If you’re also remotely right into e-mail e-newsletters, you have actually most likely listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different about this system, something that makes developers like you stop, take a breath, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv VICE…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Trying to select the best e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. Yet after virtually ten years helpful individuals navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I finally took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a correct, genuine trial run.
And looter: I didn’t just mess around. I relocated every little thing over. Right here’s why you might want to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They have actually got a clean user interface and a dedicated community of writers. But when it concerns monetization and audience ownership, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “follow” feature on Substack? It appears cool theoretically, right? Like, extra exposure, even more interaction?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your emails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So primarily, you’re building a checklist … that you don’t own.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct a real connection. That’s exactly how it needs to be.
The Hidden Expense of Benefit
Currently let’s speak cash. Each time someone spends for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re swiping just over $6. Not awful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That extra cash adds up quickly, specifically if you’re intending to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to build a business (also a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your earnings before you even start.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re worried that moving your list or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: busted types, ghosted customers, styling nightmares. Yet with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting practical video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to simply tossing your email domain name right into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively presents your domain name using their own infrastructure. It’s wise. Like, really wise.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No clients going away into the void. Even connecting my site was great– okay, the designing took a little elbow grease, however hey, no platform’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s excellent. Actually excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably like it. Wish to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly alert you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had actually magnificently created e-newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
Yet I found a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size prior to sending. It’s a little bit hand-operated, certain, once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the feared clipping problem.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Genuine Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely shines.
It resembles they in fact want you to expand your audience. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your present subscribers generate new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the system.
Wish to run a giveaway? Deal a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other e-newsletters’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Fewer Frustrations
This was among the greatest factors I moved to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that connects you with real enrollers.
Adjustable paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for buying website traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already gaining more than I ever did on my old system and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: a lot of newsletter devices uncommitted concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous issues
- Personalized kinds, branding and Beehiiv VICE
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for a lot of developers, it’s more than enough. And it simply functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Just 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 prices. You get actual understandings:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much money 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 open to acquire. Which type of presence? Invaluable when you’re trying to expand on purpose.
What Beehiiv Can Improve?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s got area to expand. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the strange edge instances.
However right here’s things, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates present based on user feedback, which’s a truly good sign.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv VICE
If you’re a creator, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your checklist fast,
- To keep complete possession of your customers,
- To in fact earn money without platform fines,
- And to not battle with confusing e-mail builders …
After that yes, you should definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look somewhere else. But if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand name, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally supported. No CSV headaches below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the common Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for beginners?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you have actually never ever established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market ownership, much better money making tools, no platform fees, and much more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.