If you’re also remotely right into e-mail newsletters, you have actually most likely listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different regarding this system, something that makes designers like you quit, take a breath, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv VAT…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Attempting to pick the best e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. Yet after virtually ten years of helping people browse e-mail marketing and 2 years running my very own newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and gave Beehiiv a proper, genuine trial run.
And looter: I really did not just mess around. I moved everything over. Below’s why you could wish to do the exact same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They have actually got a tidy user interface and a devoted community of writers. But when it involves money making and audience ownership, they falter. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It seems trendy theoretically, right? Like, much more visibility, more interaction?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “fans” aren’t real clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever choose to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So primarily, you’re building a checklist … that you do not own.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can develop a genuine connection. That’s how it must be.
The Hidden Cost of Comfort
Now let’s talk money. Each time 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 pocketing simply over $6. Not terrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That additional cash builds up quick, especially if you’re preparing to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to construct a company (also a side one), you need a system that’s not eating into your earnings before you even begin.
What It’s Actually Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re fretted that migrating your listing or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: busted kinds, ghosted clients, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking helpful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than simply tossing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain name using their own facilities. It’s wise. Like, truly wise.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No clients going away right into deep space. Even connecting my internet site was fine– fine, the designing took a little effort, but hey, no system’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t perfect. But it’s good. Really great.
You can drag, drop, design, and preview effortlessly. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably like it. Want to drop in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always alert you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had perfectly created e-newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size before sending. It’s a little bit manual, sure, once you get the hang of it, you’ll prevent the feared clipping concern.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they actually desire you to expand your audience. Surprising, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your existing subscribers bring in brand-new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Want to run a giveaway? Offer a benefit 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. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the most significant reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated ad network that attaches you with genuine sponsors.
Adjustable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for acquiring website traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently earning greater than I ever did on my old system and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: a lot of newsletter tools don’t care about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your previous concerns
- Custom types, branding and Beehiiv VAT
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for most developers, it’s more than enough. 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 prices. You obtain actual understandings:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and enhance every step of your funnel, from type to open to acquire. And that type of visibility? Invaluable when you’re attempting to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Might Boost?
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got area to expand. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some ecommerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the weird edge instances.
But below’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact listens. I’ve currently seen updates roll out based upon customer responses, and that’s a truly excellent indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv VAT
If you’re a maker, author, or indie author who desires:
- To grow your listing quick,
- To keep complete ownership of your clients,
- To actually make money without platform penalties,
- And to not fight with clunky e-mail contractors …
Then yes, you ought to absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire innovative CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. However if you’re developing a community, an individual brand, or a passion task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I move my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV problems right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the standard Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
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 much better than Substack?
Audience ownership, better money making devices, no system fees, and a lot more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.