If you’re also remotely right into email newsletters, you have actually most likely listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different about this platform, something that makes designers like you quit, breathe, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Starter…
I’ve 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 few months. But after almost ten years of helping individuals navigate email marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I lastly started and gave Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And looter: I didn’t simply dabble. I moved everything over. Here’s why you might intend to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They’ve got a clean user interface and a devoted community of writers. However when it pertains to monetization and target market ownership, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears awesome on paper, right? Like, a lot more visibility, more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re developing a list … that you do not have.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can build an actual relationship. That’s just how it needs to be.
The Hidden Price of Benefit
Now let’s talk cash. Every time a person 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 client? You’re taking just over $6. Not terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That additional cash money builds up fast, especially if you’re planning to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to develop an organization (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating right into your earnings prior to you also start.
What It’s In Fact Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re worried that migrating your list or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … don’t be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: damaged kinds, ghosted clients, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking practical videos, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of just tossing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name using their very own infrastructure. It’s wise. Like, really wise.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No clients vanishing into the void. Even attaching my internet site was great– all right, the styling took a little effort, however hey, no system’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t perfect. Yet it’s great. Really excellent.
You can drag, drop, style, and sneak peek easily. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably like it. Intend to decrease in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always alert you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had magnificently written e-newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not fun.
Yet I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size before sending out. It’s a little bit manual, sure, but once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreaded clipping issue.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely shines.
It resembles they in fact desire you to expand your target market. Stunning, ideal?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current customers bring in brand-new ones– and it in fact works. 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 (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Less Headaches
This was among the biggest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that links you with actual enrollers.
Customizable paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for acquiring traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently making greater than I ever before did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: the majority of newsletter tools uncommitted about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your past issues
- Customized types, branding and Beehiiv Starter
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for a lot of makers, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or damaged embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click prices. You obtain actual insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and optimize every action of your funnel, from type to open to purchase. Which sort of exposure? Priceless when you’re trying to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Can Improve?
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got space to grow. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the unusual edge situations.
But right here’s the thing, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates present based upon customer comments, which’s an actually great sign.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Starter
If you’re a creator, writer, or indie author who desires:
- To expand your list fast,
- To maintain full ownership of your clients,
- To actually generate income without system penalties,
- And to not combat with confusing e-mail building contractors …
Then yes, you must definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire advanced CRM automations, maybe look elsewhere. However if you’re building a community, a personal brand, or an interest job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally supported. No CSV problems here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the common Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you have actually never set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better monetization devices, no system costs, and a lot more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also help you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.