If you’re also remotely into e-mail e-newsletters, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something various regarding this system, something that makes developers like you quit, breathe, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Wiki…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Trying to pick the right e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. However after nearly ten years helpful people navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine test run.
And looter: I really did not simply mess around. I relocated every little thing over. Right here’s why you could wish to do the very same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They have actually obtained a tidy user interface and a faithful community of authors. But when it concerns money making and audience possession, they falter. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “follow” feature on Substack? It appears great theoretically, right? Like, more exposure, even more interaction?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t obtain your emails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So generally, you’re building a list … that you do not possess.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a genuine connection. That’s how it must be.
The Hidden Expense of Ease
Now let’s speak cash. Each time someone pays 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 customer? You’re taking simply over $6. Not terrible … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That additional money adds up quick, particularly if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to develop a business (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating right into your revenues before you even begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re stressed that migrating your list or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: busted kinds, ghosted customers, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of just tossing your email domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain name using their own infrastructure. It’s wise. Like, actually clever.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV issues. No clients disappearing into the void. Also connecting my web site was great– all right, the styling took a little bit of elbow grease, but hey, no system’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t flawless. Yet it’s good. Really excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview with ease. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll probably like it. Want to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly advise you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had actually magnificently composed newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I discovered a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML dimension before sending out. It’s a little bit manual, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreaded clipping issue.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely radiates.
It resembles they really want you to expand your audience. Shocking, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current clients generate brand-new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable references baked right into the system.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer an incentive for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was among the most significant reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Personalized paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already making greater than I ever did on my old platform and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: most e-newsletter devices uncommitted about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your previous issues
- Custom-made types, branding and Beehiiv Wiki
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for the majority of makers, it’s sufficient. And it just functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or broken embeds. Just 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 obtain real understandings:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every action of your funnel, from kind to open to purchase. And that type of exposure? Priceless when you’re trying to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Can Improve?
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s got room to expand. Right here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the strange edge cases.
Yet right here’s the thing, Beehiiv actually listens. I’ve already seen updates roll out based upon customer feedback, and that’s a really excellent indicator.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Wiki
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your listing quick,
- To maintain full possession of your customers,
- To in fact generate income without platform fines,
- And to not battle with confusing e-mail contractors …
After that yes, you need to absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. However if you’re building a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I move my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the typical Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv great for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you’ve never ever set up a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market ownership, far better money making tools, no platform costs, and a lot more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also help you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.