If you’re also from another location into e-mail newsletters, you’ve most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different concerning this system, something that makes creators like you stop, take a breath, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv or Substack…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Trying to select the best email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. However after almost one decade of helping people browse e-mail marketing and 2 years running my own newsletter, I lastly started and gave Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness test run.
And looter: I really did not just mess around. I moved whatever over. Below’s why you may want to do the same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They have actually got a tidy interface and a loyal community of writers. But when it involves money making and target market possession, they falter. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears amazing on paper, right? Like, more exposure, more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before choose to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re building a listing … that you do not own.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can build an actual connection. That’s exactly how it ought to be.
The Hidden Price of Benefit
Now let’s talk money. Every single time somebody spends for your newsletter on Substack, you lose 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 dreadful … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That added cash money builds up quick, especially if you’re preparing to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to build a company (even a side one), you need a system that’s not eating right into your profits prior to you also start.
What It’s In Fact Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re stressed that migrating your checklist or establishing automations will certainly be a pain … do not be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: busted forms, ghosted customers, styling headaches. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking valuable video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of simply throwing your email domain right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain name utilizing their very own framework. It’s wise. Like, truly clever.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV issues. No subscribers vanishing right into the void. Even attaching my website was fine– okay, the designing took a little effort, yet hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. Yet it’s good. Actually great.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview effortlessly. If you’re refraining from doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll most likely love it. Want to decrease in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly alert you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had beautifully composed newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension prior to sending. It’s a little bit hands-on, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the feared clipping concern.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It resembles they in fact want you to expand your audience. Shocking, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your present clients bring in new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the system.
Wish to run a giveaway? Offer a perk for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was among the most significant factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that links you with actual enrollers.
Personalized paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for getting web traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already gaining more than I ever before did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: most e-newsletter devices do not care concerning your landing page. However Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your past concerns
- Custom types, branding and Beehiiv or Substack
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for most creators, it’s sufficient. And it simply works. No messy DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply plug 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 actual insights:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every step of your funnel, from form to open up to buy. And that type of exposure? Priceless when you’re trying to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Might Boost?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to grow. Here’s what to keep an eye 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 faster on the strange edge instances.
However right here’s the important things, Beehiiv really listens. I’ve already seen updates turn out based upon customer feedback, which’s a truly good sign.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv or Substack
If you’re a developer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your list quick,
- To maintain complete possession of your subscribers,
- To really generate income without platform charges,
- And to not combat with cumbersome email builders …
After that yes, you should definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want innovative CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. But if you’re developing a community, a personal brand, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I move my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the common Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you’ve never established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market possession, better monetization tools, no platform costs, and a lot more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even help you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.