If you’re even from another location into e-mail e-newsletters, you’ve possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something various about this platform, something that makes designers like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Premium Subscriptions…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Attempting to select the ideal e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. But after virtually one decade of helping people browse email marketing and two years running my own e-newsletter, I finally took the plunge and gave Beehiiv a proper, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply mess around. I moved everything over. Here’s why you may intend to do the exact same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They have actually obtained a tidy user interface and a dedicated community of writers. However when it concerns monetization and audience ownership, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds awesome theoretically, right? Like, extra exposure, more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t genuine clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can not call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before choose to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So generally, you’re building a listing … 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 construct a real partnership. That’s just how it must be.
The Hidden Cost of Comfort
Now let’s talk cash. Whenever a person 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 terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That additional cash adds up quickly, specifically if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to construct a service (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your revenues prior to you even begin.
What It’s Really Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that moving your listing or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You recognize the drill: busted types, ghosted customers, styling nightmares. Yet with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking useful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to simply throwing your email domain into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain name utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s smart. Like, truly smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No clients disappearing into the void. Also attaching my web site was great– alright, the styling took a little bit of effort, but hey, no system’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s great. Actually great.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Want to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly caution you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had magnificently composed newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I discovered a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML dimension before sending out. It’s a bit hand-operated, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreaded clipping concern.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely radiates.
It’s like they in fact desire you to grow your audience. Surprising, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your existing subscribers generate brand-new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Want to run a giveaway? Offer an incentive 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 other newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Less Headaches
This was among the greatest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that links you with genuine enrollers.
Customizable paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for buying website traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already gaining greater than I ever did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: many newsletter tools do not care about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your previous problems
- Custom-made kinds, branding and Beehiiv Premium Subscriptions
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for most developers, it’s more than enough. And it simply works. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click rates. You get genuine understandings:.
Where subscribers originated from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
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 available to buy. Which kind of exposure? Valuable when you’re attempting to expand intentionally.
What Beehiiv Could Enhance?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to grow. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the unusual side instances.
But right here’s things, Beehiiv really pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates present based upon user feedback, and that’s a really excellent indicator.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Premium Subscriptions
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your listing quick,
- To maintain complete possession of your clients,
- To really make money without platform penalties,
- And to not combat with confusing email contractors …
After that yes, you should definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. But if you’re building a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I move my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally supported. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the conventional Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for novices?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you have actually never ever established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market ownership, much better monetization tools, no platform fees, and much more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.