If you’re also from another location into e-mail newsletters, you have actually most likely listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something various about this platform, something that makes creators like you quit, take a breath, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Can You Use Beehiiv For Free…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Trying to pick the right email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. But after nearly ten years helpful people navigate email marketing and 2 years running my very own e-newsletter, I finally took the plunge and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I really did not just mess around. I relocated whatever over. Right here’s why you could want to do the same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a tidy interface and a dedicated community of writers. But when it comes to money making and audience possession, they falter. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds amazing theoretically, right? Like, extra presence, more involvement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So primarily, you’re developing a listing … that you do not possess.
Now compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct an actual partnership. That’s just how it needs to be.
The Hidden Price of Convenience
Now let’s chat cash. Every time a person spends for your e-newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re taking just over $6. Not terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra money accumulates quickly, specifically if you’re intending to expand or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to build an organization (also a side one), you need a system that’s not eating right into your profits before you even start.
What It’s In Fact Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that migrating your list or establishing automations will certainly be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: broken types, ghosted clients, styling nightmares. However with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting practical video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than simply throwing your e-mail domain into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain name utilizing their own infrastructure. It’s wise. Like, actually wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No cool CSV issues. No clients going away right into the void. Also linking my website was fine– alright, the designing took a bit of elbow grease, but hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. Yet it’s excellent. Really great.
You can drag, drop, design, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Intend to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly alert you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had magnificently created e-newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I discovered a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size prior to sending. It’s a little bit hands-on, sure, but once you master it, you’ll prevent the feared clipping issue.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It resembles they in fact desire you to expand your audience. Stunning, best?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your present subscribers generate brand-new ones– and it really works. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Offer a benefit 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 various other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was just one of the largest factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Personalized paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for buying website traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was already making greater than I ever did on my old platform and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: the majority of newsletter tools do not care about your landing page. However Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous problems
- Custom-made types, branding and Can You Use Beehiiv For Free
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for the majority of developers, it’s sufficient. And it simply works. No unpleasant DNS configs or damaged embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not just get open and click prices. You get real understandings:.
Where subscribers 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 action of your funnel, from kind to open to purchase. Which kind of exposure? Priceless when you’re trying to expand on purpose.
What Beehiiv Could Enhance?
No system is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to expand. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the weird side cases.
However here’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I have actually already seen updates present based upon individual feedback, which’s a truly excellent sign.
All-time Low Line: Can You Use Beehiiv For Free
If you’re a designer, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your listing fast,
- To maintain full possession of your clients,
- To really make money without system charges,
- And to not battle with cumbersome e-mail building contractors …
Then yes, you must absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want innovative CRM automations, maybe look somewhere else. But 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 listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely supported. No CSV problems here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the basic Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for newbies?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience possession, far better money making devices, no platform fees, and much more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.