If you’re even from another location right into email newsletters, you have actually 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 makers like you stop, breathe, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Jacob Wolf Beehiiv…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Attempting to select the best e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. But after virtually ten years of helping people navigate email marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I finally started and gave Beehiiv a correct, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply dabble. I moved everything over. Here’s why you might want to do the very same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They have actually got a clean user interface and a devoted community of authors. Yet when it involves monetization and target market possession, they falter. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems awesome on paper, right? Like, more exposure, even more interaction?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your emails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever choose to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So primarily, you’re building a listing … that you do not own.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct a genuine connection. That’s exactly how it ought to be.
The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Now let’s chat cash. Every time somebody spends 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 pocketing simply over $6. Not terrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That extra cash adds up quickly, especially if you’re planning to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to build an organization (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating into your profits prior to you even start.
What It’s Really Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re worried that moving your list or establishing automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: busted forms, ghosted customers, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting practical video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than simply tossing your e-mail domain into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain name utilizing their very own infrastructure. It’s wise. Like, actually smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No clients vanishing right into deep space. Even connecting my website was fine– alright, the designing took a bit of effort, however hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s excellent. Really good.
You can drag, drop, design, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re refraining anything too design-heavy, you’ll probably love it. Intend to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always caution you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had actually magnificently composed newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I discovered a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending. It’s a bit manual, sure, but once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreaded clipping issue.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely radiates.
It resembles they actually desire you to grow your audience. Shocking, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your existing customers bring in brand-new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer an incentive for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other newsletters’ target markets. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Fewer Migraines
This was among the largest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that connects you with actual sponsors.
Customizable paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for getting web traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently earning greater than I ever did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: a lot of e-newsletter devices don’t care regarding your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your past problems
- Customized kinds, branding and Jacob Wolf Beehiiv
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for a lot of developers, it’s ample. And it simply functions. No untidy DNS configs or broken embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just get open and click rates. You get real insights:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and enhance every step of your funnel, from kind to available to acquire. And that type of exposure? Priceless when you’re trying to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Could Enhance?
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to expand. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the strange edge instances.
But here’s the important things, Beehiiv really pays attention. I have actually already seen updates roll out based upon user feedback, and that’s a really great sign.
All-time Low Line: Jacob Wolf Beehiiv
If you’re a designer, writer, or indie author who desires:
- To grow your checklist fast,
- To keep full ownership of your subscribers,
- To really generate income without system charges,
- And to not fight with clunky e-mail building contractors …
After that of course, you should absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire sophisticated CRM automations, perhaps look elsewhere. But if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand name, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I move my existing e-mail listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV problems here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the standard Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and very easy, even if you’ve never set up an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience ownership, better monetization tools, no system costs, and extra list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.