If you’re also from another location into email e-newsletters, you’ve probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something various concerning this system, something that makes designers like you quit, take a breath, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Editor…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Trying to select the right email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. But after virtually 10 years of helping people browse email marketing and 2 years running my own newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I really did not just mess around. I relocated everything over. Below’s why you may intend to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They have actually got a tidy user interface and a faithful community of authors. Yet when it concerns money making and audience possession, they falter. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It appears cool on paper, right? Like, much more exposure, even more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “fans” aren’t real subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can not call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re building a list … that you do not have.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can develop an actual relationship. That’s how it ought to be.
The Hidden Price of Ease
Currently let’s talk money. Every time someone pays for your 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 stealing simply over $6. Not horrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That added cash accumulates quick, specifically if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to develop a company (also a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your earnings before you even start.
What It’s Really Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re fretted that moving your list or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: damaged kinds, ghosted customers, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting helpful videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to simply tossing your email domain name into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name using their very own framework. It’s wise. Like, actually wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No cool CSV issues. No customers disappearing into deep space. Also connecting my internet site was fine– fine, the styling took a little elbow grease, however hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. Yet it’s excellent. Actually great.
You can drag, drop, design, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Wish to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly advise you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had beautifully written e-newsletters get chopped off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I found a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size before sending. It’s a little bit hand-operated, sure, once you master it, you’ll prevent the feared clipping issue.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they really desire you to grow your target market. Shocking, best?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your present subscribers bring in brand-new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Offer a perk for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other newsletters’ target markets. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Money, Less Migraines
This was among the biggest reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Customizable paid registrations with full control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently making greater than I ever before did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: most newsletter devices uncommitted regarding your landing page. But Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your previous problems
- Custom types, branding and Beehiiv Editor
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for a lot of designers, it’s sufficient. And it simply functions. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not simply obtain open and click prices. You obtain real insights:.
Where subscribers 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 maximize every step of your funnel, from form to available to acquire. And that sort of presence? Invaluable when you’re trying to expand purposefully.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to grow. Right here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some ecommerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the strange side cases.
Yet below’s the important things, Beehiiv really listens. I have actually currently seen updates turn out based on individual responses, which’s a truly good indicator.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Editor
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your checklist fast,
- To keep full ownership of your subscribers,
- To actually earn money without system charges,
- And to not fight with clunky e-mail building contractors …
After that yes, you must absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire sophisticated CRM automations, maybe look in other places. Yet if you’re developing a community, an individual brand name, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I move my existing e-mail checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and fully sustained. No CSV headaches below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Just the basic Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you have actually never set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Audience possession, better monetization tools, no platform fees, and extra list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.