If you’re also remotely right into e-mail e-newsletters, you have actually probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different regarding this platform, something that makes creators like you quit, breathe, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Acquires Swapstack…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Trying to pick the right e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. Yet after nearly ten years helpful individuals browse email marketing and 2 years running my very own newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and gave Beehiiv a proper, genuine test run.
And looter: I really did not simply mess around. I relocated everything over. Below’s why you may intend to do the exact same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re well-established. They’ve got a clean user interface and a dedicated community of writers. But when it pertains to money making and audience ownership, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds amazing on paper, right? Like, extra exposure, more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t real clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact 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 don’t own.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct a genuine partnership. That’s exactly how it needs to be.
The Hidden Expense of Comfort
Currently let’s speak money. Each time a person pays for your newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re stealing simply over $6. Not terrible … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That added money adds up quick, particularly if you’re preparing to grow or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to develop a service (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating into your revenues before you even begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that migrating your checklist or setting up automations will be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: broken forms, ghosted clients, styling problems. However with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking useful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of simply throwing your email domain right into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain utilizing their very own facilities. It’s smart. Like, truly wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No funky CSV issues. No clients vanishing right into the void. Even connecting my website was great– fine, the styling took a little bit of effort, but hey, no system’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s good. Truly good.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Want to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly caution you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had magnificently composed e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I discovered a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size before sending out. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, but once you master it, you’ll avoid the dreaded clipping concern.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they really want you to grow your target market. Surprising, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your existing clients 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? Offer a bonus offer 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 other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Money, Fewer Headaches
This was one of the largest reasons I transferred to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that connects you with real sponsors.
Personalized paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for getting web traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already gaining greater than I ever did on my old platform and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: many newsletter tools don’t care concerning your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your past problems
- Customized forms, branding and Beehiiv Acquires Swapstack
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for the majority of makers, it’s more than enough. And it just functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not just get open and click prices. You obtain actual understandings:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and optimize every action of your funnel, from form to open up to purchase. Which type of exposure? Priceless when you’re trying to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to expand. Right here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the odd side instances.
However here’s the important things, Beehiiv really listens. I’ve already seen updates roll out based on user comments, and that’s a truly great indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Acquires Swapstack
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your checklist quick,
- To keep full possession of your clients,
- To really generate income without platform fines,
- And to not combat with confusing e-mail builders …
Then of course, you must definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look somewhere else. But if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing email checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and fully supported. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the typical Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv great for beginners?
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 far better than Substack?
Audience ownership, better money making devices, no platform charges, and much more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also help you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all native features.