If you’re also remotely into email newsletters, you have actually most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something different concerning this system, something that makes designers like you quit, take a breath, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Can I Use Beehiiv For Free…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Trying to select the best e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. But after nearly one decade helpful individuals navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my own newsletter, I finally started and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine test run.
And looter: I really did not just dabble. I relocated whatever over. Right here’s why you may want to do the very same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They’ve got a tidy user interface and a devoted community of authors. However when it involves money making and audience ownership, they falter. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds awesome on paper, right? Like, extra presence, even more engagement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not obtain your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever choose to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So essentially, you’re building a list … that you don’t have.
Now compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop an actual partnership. That’s how it must be.
The Hidden Cost of Comfort
Currently let’s speak cash. Whenever someone pays for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re swiping just over $6. Not horrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That added money builds up quick, particularly if you’re preparing to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to develop a service (even a side one), you need a system that’s not eating into your profits before you also start.
What It’s In Fact Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re fretted that moving your checklist or setting up automations will be a pain … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: damaged types, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. Yet with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking valuable video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than simply tossing your email domain name into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain using their own infrastructure. It’s clever. Like, truly clever.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No cool CSV concerns. No clients going away right into the void. Also attaching my internet site was fine– alright, the designing took a bit of elbow grease, but hey, no platform’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. But it’s great. Really great.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably love it. Intend to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always warn you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had actually beautifully written e-newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not fun.
Yet I located a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the dreadful clipping problem.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It’s like they really desire you to expand your target market. Shocking, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your present clients bring in new ones– and it actually works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable references baked right into the system.
Intend to run a free gift? Deal an incentive for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Less Migraines
This was just one of the most significant factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated advertisement network that links you with genuine sponsors.
Customizable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing website traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently gaining greater than I ever before did on my old system and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: a lot of e-newsletter devices don’t care regarding your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous problems
- Custom types, branding and Can I Use Beehiiv For Free
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for many designers, it’s sufficient. And it just functions. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t simply get open and click rates. You obtain real insights:.
Where subscribers originated from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and enhance every step of your funnel, from form to available to buy. Which type of presence? Priceless when you’re attempting to expand intentionally.
What Beehiiv Could Boost?
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got space to grow. Below’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the weird side instances.
But here’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact listens. I have actually already seen updates roll out based on user feedback, which’s an actually excellent indicator.
All-time Low Line: Can I Use Beehiiv For Free
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your checklist fast,
- To maintain complete possession of your customers,
- To in fact make money without system fines,
- And to not battle with cumbersome email home builders …
Then yes, you need to definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire advanced CRM automations, maybe look in other places. But if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the conventional Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you have actually never established a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market ownership, much better money making devices, no platform fees, and much more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid registrations are all native features.