If you’re also remotely right into email e-newsletters, you have actually probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something various about this platform, something that makes developers like you stop, breathe, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv API Access…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Trying to choose the ideal e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. But after nearly ten years helpful individuals navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and provided Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And spoiler: I really did not just mess around. I moved everything over. Below’s why you may intend to do the exact same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They’ve got a tidy user interface and a faithful community of writers. But when it comes to monetization and audience ownership, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds amazing theoretically, right? Like, much more visibility, more interaction?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So generally, you’re developing a list … that you don’t possess.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a real relationship. That’s just how it must be.
The Hidden Price of Ease
Now let’s speak money. Each 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 stealing just over $6. Not dreadful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra money builds up fast, especially if you’re intending to expand or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to build an organization (also a side one), you require a system that’s not eating right into your revenues before you even start.
What It’s Really Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re stressed that migrating your checklist or establishing automations will certainly be a pain … do not be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You recognize the drill: busted types, ghosted customers, styling nightmares. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting useful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to simply throwing your email domain right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name utilizing their very own framework. It’s wise. Like, really smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No cool CSV problems. No customers going away right into the void. Even connecting my web site was great– alright, the designing took a little bit of elbow grease, yet hey, no platform’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s excellent. Actually good.
You can drag, drop, design, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re refraining from doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Intend to drop in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly caution you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had beautifully created e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I found a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size prior to sending. It’s a little bit hand-operated, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping issue.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It’s like they in fact want you to expand your audience. Shocking, best?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current clients generate new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Want to run a free gift? Deal a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Less Migraines
This was just one of the greatest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated advertisement network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Personalized paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already gaining more than I ever did on my old platform and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: most newsletter tools uncommitted concerning your landing page. However Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your previous issues
- Custom kinds, branding and Beehiiv API Access
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for many creators, it’s more than enough. And it simply functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click rates. You get actual insights:.
Where subscribers originated from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and optimize every step of your funnel, from form to available to acquire. Which kind of visibility? Valuable when you’re attempting to grow purposefully.
What Beehiiv Might Boost?
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got space to expand. Here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. 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).
Assistance could be quicker on the odd edge situations.
However right here’s the important things, Beehiiv actually listens. I have actually currently seen updates roll out based on individual comments, which’s an actually good sign.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv API Access
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your list fast,
- To keep complete ownership of your subscribers,
- To in fact earn money without system fines,
- And to not battle with confusing email home builders …
After that yes, you must absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want innovative CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. But if you’re developing a community, an individual brand name, or a passion project?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV problems here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the typical Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and very easy, even if you’ve never set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market possession, much better monetization tools, no system charges, and a lot more list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.