If you’re even from another location right into e-mail newsletters, you have actually probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something various concerning this platform, something that makes designers like you stop, take a breath, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Boosts…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Attempting to choose the best email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. Yet after virtually one decade of helping individuals navigate email marketing and 2 years running my very own e-newsletter, I ultimately started and offered Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply mess around. I relocated everything over. Right here’s why you might wish to do the very same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They have actually obtained a tidy interface and a faithful community of writers. However when it involves money making and target market ownership, they falter. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems great theoretically, right? Like, extra exposure, even more engagement?
Yeah … not exactly.
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’t take them with you.
So essentially, you’re constructing a checklist … that you don’t possess.
Now compare 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 genuine relationship. That’s just how it should be.
The Hidden Expense of Comfort
Now let’s talk cash. Every single time a person pays for your 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 just over $6. Not horrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That added money adds up quick, particularly if you’re planning to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to construct a company (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating right into your earnings before you even start.
What It’s In Fact Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re worried that moving your listing or setting up automations will be a pain … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: busted kinds, ghosted clients, styling nightmares. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting handy videos, clear walkthroughs, and genuine support when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to just throwing your e-mail domain into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain name using their own infrastructure. It’s clever. Like, truly wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No subscribers disappearing into deep space. Also linking my web site was fine– fine, the designing 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 e-mail builder isn’t flawless. But it’s great. Really good.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek with ease. If you’re not doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Intend to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly warn you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had actually perfectly composed e-newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
Yet I located a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size before sending. It’s a bit hand-operated, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the dreadful clipping issue.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It resembles they really desire you to expand your target market. Surprising, ideal?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your present clients bring in brand-new ones– and it actually works. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable references baked right into the system.
Want to run a giveaway? Offer a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Cash, Fewer Migraines
This was just one of the largest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that connects you with real sponsors.
Customizable paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for getting web traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already gaining more than I ever did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: a lot of e-newsletter devices do not care concerning your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous problems
- Custom-made kinds, branding and Beehiiv Boosts
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for many creators, it’s sufficient. And it simply works. No untidy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just get open and click prices. You obtain genuine insights:.
Where clients originated from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and optimize every action of your funnel, from type to available to purchase. And that sort of exposure? Priceless when you’re attempting to expand on purpose.
What Beehiiv Might Improve?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got room to expand. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the unusual edge instances.
Yet right here’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates present based upon individual feedback, and that’s a really good sign.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Boosts
If you’re a maker, author, or indie author who desires:
- To grow your list quick,
- To maintain full possession of your clients,
- To really make money without platform charges,
- And to not fight with confusing email builders …
After that yes, you need to definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire sophisticated CRM automations, maybe look somewhere else. Yet if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand, or an interest project?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the typical Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you have actually never ever established an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market ownership, much better monetization tools, no platform fees, and a lot more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all native features.