If you’re even remotely into email newsletters, you’ve probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something various about this system, something that makes designers like you quit, breathe, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Ad Network…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Attempting to pick the ideal e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. But after virtually ten years of helping people browse e-mail marketing and 2 years running my very own newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and gave Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness test run.
And looter: I really did not simply dabble. I relocated everything over. Right here’s why you could wish to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a clean interface and a dedicated community of writers. However when it pertains to monetization and audience ownership, they falter. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It seems amazing on paper, right? Like, extra presence, even more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” aren’t real clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before choose to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So generally, you’re constructing a listing … that you don’t possess.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real connection. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Price of Comfort
Now let’s talk cash. Every time somebody spends for your 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 swiping simply over $6. Not dreadful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra cash money builds up quick, particularly if you’re preparing to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to build a company (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating right into your revenues before you also start.
What It’s Really Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re stressed that moving your list or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: busted forms, ghosted clients, styling headaches. Yet with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking practical video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to just tossing your email domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain utilizing their own framework. It’s clever. Like, actually smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV problems. No clients disappearing into the void. Also linking my internet site was great– fine, the designing took a little bit of elbow grease, however hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s great. Really excellent.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview with ease. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll probably love it. Intend to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly warn you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had magnificently created newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I located a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension prior to sending out. It’s a little bit hands-on, certain, once you master it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping issue.
Expanding Your Listing with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It resembles they in fact desire you to expand your target market. Shocking, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your existing subscribers generate brand-new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Want to run a giveaway? Deal a bonus for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Cash, Less Headaches
This was one of the most significant reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Personalized paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for buying web traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already earning greater than I ever before did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: the majority of newsletter tools don’t care concerning your landing page. But Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your past problems
- Customized kinds, branding and Beehiiv Ad Network
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for a lot of developers, it’s sufficient. And it just works. No untidy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t just get open and click prices. You obtain real insights:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and enhance every action of your funnel, from type to available to purchase. And that sort of presence? Invaluable when you’re attempting to expand on purpose.
What Beehiiv Could Enhance?
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to expand. Here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some ecommerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the odd side instances.
But here’s the important things, Beehiiv actually listens. I have actually currently seen updates present based upon individual feedback, and that’s a really good indicator.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Ad Network
If you’re a developer, author, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your list fast,
- To keep complete ownership of your subscribers,
- To in fact make money without system fines,
- And to not fight with cumbersome e-mail home builders …
After that indeed, you must absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want advanced CRM automations, maybe look elsewhere. Yet if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand, or an interest job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs About
1. Can I move my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the basic Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you’ve never established a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience ownership, far better monetization tools, no platform costs, and much more list-growth options.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even help you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.