If you’re also remotely into e-mail e-newsletters, you’ve possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different about this platform, something that makes developers like you quit, take a breath, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Pros and Cons…
I have actually been precisely where you are. Trying to choose the right email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. But after nearly 10 years helpful individuals navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I lastly started and provided Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply mess around. I relocated everything over. Right here’s why you may want to do the exact same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a clean interface and a devoted community of writers. But when it concerns monetization and audience ownership, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems cool theoretically, right? Like, much more presence, more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not obtain your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So basically, you’re constructing a list … that you don’t have.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real partnership. That’s just how it ought to be.
The Hidden Price of Convenience
Currently let’s talk cash. Whenever someone spends 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 customer? You’re stealing simply over $6. Not dreadful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra cash adds up fast, specifically if you’re intending to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to build a service (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your earnings before you also start.
What It’s Actually Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that moving your list or establishing automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle before. You recognize the drill: broken forms, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. However with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking helpful videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than simply tossing your email domain into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain name utilizing their very own facilities. It’s clever. Like, truly wise.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No cool CSV problems. No clients going away into deep space. Even connecting my internet site was great– fine, the designing took a little bit of effort, yet hey, no platform’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. Yet it’s excellent. Actually good.
You can drag, drop, design, and sneak peek easily. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Wish to drop in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly caution you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had perfectly written e-newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I found a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size before sending out. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, but once you master it, you’ll avoid the dreaded clipping issue.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It resembles they actually want you to expand your audience. Surprising, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your existing customers bring in brand-new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Want to run a giveaway? Deal a perk for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other newsletters’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Cash, Less Migraines
This was among the greatest factors I moved to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that links you with actual sponsors.
Adjustable paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for getting website traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently earning more than I ever did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: many newsletter devices do not care concerning your landing page. However Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your past issues
- Personalized forms, branding and Beehiiv Pros and Cons
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for a lot of creators, it’s ample. And it simply functions. No untidy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click prices. You get genuine understandings:.
Where subscribers came 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 step of your funnel, from kind to available to purchase. Which kind of exposure? Invaluable when you’re attempting to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Can Boost?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got room to grow. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the odd side situations.
However below’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I have actually already seen updates turn out based on individual responses, which’s a truly great indicator.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Pros and Cons
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your checklist fast,
- To maintain full ownership of your clients,
- To really earn money without system charges,
- And to not combat with cumbersome email home builders …
After that yes, you ought to definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire sophisticated CRM automations, perhaps look elsewhere. However if you’re building a community, a personal brand name, or a passion project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you’ve never established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience ownership, better monetization devices, no system fees, and a lot more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.