If you’re even from another location into e-mail newsletters, you have actually possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different concerning this system, something that makes designers like you quit, take a breath, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Vs Gumroad…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Trying to pick the appropriate e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. However after almost 10 years helpful people browse email marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I finally took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a proper, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply mess around. I relocated every little thing over. Right here’s why you may want to do the same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve got a tidy user interface and a loyal community of authors. But when it concerns monetization and audience possession, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It seems cool on paper, right? Like, more exposure, more involvement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t real clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before decide to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So basically, you’re developing a list … that you don’t own.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can build an actual connection. That’s just how it should be.
The Hidden Expense of Benefit
Now let’s speak cash. Every time somebody 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 client? You’re taking just over $6. Not horrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That added money accumulates quickly, particularly if you’re planning to expand or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to build a company (even a side one), you need a system that’s not eating right into your revenues prior to you also begin.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re stressed that migrating your list or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: damaged types, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking valuable video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to simply tossing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s clever. Like, actually wise.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV issues. No customers going away right into the void. Even attaching my web site was fine– alright, the styling took a bit of elbow grease, however hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t flawless. But it’s excellent. Really excellent.
You can drag, go down, design, and preview with ease. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll possibly love it. Wish to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly warn you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I have actually had actually beautifully created newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I located a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML dimension prior to sending. It’s a little bit hands-on, certain, but once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the dreadful clipping issue.
Expanding Your Listing with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely shines.
It resembles they in fact want you to expand your audience. Shocking, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current subscribers generate brand-new ones– and it actually works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ target markets. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Money, Fewer Frustrations
This was one of the greatest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that links you with genuine sponsors.
Adjustable paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for acquiring web traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already earning more than I ever did on my old platform and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: a lot of e-newsletter devices don’t care concerning your landing page. However Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your previous concerns
- Customized kinds, branding and Beehiiv Vs Gumroad
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for a lot of makers, it’s more than enough. And it just works. No unpleasant DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t simply obtain open and click prices. You get actual understandings:.
Where subscribers originated from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and maximize every action of your funnel, from form to open to purchase. And that sort of presence? Invaluable when you’re trying to expand intentionally.
What Beehiiv Can Improve?
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got area to expand. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the unusual side cases.
However here’s the important things, Beehiiv actually listens. I have actually already seen updates present based on customer comments, which’s a really great indicator.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Vs Gumroad
If you’re a creator, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your listing quickly,
- To keep complete possession of your customers,
- To really generate income without system charges,
- And to not combat with confusing e-mail builders …
After that indeed, you should definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. Yet if you’re building a community, a personal brand, or an interest task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I move my existing e-mail listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally supported. No CSV problems right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the standard Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for novices?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you’ve never established a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market possession, far better money making devices, no platform fees, and more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.