If you’re even remotely into email e-newsletters, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different concerning this platform, something that makes designers like you stop, breathe, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Swapstack…
I have actually been precisely where you are. Trying to pick the best e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. Yet after virtually one decade of helping individuals browse e-mail marketing and 2 years running my very own newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and gave Beehiiv a proper, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply dabble. I relocated everything over. Below’s why you may want to do the very same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a clean interface and a dedicated community of authors. However when it concerns money making and target market possession, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It seems awesome theoretically, right? Like, a lot more exposure, more involvement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So basically, you’re developing a list … that you don’t have.
Now compare 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 should be.
The Hidden Price of Ease
Currently let’s talk money. Every time somebody spends for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re taking simply over $6. Not dreadful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That extra cash money adds up quick, specifically if you’re intending to expand or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to construct a business (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating right into your earnings prior to you even begin.
What It’s Really Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re worried that moving your checklist or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: busted kinds, ghosted clients, styling nightmares. However with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting valuable videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of simply throwing your e-mail domain right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents 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 vanishing into deep space. Also linking my site was great– okay, the designing took a little bit of effort, however hey, no system’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s great. Really great.
You can drag, go down, design, and preview effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Want to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly warn you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had actually perfectly created e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I found a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML dimension prior to sending out. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreaded clipping problem.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It’s like they really want you to expand your audience. Surprising, best?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current customers bring in brand-new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the system.
Wish to run a free gift? Offer a reward 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’ target markets. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Less Frustrations
This was one of the most significant factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that links you with actual enrollers.
Customizable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for acquiring traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already making greater than I ever before did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: the majority of newsletter devices don’t care regarding your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your past concerns
- Custom types, branding and Beehiiv Swapstack
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for a lot of makers, it’s ample. And it simply functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t simply obtain open and click rates. You get actual understandings:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every step of your funnel, from type to available to buy. Which sort of presence? Priceless when you’re trying to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to expand. Here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some ecommerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the odd side cases.
But below’s things, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I’ve currently seen updates roll out based upon customer feedback, and that’s an actually excellent indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Swapstack
If you’re a creator, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your list quickly,
- To keep complete ownership of your clients,
- To actually generate income without platform penalties,
- And to not combat with clunky e-mail contractors …
After that of course, you must absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire advanced CRM automations, perhaps look somewhere else. Yet if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand name, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I move my existing email checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally supported. No CSV problems right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Simply the typical Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and very easy, even if you’ve never established a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience ownership, better money making tools, no system costs, and a lot more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even help you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid registrations are all native features.