If you’re even remotely into email e-newsletters, you have actually probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different regarding this platform, something that makes creators like you quit, take a breath, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” How To Use Beehiiv…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Attempting to choose the right email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. However after almost ten years of helping individuals browse e-mail marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I finally started and gave Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I really did not just dabble. I relocated whatever over. Here’s why you might want to do the same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They have actually obtained a clean interface and a dedicated community of authors. However when it involves money making and audience ownership, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds trendy on paper, right? Like, more visibility, even more involvement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” aren’t real customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can not call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before choose to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So primarily, you’re building a list … that you don’t possess.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a genuine partnership. That’s just how it needs to be.
The Hidden Cost of Ease
Now let’s speak cash. Every time a person 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 subscriber? You’re taking just over $6. Not awful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That added money accumulates fast, especially if you’re planning to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to develop an organization (also a side one), you need a system that’s not eating right into your profits prior to you even start.
What It’s Really Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that migrating your checklist or establishing automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: damaged forms, ghosted customers, styling headaches. Yet with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking valuable videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of simply throwing your e-mail domain right into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name utilizing their very own facilities. It’s clever. Like, truly smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No cool CSV problems. No clients vanishing right into deep space. Also connecting my internet site was great– alright, the designing took a little bit of effort, however hey, no system’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t flawless. However it’s great. Really great.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview easily. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Want to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly warn you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I have actually had actually wonderfully composed newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
Yet I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension prior to sending. It’s a bit manual, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll prevent the dreadful clipping concern.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It’s like they really want you to grow your target market. Surprising, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your existing customers generate new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Wish to run a free gift? Deal an incentive for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the largest factors I moved to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated ad network that attaches you with genuine sponsors.
Customizable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing website traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently making more than I ever before did on my old platform and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: most e-newsletter tools do not care concerning your landing page. But Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your past concerns
- Custom-made kinds, branding and How To Use Beehiiv
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for many designers, it’s more than enough. And it just works. No unpleasant DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just get open and click rates. You get real understandings:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and maximize every step of your funnel, from form to open to purchase. And that kind of exposure? Invaluable when you’re attempting to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Could Boost?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s got room to grow. Right here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the weird edge cases.
However right here’s the thing, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I’ve currently seen updates turn out based upon customer feedback, which’s an actually great sign.
The Bottom Line: How To Use Beehiiv
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your checklist quickly,
- To maintain complete ownership of your clients,
- To really make money without system charges,
- And to not combat with clunky e-mail builders …
Then yes, you ought to definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want advanced CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. However if you’re developing a community, a personal brand, or a passion project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I move my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally supported. No CSV nightmares below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the conventional Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and easy, even if you have actually never set up an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience possession, much better money making devices, no platform fees, and a lot more list-growth options.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.