If you’re even remotely into e-mail newsletters, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different concerning this platform, something that makes makers like you quit, breathe, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Creator Network…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Attempting to select the ideal email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. But after nearly ten years helpful individuals browse email marketing and 2 years running my own newsletter, I finally took the plunge and provided Beehiiv a proper, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply dabble. I moved whatever over. Below’s why you could wish to do the same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They have actually obtained a clean user interface and a dedicated community of authors. However when it concerns money making and target market ownership, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It seems cool theoretically, right? Like, more presence, even more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever choose to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So essentially, you’re constructing a list … that you don’t own.
Now compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a genuine relationship. That’s just how it should be.
The Hidden Cost of Comfort
Currently let’s talk cash. Every single time someone pays for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re taking simply over $6. Not terrible … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That additional cash builds up quick, especially if you’re intending to expand or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to construct an organization (also a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your revenues before you also start.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that moving your checklist or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … don’t be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: busted forms, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. But with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking valuable videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to just tossing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain using their own facilities. It’s smart. Like, actually smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No clients vanishing right into the void. Also connecting my site was great– fine, the designing took a bit of effort, however hey, no platform’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s good. Actually excellent.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview with ease. If you’re refraining anything too design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Wish to decrease in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always alert you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had actually beautifully composed newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I discovered a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension before sending out. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll prevent the dreaded clipping problem.
Growing Your List with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It resembles they really want you to expand your target market. Shocking, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current customers generate brand-new ones– and it really works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Deal a perk 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. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Money, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the largest factors I moved to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated advertisement network that connects you with genuine sponsors.
Customizable paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for buying traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was already earning more than I ever before did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: many newsletter devices do not care regarding your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your previous issues
- Custom forms, branding and Beehiiv Creator Network
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for the majority of creators, it’s ample. And it just works. No messy DNS configs or broken embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t simply obtain open and click prices. You obtain genuine insights:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and enhance every action of your funnel, from form to available to purchase. And that type of visibility? Priceless when you’re attempting to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Might Boost?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s got space to grow. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the strange edge instances.
Yet below’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I have actually already seen updates turn out based on customer feedback, and that’s a truly excellent indicator.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Creator Network
If you’re a creator, author, or indie publisher who desires:
- To expand your list fast,
- To keep complete ownership of your customers,
- To really earn money without system penalties,
- And to not battle with cumbersome email building contractors …
Then of course, you should absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire innovative CRM automations, maybe look in other places. However if you’re developing a community, a personal brand name, or a passion project?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully supported. No CSV problems below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the basic Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and very easy, even if you’ve never ever set up an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market ownership, better monetization tools, no platform charges, and extra list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also aid you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.