If you’re even from another location right into email newsletters, you have actually probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different about this system, something that makes designers like you stop, take a breath, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Jake Hurd Beehiiv…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Trying to select the ideal email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. However after almost ten years helpful individuals navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just mess around. I moved everything over. Right here’s why you might wish to do the exact same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They’ve got a tidy user interface and a devoted community of authors. But when it concerns monetization and target market possession, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It seems trendy theoretically, right? Like, extra visibility, even more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can’t call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before choose to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re developing a listing … that you do not have.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct a real relationship. That’s exactly how it needs to be.
The Hidden Cost of Ease
Now let’s chat money. Each 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 customer? You’re taking just over $6. Not awful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That extra money builds up quick, specifically if you’re intending to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to develop a service (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your earnings prior to you even begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that migrating your listing or establishing automations will be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You recognize the drill: broken forms, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking helpful videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to simply tossing your email domain name into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain utilizing their very own facilities. It’s smart. Like, truly wise.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No customers going away right into the void. Even attaching my website was fine– fine, the designing took a little effort, yet hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. But it’s excellent. Really excellent.
You can drag, drop, design, and preview with ease. If you’re refraining anything also design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Want to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always advise you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had beautifully written e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I discovered a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a little bit hand-operated, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreaded clipping concern.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely radiates.
It’s like they really desire you to grow your target market. Surprising, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current customers generate brand-new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable references baked right into the system.
Want to run a giveaway? Deal a benefit 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 other newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Money, Less Frustrations
This was one of the biggest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that connects you with actual sponsors.
Customizable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for getting web traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already earning more than I ever before did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: the majority of newsletter tools do not care about your landing page. However Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your past problems
- Customized types, branding and Jake Hurd Beehiiv
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for the majority of creators, it’s ample. And it simply functions. No untidy DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not simply obtain open and click rates. You obtain actual understandings:.
Where subscribers came 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 available to buy. Which kind of presence? Valuable when you’re trying to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to expand. Below’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a bit rigid. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some e-commerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the odd edge situations.
However right here’s things, Beehiiv really listens. I’ve already seen updates turn out based upon user responses, which’s a truly good indication.
All-time Low Line: Jake Hurd Beehiiv
If you’re a designer, author, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your checklist quick,
- To keep full possession of your customers,
- To actually make money without platform penalties,
- And to not battle with confusing e-mail building contractors …
Then of course, you ought to absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire advanced CRM automations, maybe look somewhere else. However if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand, or an enthusiasm project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement 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% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and easy, even if you have actually never ever set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience possession, better money making devices, no system costs, and more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.