If you’re also from another location into e-mail newsletters, you’ve most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different concerning this platform, something that makes developers like you stop, breathe, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Is Beehiiv Free…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Attempting to select the best email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. But after nearly 10 years helpful people browse e-mail marketing and 2 years running my very own newsletter, I finally started and provided Beehiiv a correct, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just dabble. I moved whatever over. Right here’s why you may intend to do the very same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You Might Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They’ve got a tidy user interface and a devoted community of authors. However when it pertains to monetization and audience ownership, they falter. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It seems trendy on paper, right? Like, much more visibility, even more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “fans” aren’t real customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So primarily, you’re building a list … that you don’t have.
Currently compare 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 Cost of Ease
Currently let’s chat money. Every 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 subscriber? You’re taking just over $6. Not awful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That extra cash accumulates fast, especially if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to develop an organization (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your profits prior to you also start.
What It’s Really Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re worried that moving your checklist or setting up automations will be a pain … don’t be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: busted kinds, ghosted clients, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking handy video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to just tossing your e-mail domain right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s wise. Like, truly clever.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No customers going away into deep space. Also attaching my site was fine– alright, the styling took a bit of elbow grease, but hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s great. Actually great.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview with ease. If you’re refraining anything too design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Want to drop in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly advise you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had actually beautifully composed newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
Yet I found a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML dimension before sending. It’s a bit hand-operated, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll prevent the dreaded clipping issue.
Growing Your List with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It’s like they actually desire you to expand your audience. Stunning, best?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your current subscribers bring in new ones– and it actually works. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Wish to run a free gift? Offer a bonus for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was among the biggest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that connects you with actual enrollers.
Personalized paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for acquiring website traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently earning more than I ever did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: a lot of newsletter tools don’t care about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your previous issues
- Custom kinds, branding and Is Beehiiv Free
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for many developers, it’s more than enough. And it just works. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t simply obtain open and click rates. You get actual insights:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and enhance every action of your funnel, from kind to open to buy. And that sort of presence? Valuable when you’re trying to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Could Boost?
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got space to grow. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the odd edge cases.
However below’s the important things, Beehiiv actually listens. I have actually currently seen updates present based on customer feedback, which’s a truly excellent indication.
All-time Low Line: Is Beehiiv Free
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie publisher who wants:
- To grow your list quickly,
- To maintain complete ownership of your subscribers,
- To really make money without system charges,
- And to not fight with clunky email builders …
Then of course, you must absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire advanced CRM automations, possibly look in other places. However if you’re building a community, a personal brand name, or a passion task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Just the basic Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never set up a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience ownership, better monetization devices, no system costs, and extra list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.