If you’re also remotely right into email e-newsletters, you’ve probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something various about this platform, something that makes makers like you quit, take a breath, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Posts…
I have actually been precisely where you are. Attempting to choose the best email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a few months. Yet after nearly one decade of helping people navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my own e-newsletter, I ultimately started and provided Beehiiv a proper, genuine test run.
And looter: I didn’t simply mess around. I moved every little thing over. Right here’s why you may intend to do the very same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They’ve got a clean interface and a dedicated community of authors. Yet when it concerns monetization and target market ownership, they falter. Hard.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems trendy on paper, right? Like, much more presence, even more involvement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not obtain your emails in their inbox. You can not call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever choose to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re developing a list … that you do not own.
Currently contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that email is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a real relationship. That’s exactly how it must be.
The Hidden Expense of Convenience
Currently let’s chat money. Every single time someone pays for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 client? You’re filching simply over $6. Not dreadful … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That additional cash builds up fast, specifically if you’re preparing to expand or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to develop a company (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating into your revenues before you also start.
What It’s In Fact Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re worried that moving your list or establishing automations will be a pain … don’t be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle before. You recognize the drill: broken types, ghosted clients, styling nightmares. Yet with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking practical video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to just tossing your email domain name right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively presents your domain name using their very own framework. It’s smart. Like, truly smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No cool CSV problems. No subscribers going away right into deep space. Also linking my web site was great– fine, the styling took a bit of elbow grease, however hey, no platform’s best.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t flawless. However it’s good. Really good.
You can drag, go down, design, and preview easily. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Want to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Look out for the Gmail Trimming Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly advise you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had beautifully composed newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I found a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML dimension prior to sending out. It’s a bit hands-on, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll prevent the feared clipping concern.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely shines.
It’s like they really want you to grow your audience. Surprising, ideal?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program allows your current customers generate new ones– and it in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Wish to run a free gift? Deal a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Cash, Fewer Headaches
This was among the biggest reasons I moved to Beehiiv, I intended to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated advertisement network that connects you with genuine sponsors.
Adjustable paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for acquiring traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already earning more than I ever did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: most e-newsletter devices uncommitted about your landing page. However Beehiiv? They provide you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous issues
- Custom-made kinds, branding and Beehiiv Posts
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for most creators, it’s ample. And it just functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or busted embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click rates. You obtain actual insights:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every step of your funnel, from form to available to buy. And that kind of visibility? Valuable when you’re attempting to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got space to expand. Below’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One type = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the strange side cases.
However here’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact listens. I’ve currently seen updates roll out based on customer feedback, and that’s a really excellent sign.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Posts
If you’re a maker, author, or indie publisher who wants:
- To expand your checklist quickly,
- To maintain complete possession of your clients,
- To really earn money without platform charges,
- And to not combat with cumbersome email building contractors …
After that of course, you should definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want advanced CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. Yet if you’re building a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm project?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV headaches below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% fee. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for novices?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you have actually never established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Audience possession, much better monetization devices, no platform charges, and much more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you warm it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.