If you’re even remotely right into e-mail newsletters, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something various regarding this platform, something that makes designers like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Milk Road…
I’ve been exactly where you are. Attempting to choose the appropriate email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. But after almost ten years of helping individuals navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my very own e-newsletter, I lastly took the plunge and gave Beehiiv a proper, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I really did not just dabble. I relocated whatever over. Here’s why you could intend to do the very same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a clean interface and a dedicated community of writers. However when it pertains to money making and target market ownership, they falter. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It seems great on paper, right? Like, a lot more presence, more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
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 contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So primarily, you’re constructing a listing … that you don’t have.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can develop an actual connection. That’s just how it ought to be.
The Hidden Cost of Convenience
Currently let’s speak cash. Whenever a person spends for your e-newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 client? You’re pocketing simply over $6. Not terrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That extra cash builds up quick, specifically if you’re planning to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to construct a business (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 Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed 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 know the drill: broken types, ghosted customers, styling headaches. However with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking valuable video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of just throwing your e-mail domain name right into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name utilizing their own infrastructure. It’s wise. Like, really smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No customers vanishing into the void. Also attaching my site was great– all right, the styling took a bit of elbow grease, but hey, no platform’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. However it’s great. Actually excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely love it. Want to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always alert you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had perfectly composed newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I discovered a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML size before sending. It’s a bit manual, sure, once you master it, you’ll prevent the feared clipping concern.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It resembles they in fact want you to expand your audience. Shocking, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your current clients generate new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Wish to run a giveaway? Offer a bonus for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Fewer Headaches
This was one of the biggest reasons I transferred to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that links you with real sponsors.
Adjustable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for buying website traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already earning greater than I ever before did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: a lot of e-newsletter devices do not care regarding your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They give you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your past concerns
- Customized types, branding and Beehiiv Milk Road
It’s not a full-on CMS, however, for most developers, it’s sufficient. And it simply works. No untidy DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not just get open and click rates. You get real insights:.
Where subscribers 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 optimize every action of your funnel, from type to open up to purchase. Which kind of visibility? Invaluable when you’re attempting to grow intentionally.
What Beehiiv Can Boost?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained room to grow. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the weird side cases.
But right here’s the thing, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I’ve already seen updates present based on customer comments, which’s a really great sign.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Milk Road
If you’re a maker, author, or indie author who desires:
- To grow your listing fast,
- To keep full possession of your customers,
- To really earn money without platform charges,
- And to not combat with clunky e-mail contractors …
After that yes, you ought to definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want advanced CRM automations, possibly look in other places. However if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand name, or a passion project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
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. Simply the common Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you have actually never set up an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience ownership, much better monetization devices, no system charges, and more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid registrations are all native features.