If you’re also remotely into e-mail e-newsletters, you’ve most likely listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something various concerning this platform, something that makes creators like you stop, breathe, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Flight Beehiiv…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Attempting to choose the right email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. However after almost one decade of helping people browse e-mail marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I finally took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a proper, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just dabble. I moved every little thing over. Below’s why you might wish to do the exact same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re well-established. They’ve got a clean user interface and a dedicated community of writers. However when it pertains to monetization and target market possession, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds trendy theoretically, right? Like, extra visibility, even more interaction?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before make a decision to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So essentially, you’re developing a listing … that you don’t possess.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop an actual connection. That’s exactly how it must be.
The Hidden Expense of Benefit
Now let’s talk money. Every time somebody pays for your e-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 terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra cash money builds up quickly, especially if you’re planning to grow or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to construct a service (even a side one), you need a system that’s not eating right into your profits before you also begin.
What It’s Really Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that moving your list or setting up automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: broken kinds, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. Yet with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking valuable video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of simply tossing your email domain name into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain utilizing their own framework. It’s wise. Like, really smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No customers going away right into the void. Also linking my internet site was great– alright, the designing took a little bit of effort, but hey, no system’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. Yet it’s excellent. Truly good.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Want to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always warn you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had wonderfully created e-newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I located a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size before sending out. It’s a little bit hands-on, sure, once you get the hang of it, you’ll prevent the feared clipping concern.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It resembles they in fact want you to grow your target market. Surprising, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current customers bring in new ones– and it really works. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Want to run a giveaway? Deal a perk for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was among the greatest reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that connects you with real sponsors.
Adjustable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing web traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was currently gaining greater than I ever did on my old system and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: many e-newsletter tools uncommitted regarding your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your past issues
- Personalized types, branding and Flight Beehiiv
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for many creators, it’s ample. And it just functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click rates. You obtain genuine insights:.
Where subscribers originated from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and optimize every action of your funnel, from type to open to purchase. And that type of exposure? Invaluable when you’re attempting to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got room to expand. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the weird side instances.
Yet right here’s things, Beehiiv actually listens. I’ve already seen updates roll out based on user responses, which’s a truly good sign.
The Bottom Line: Flight Beehiiv
If you’re a designer, writer, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your checklist quickly,
- To keep full ownership of your subscribers,
- To really generate income without system fines,
- And to not fight with clunky email contractors …
Then yes, you ought to absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want sophisticated CRM automations, maybe look somewhere else. However if you’re building a community, a personal brand name, or a passion project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I move my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and fully sustained. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the basic Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv great for newbies?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you have actually never ever established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience possession, much better money making tools, no system costs, and a lot more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, ad networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.