If you’re even from another location into email newsletters, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different about this platform, something that makes creators like you quit, take a breath, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Podcast…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Attempting to pick the best e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. But after virtually one decade of helping individuals navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my own e-newsletter, I lastly started and gave Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And looter: I really did not just dabble. I moved whatever over. Below’s why you may want to do the same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They’ve got a tidy interface and a devoted community of writers. However when it involves monetization and audience possession, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems trendy theoretically, right? Like, a lot more visibility, more engagement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So essentially, you’re constructing a checklist … that you do not possess.
Now compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct an actual partnership. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Price of Ease
Currently let’s speak money. Every single time somebody 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 customer? You’re swiping simply over $6. Not dreadful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform charges. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That extra cash builds up quick, specifically if you’re planning to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to construct a service (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating into your profits before you even start.
What It’s Really Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that migrating your list or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You recognize the drill: broken kinds, ghosted customers, styling headaches. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking useful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of just tossing your e-mail domain right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain utilizing their own facilities. It’s clever. Like, really smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No clients going away into deep space. Even attaching my internet site was fine– fine, the styling took a little elbow grease, however hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s excellent. Really excellent.
You can drag, go down, design, and preview easily. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Want to drop in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always alert you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had perfectly composed e-newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size before sending out. It’s a little bit hand-operated, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the dreadful clipping issue.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It’s like they actually desire you to expand your audience. Shocking, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your existing customers bring in new ones– and it really works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer a perk for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Cash, Fewer Headaches
This was one of the largest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with real sponsors.
Adjustable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently making more than I ever before did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: the majority of newsletter tools do not care concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your past problems
- Personalized kinds, branding and Beehiiv Podcast
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for many developers, it’s sufficient. And it simply works. No messy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click prices. You obtain real insights:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and maximize every action of your funnel, from form to open up to purchase. And that kind of visibility? Priceless when you’re attempting to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Could Enhance?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to expand. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the strange edge instances.
But here’s things, Beehiiv really pays attention. I’ve currently seen updates roll out based upon user feedback, which’s a really great indicator.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Podcast
If you’re a designer, writer, or indie publisher who wants:
- To grow your list fast,
- To keep complete ownership of your clients,
- To really make money without platform penalties,
- And to not combat with cumbersome e-mail builders …
Then indeed, you must definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want sophisticated CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. However if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand name, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I move my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV problems right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the basic Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you’ve never established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better monetization tools, no platform charges, and more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also help you warm it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.