If you’re also remotely into e-mail newsletters, you have actually possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different concerning this platform, something that makes makers like you stop, take a breath, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Withdrawal…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Trying to choose the ideal e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. But after nearly 10 years helpful people navigate email marketing and 2 years running my very own e-newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and offered Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply mess around. I moved whatever over. Here’s why you may intend to do the very same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a clean user interface and a devoted community of authors. However when it involves monetization and audience possession, they falter. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It seems amazing theoretically, right? Like, a lot more presence, more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” aren’t genuine customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever make a decision to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So primarily, you’re constructing a list … that you don’t own.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct an actual partnership. That’s how it should be.
The Hidden Price of Comfort
Currently let’s chat money. Every time a person 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 client? You’re taking just over $6. Not horrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That added cash adds up quick, specifically if you’re preparing to expand or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to construct a company (also a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your profits prior to you also start.
What It’s Actually Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re fretted that moving your listing or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: broken types, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking handy video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than simply tossing your email domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain utilizing their own infrastructure. It’s smart. Like, truly clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No funky CSV issues. No customers disappearing right into the void. Even linking my website was fine– fine, the styling took a little effort, yet hey, no platform’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. But it’s great. Actually good.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll most likely love it. Want to decrease in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly warn you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I have actually had magnificently composed e-newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I found a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a little bit hand-operated, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping concern.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It’s like they really want you to expand your audience. Shocking, ideal?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current subscribers bring in brand-new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Wish to run a free gift? Deal an incentive for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
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: Even More Money, Less Frustrations
This was one of the most significant reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that connects you with real sponsors.
Adjustable paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was currently earning greater than I ever before did on my old platform and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: the majority of newsletter tools uncommitted concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous problems
- Personalized types, branding and Beehiiv Withdrawal
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for the majority of makers, it’s more than enough. And it just works. No untidy DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t simply get open and click prices. You get real insights:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and maximize every step of your funnel, from type to available to acquire. Which sort of exposure? Invaluable when you’re trying to expand intentionally.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to grow. Right here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some e-commerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the odd edge cases.
But below’s the thing, Beehiiv really listens. I’ve currently seen updates turn out based upon customer responses, and that’s a really good indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Withdrawal
If you’re a designer, writer, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your checklist quick,
- To keep complete possession of your clients,
- To in fact earn money without system penalties,
- And to not fight with clunky email contractors …
Then indeed, you must definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want sophisticated CRM automations, perhaps look elsewhere. However if you’re developing a community, a personal brand, or a passion task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I migrate my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely supported. No CSV problems here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the standard Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never established an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience possession, better monetization tools, no platform costs, and much more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.