If you’re also remotely into e-mail newsletters, you have actually most likely heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different concerning this platform, something that makes makers like you quit, breathe, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Five Words In…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Attempting to select the appropriate e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. But after almost ten years helpful individuals navigate email marketing and 2 years running my own newsletter, I finally took the plunge and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply mess around. I moved whatever over. Here’s why you might intend to do the same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They’ve got a clean user interface and a loyal community of authors. But when it comes to monetization and target market possession, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems great on paper, right? Like, a lot more presence, more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So basically, you’re building a checklist … that you do not own.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct a real relationship. That’s exactly how it ought to be.
The Hidden Cost of Comfort
Currently let’s speak money. Every time someone pays for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re filching simply over $6. Not awful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That added money adds up fast, especially if you’re intending to grow or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to develop a company (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your profits prior to you even begin.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that migrating your listing or setting up automations will be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: broken forms, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking handy video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than simply tossing your e-mail domain into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name using their own facilities. It’s smart. Like, really clever.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No subscribers disappearing into deep space. Also linking my internet site was fine– all right, the styling took a little elbow grease, yet hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s great. Truly excellent.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll probably like it. Wish to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly advise you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I have actually had actually magnificently written e-newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I found a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a little bit hands-on, sure, but once you master it, you’ll avoid the dreaded clipping concern.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It resembles they really want you to expand your audience. Surprising, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your present clients bring in new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Want to run a giveaway? Offer a bonus for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the most significant factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that connects you with genuine sponsors.
Customizable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing website traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was currently earning more than I ever before did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: a lot of e-newsletter tools uncommitted concerning your landing page. However Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your past problems
- Customized types, branding and Beehiiv Five Words In
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for many developers, it’s sufficient. And it simply works. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply obtain open and click prices. You obtain actual understandings:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and maximize every action of your funnel, from type to open up to buy. Which type of visibility? Valuable when you’re trying to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s got area to grow. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the strange edge instances.
But right here’s the thing, Beehiiv actually listens. I have actually already seen updates roll out based on individual responses, and that’s a really good indicator.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Five Words In
If you’re a designer, author, or indie publisher who desires:
- To grow your list quickly,
- To maintain complete possession of your subscribers,
- To actually make money without platform fines,
- And to not battle with confusing e-mail builders …
Then of course, you should definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want innovative CRM automations, maybe look in other places. Yet if you’re building a community, a personal brand, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally supported. No CSV problems here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Simply the standard Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you’ve never ever set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market possession, much better monetization tools, no system charges, and much more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even help you warm it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all native features.