If you’re also remotely into e-mail newsletters, you’ve possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different regarding this system, something that makes designers like you quit, breathe, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv or Ghost…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Attempting to choose the best email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. But after virtually one decade of helping people browse email marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I ultimately started and provided Beehiiv a correct, honest-to-goodness test run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply dabble. I moved every little thing over. Here’s why you could want to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve got a clean user interface and a dedicated community of writers. Yet when it comes to money making and audience ownership, they falter. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You recognize that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears cool theoretically, right? Like, much more presence, more involvement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before choose to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So generally, you’re developing a list … that you do not own.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real relationship. That’s just how it must be.
The Hidden Cost of Comfort
Currently let’s talk money. Whenever somebody spends for your newsletter on Substack, you lose 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 awful … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system charges. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That extra money adds up fast, specifically if you’re intending to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to develop a company (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating right into your profits before you also begin.
What It’s Really Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re stressed that moving your list or establishing automations will certainly be a pain … don’t be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You know the drill: broken kinds, ghosted customers, styling problems. However with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting useful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual support when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than just throwing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv slowly presents your domain name utilizing their own framework. It’s clever. Like, really clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No clients disappearing into the void. Also attaching my site was great– alright, the designing took a little effort, yet hey, no system’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. However it’s great. Really good.
You can drag, go down, design, and preview easily. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably like it. Want to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly advise you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I have actually had beautifully written newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I located a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size prior to sending. It’s a little bit hand-operated, sure, once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreadful clipping concern.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It resembles they really desire you to grow your target market. Surprising, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your current subscribers generate new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the system.
Want to run a free gift? Offer a bonus 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’ audiences. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Cash, Less Headaches
This was just one of the largest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that connects you with real enrollers.
Personalized paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for acquiring web traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already making greater than I ever did on my old system and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: a lot of e-newsletter devices do not care regarding your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your previous issues
- Personalized kinds, branding and Beehiiv or Ghost
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for a lot of designers, it’s sufficient. And it simply works. No untidy 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 just obtain open and click prices. You obtain genuine insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money 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 buy. Which kind of visibility? Valuable when you’re trying to expand purposefully.
What Beehiiv Can Boost?
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got area to expand. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the strange edge instances.
But below’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I’ve currently seen updates roll out based on user responses, and that’s a truly excellent sign.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv or Ghost
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie publisher who wants:
- To grow your checklist quickly,
- To keep full ownership of your subscribers,
- To actually earn money without platform penalties,
- And to not fight with confusing email builders …
Then of course, you must absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire innovative CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. But if you’re developing a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm task?
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 conventional Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you have actually never ever set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market ownership, much better monetization devices, no platform fees, and extra list-growth options.
5. Can I use my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.