If you’re also remotely right into e-mail newsletters, you have actually possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something various about this system, something that makes creators like you quit, breathe, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” GrowLetter Beehiiv…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Attempting to select the best e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. However after virtually ten years of helping individuals browse email marketing and 2 years running my own newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness test run.
And looter: I really did not just mess around. I moved everything over. Right here’s why you may wish to do the very same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They’ve got a tidy interface and a loyal community of writers. However when it comes to money making and audience possession, they falter. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds cool theoretically, right? Like, more exposure, more engagement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your emails in their inbox. You can’t call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever make a decision to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re building a checklist … that you do not have.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct a genuine partnership. That’s how it ought to be.
The Hidden Expense of Ease
Now let’s speak cash. Each time 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 client? You’re filching simply over $6. Not dreadful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That added cash money accumulates quick, specifically if you’re intending to grow 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 into your profits prior to you also begin.
What It’s Really Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re worried that migrating your listing or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … do not be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: busted forms, ghosted clients, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting practical videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of just throwing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively presents your domain name using their own framework. It’s smart. Like, truly clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No customers going away right into the void. Also connecting my web site was great– all right, the styling took a bit of effort, however hey, no platform’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s good. Really great.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek easily. If you’re refraining anything also design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Want to decrease in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly caution you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had magnificently composed e-newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I found a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size before sending. It’s a bit hand-operated, sure, once you master it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping concern.
Expanding Your Listing with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely radiates.
It resembles they in fact want you to expand your target market. Surprising, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current subscribers bring in new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Deal a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Money, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the greatest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that connects you with actual enrollers.
Customizable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for buying traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently gaining greater than I ever before did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: many e-newsletter devices uncommitted regarding your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your past problems
- Customized kinds, branding and GrowLetter Beehiiv
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for the majority of makers, it’s ample. And it simply functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or broken embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t simply get open and click prices. You get real insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every step of your funnel, from form to available to buy. Which kind of presence? Invaluable when you’re trying to expand intentionally.
What Beehiiv Can Enhance?
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to expand. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the weird edge situations.
Yet here’s the important things, Beehiiv actually listens. I have actually already seen updates present based upon individual feedback, which’s a truly good sign.
The Bottom Line: GrowLetter Beehiiv
If you’re a designer, writer, or indie publisher who wants:
- To grow your listing quickly,
- To keep full possession of your clients,
- To really make money without system penalties,
- And to not fight with confusing e-mail builders …
After that yes, you should absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want sophisticated CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. Yet if you’re building a community, an individual brand, or a passion project?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV nightmares here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Simply the standard Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for beginners?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and easy, even if you have actually never ever set up a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better monetization devices, no platform charges, and a lot more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.