If you’re also remotely into e-mail e-newsletters, you have actually possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something various regarding this platform, something that makes developers like you quit, take a breath, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Geekout Newsletter…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Trying to pick the best email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. However after virtually one decade of helping people navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my very own newsletter, I lastly started and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply mess around. I moved everything over. Below’s why you could intend to do the very same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re reputable. They’ve got a clean interface and a dedicated community of writers. But when it pertains to money making and audience possession, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds amazing on paper, right? Like, extra visibility, more interaction?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. 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 don’t possess.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a genuine relationship. That’s just how it should be.
The Hidden Price of Benefit
Now let’s speak money. Whenever 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 subscriber? You’re pocketing simply over $6. Not terrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That additional cash adds up quickly, specifically if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to develop an organization (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating into your earnings prior to you even start.
What It’s Really Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re worried that moving your checklist or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You recognize the drill: damaged kinds, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking helpful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual support when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of simply tossing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain name utilizing their very own framework. It’s clever. Like, truly smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No clients disappearing into the void. Also attaching my web site was fine– okay, the styling took a little effort, however hey, no platform’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. However it’s good. Actually great.
You can drag, go down, design, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll possibly enjoy it. Wish to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly alert you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I have actually had beautifully composed newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
But I located a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a bit hand-operated, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping issue.
Expanding Your Listing with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It’s like they really want you to expand your target market. Surprising, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your existing customers bring in brand-new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable references baked right into the system.
Wish to run a free gift? Deal a bonus offer 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 various other e-newsletters’ target markets. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Less Frustrations
This was among the greatest factors I moved to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that links you with genuine sponsors.
Customizable paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for buying web traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently making greater than I ever did on my old system and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: a lot of e-newsletter devices uncommitted concerning your landing page. But Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous concerns
- Customized forms, branding and Beehiiv Geekout Newsletter
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for most designers, it’s more than enough. And it just works. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just get open and click prices. You obtain real insights:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and optimize every step of your funnel, from type to available to acquire. And that type of visibility? Priceless when you’re attempting to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Can Boost?
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to expand. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the unusual edge instances.
But right here’s things, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I have actually already seen updates turn out based upon customer responses, and that’s an actually good sign.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Geekout Newsletter
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your listing fast,
- To maintain full possession of your subscribers,
- To in fact generate income without platform penalties,
- And to not battle with cumbersome e-mail home builders …
Then of course, you should absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire advanced CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. However if you’re building a community, an individual brand name, or an enthusiasm project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I migrate my existing email checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV headaches below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the basic Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you have actually never established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience ownership, far better monetization devices, no system costs, and extra list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all native features.