hidden Expense of Convenience
Now let’s chat cash. Each time a person pays for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re taking simply over $6. Not terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That added cash accumulates fast, particularly if you’re preparing to grow or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to build an organization (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating right into your earnings before you even start.
What It’s Actually Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re stressed that moving your checklist or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: busted types, ghosted customers, styling headaches. Yet with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than just tossing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain using their own infrastructure. It’s wise. Like, really smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No clients disappearing into the void. Also attaching my internet site was fine– fine, the styling took a little bit of effort, yet hey, no system’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. Yet it’s good. Really great.
You can drag, drop, design, and preview effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll most likely love it. Want to decrease in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly caution you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had magnificently composed e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I found a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a bit manual, certain, but once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreadful clipping problem.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely shines.
It’s like they really want you to grow your audience. Surprising, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your present clients generate brand-new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer 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 newsletters’ target markets. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Cash, Fewer Frustrations
This was one of the most significant reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that connects you with genuine enrollers.
Personalized paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for acquiring traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already gaining greater than I ever did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: most newsletter devices do not care regarding your landing page. But Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your past issues
- Custom-made types, branding and Beehiiv or Klaviyo
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for a lot of creators, it’s sufficient. And it just works. No unpleasant DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t simply get open and click rates. You get actual insights:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every action of your funnel, from type to open to acquire. And that type of exposure? Valuable when you’re attempting to expand purposefully.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to expand. Here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit rigid. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the weird edge situations.
But here’s things, Beehiiv really pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates roll out based upon individual responses, which’s a truly excellent indication.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv or Klaviyo
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your checklist quick,
- To maintain full ownership of your subscribers,
- To actually earn money without system penalties,
- And to not fight with confusing email contractors …
Then of course, you must definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire sophisticated CRM automations, perhaps look somewhere else. Yet if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand name, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and fully sustained. No CSV problems right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the basic Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv great for novices?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you’ve never set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market possession, better money making tools, no system fees, and extra list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.