If you’re even from another location right into email e-newsletters, you have actually probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different regarding this platform, something that makes creators like you stop, take a breath, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Footnotes in Beehiiv…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Attempting to choose the right e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. But after nearly ten years of helping people navigate email marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I ultimately started and gave Beehiiv a proper, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply dabble. I relocated whatever over. Below’s why you might wish to do the very same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a clean interface and a faithful community of writers. Yet when it involves monetization and audience possession, they falter. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds cool on paper, right? Like, much more presence, more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t real subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not obtain your emails in their inbox. You can not contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re developing a listing … that you don’t own.
Now compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real connection. That’s exactly how it needs to be.
The Hidden Price of Benefit
Currently let’s chat money. Whenever somebody pays for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re filching just over $6. Not horrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That additional cash accumulates quick, particularly if you’re preparing to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to build a service (also a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating into your revenues prior to you even begin.
What It’s Actually Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re worried that migrating your list or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: busted kinds, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking valuable videos, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of simply throwing your email domain into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain using their own facilities. It’s wise. Like, actually clever.
And importing my list? Smooth. No funky CSV issues. No clients going away right into deep space. Also linking my web site was fine– okay, the designing took a little bit of elbow grease, yet hey, no platform’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. However it’s great. Really good.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll possibly love it. Want to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always alert you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had actually wonderfully written e-newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I located a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a little bit manual, sure, once you master it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping concern.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It’s like they actually want you to grow your target market. Shocking, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current subscribers generate new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Offer a perk for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Less Frustrations
This was among the biggest factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated ad network that links you with actual enrollers.
Adjustable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing website traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already making more than I ever before did on my old system and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: the majority of e-newsletter devices do not care concerning your landing page. But Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your past problems
- Custom-made forms, branding and Footnotes in Beehiiv
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for most makers, it’s ample. And it just works. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not just obtain open and click rates. You obtain actual understandings:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and enhance every step of your funnel, from kind to open up to acquire. Which sort of visibility? Invaluable when you’re attempting to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to expand. Here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the odd side instances.
Yet here’s the thing, Beehiiv really pays attention. I’ve already seen updates roll out based on individual comments, and that’s an actually good indicator.
The Bottom Line: Footnotes in Beehiiv
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie publisher who wants:
- To grow your list fast,
- To keep complete possession of your subscribers,
- To really earn money without platform penalties,
- And to not combat with confusing e-mail building contractors …
After that yes, you should definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want innovative CRM automations, perhaps look elsewhere. But if you’re building a community, a personal brand, or an interest task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Simply the basic Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you have actually never established an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market possession, far better money making devices, no system costs, and more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all native features.