If you’re also from another location right into e-mail e-newsletters, you have actually possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different regarding this platform, something that makes developers like you quit, take a breath, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Dr. Jen Ashton…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Attempting to choose the best email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. Yet after almost ten years helpful individuals browse email marketing and 2 years running my own newsletter, I ultimately started and provided Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine trial run.
And looter: I didn’t simply mess around. I moved whatever over. Here’s why you may intend to do the very same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They have actually got a clean user interface and a loyal community of writers. Yet when it comes to money making and target market ownership, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds awesome theoretically, right? Like, more visibility, even more interaction?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t obtain your emails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever make a decision to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So primarily, you’re developing a checklist … that you don’t possess.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real relationship. That’s how it ought to be.
The Hidden Price of Comfort
Currently let’s talk money. Every single time a person spends for your newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re taking just over $6. Not awful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That additional money builds up quick, particularly if you’re planning to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to develop a business (also a side one), you need a system that’s not eating into your profits before you even start.
What It’s In Fact Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re worried that migrating your listing or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: broken types, ghosted customers, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking handy video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to just tossing your e-mail domain into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually presents your domain utilizing their very own facilities. It’s smart. Like, actually clever.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV problems. No customers vanishing right into deep space. Even connecting my site was great– okay, the designing took a bit of elbow grease, yet hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t flawless. Yet it’s great. Actually great.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview easily. If you’re not doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll possibly enjoy it. Intend to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly alert you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had actually magnificently written newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I located a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML dimension prior to sending. It’s a little bit manual, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the dreadful clipping concern.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they in fact want you to expand your target market. Shocking, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your current clients bring in new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Offer a benefit 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 various other e-newsletters’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Money, Fewer Frustrations
This was just one of the greatest reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Adjustable paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently making greater than I ever before did on my old system and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: a lot of e-newsletter devices don’t care concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous issues
- Personalized types, branding and Beehiiv Dr. Jen Ashton
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for a lot of developers, it’s more than enough. And it just works. No untidy DNS configs or busted embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t simply get open and click prices. You get real insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every action of your funnel, from kind to available to purchase. Which kind of presence? Priceless when you’re attempting to expand intentionally.
What Beehiiv Might Boost?
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to expand. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail 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 faster on the odd edge situations.
But here’s things, Beehiiv really listens. I have actually currently seen updates turn out based upon customer comments, which’s an actually good sign.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Dr. Jen Ashton
If you’re a developer, author, or indie author who desires:
- To expand your list fast,
- To maintain complete possession of your customers,
- To actually earn money without platform fines,
- And to not battle with confusing e-mail builders …
Then of course, you should absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want sophisticated CRM automations, perhaps look elsewhere. Yet if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand, or an interest task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I move my existing email checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV nightmares below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the conventional Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you have actually never established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience possession, much better money making tools, no system charges, and extra list-growth options.
5. Can I use my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.