If you’re also remotely right into email e-newsletters, you’ve most likely listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something different concerning this platform, something that makes designers like you quit, breathe, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Dakota Robertson Beehiiv…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Trying to pick the right email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. Yet after almost 10 years of helping people navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my very own newsletter, I finally started and offered Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness test run.
And looter: I really did not simply mess around. I relocated whatever over. Below’s why you may wish to do the very same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a clean user interface and a dedicated community of authors. But when it involves monetization and target market possession, they falter. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems great on paper, right? Like, extra visibility, more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So primarily, you’re constructing a checklist … that you do not own.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct a genuine relationship. That’s exactly how it needs to be.
The Hidden Expense of Ease
Currently let’s talk cash. Every time someone pays for your 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 swiping simply over $6. Not horrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That extra cash builds up quick, particularly if you’re preparing to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to build an organization (also a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating right into your earnings before you even start.
What It’s Really Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re stressed that moving your checklist or setting up automations will be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: broken types, ghosted clients, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking valuable videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of simply throwing your email domain into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s wise. Like, truly smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No cool CSV concerns. No clients disappearing into deep space. Also linking my internet site was great– okay, the styling took a little bit of elbow grease, but hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s great. Truly excellent.
You can drag, drop, design, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re not doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Intend to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always caution you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had magnificently written newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending. It’s a bit hands-on, sure, once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping problem.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It’s like they actually desire you to expand your audience. Shocking, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your current subscribers generate brand-new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable references baked right into the system.
Wish to run a free gift? Offer a bonus 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 other e-newsletters’ target markets. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Money, Fewer Frustrations
This was one of the largest reasons I transferred to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that connects you with real sponsors.
Personalized paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was already earning greater than I ever did on my old system and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: most newsletter tools don’t care concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your previous issues
- Custom-made types, branding and Dakota Robertson Beehiiv
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for a lot of developers, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No messy DNS configs or broken embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply obtain open and click rates. You get real insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and maximize every action of your funnel, from kind to available to purchase. And that kind of visibility? Invaluable when you’re attempting to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Could Enhance?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to expand. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the strange edge instances.
However here’s things, Beehiiv in fact listens. I have actually already seen updates turn out based on user responses, which’s an actually good sign.
All-time Low Line: Dakota Robertson Beehiiv
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie publisher who wants:
- To grow your listing quickly,
- To maintain full possession of your subscribers,
- To really make money without system fines,
- And to not battle with cumbersome email building contractors …
After that indeed, you ought to absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want advanced CRM automations, possibly look in other places. But if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand, or a passion task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV nightmares below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the basic Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you have actually never ever set up an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience ownership, better monetization devices, no platform fees, and more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.