If you’re also remotely into e-mail e-newsletters, you’ve probably listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something various concerning this platform, something that makes makers like you stop, take a breath, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Product Updates…
I’ve been precisely where you are. Attempting to choose the ideal email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. But after nearly ten years of helping individuals navigate e-mail marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and gave Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness test run.
And looter: I really did not just dabble. I moved everything over. Below’s why you might wish to do the very same.
Why I Dumped Substack and Why You May Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They have actually got a clean user interface and a faithful community of writers. However when it comes to money making and audience possession, they falter. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears great theoretically, right? Like, more visibility, even more involvement?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” 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 contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before choose to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So essentially, you’re constructing a list … that you do not possess.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct a real connection. That’s exactly how it should be.
The Hidden Expense of Comfort
Now let’s talk money. Every single time someone spends for your newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re pocketing just over $6. Not horrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That extra cash money builds up quickly, particularly if you’re planning to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to develop a service (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating into your profits prior to you also begin.
What It’s Really Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re worried that moving your listing or setting up automations will be a discomfort … do not be.
I’ve done the entire ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: broken types, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. But with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking valuable videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you require it.
Establishing Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of just tossing your email domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain using their own facilities. It’s wise. Like, really smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No clients going away right into the void. Even linking my web site was great– okay, the styling took a little bit of effort, however hey, no system’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t flawless. But it’s good. Truly great.
You can drag, go down, style, and sneak peek effortlessly. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll most likely like it. Intend to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always advise you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I have actually had actually wonderfully written e-newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I discovered a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML dimension prior to sending. It’s a little bit hand-operated, sure, once you get the hang of it, you’ll prevent the feared clipping concern.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It resembles they in fact desire you to grow your audience. Surprising, right?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your present subscribers generate brand-new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Want to run a free gift? Deal a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Money, Less Migraines
This was one of the most significant reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Integrated advertisement network that attaches you with actual sponsors.
Customizable paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for getting website traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was already gaining greater than I ever did on my old system and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: the majority of newsletter tools uncommitted about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your past problems
- Customized forms, branding and Beehiiv Product Updates
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for many makers, it’s ample. And it simply functions. No messy DNS configs or broken embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not just get open and click rates. You obtain real understandings:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every step of your funnel, from type to open to buy. And that type of presence? Invaluable when you’re attempting to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Can Boost?
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to expand. Below’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the weird side instances.
Yet right here’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates roll out based upon customer responses, and that’s a really good sign.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Product Updates
If you’re a maker, author, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your listing quickly,
- To maintain complete ownership of your clients,
- To actually make money without platform penalties,
- And to not combat with confusing e-mail builders …
Then of course, you ought to absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire innovative CRM automations, maybe look somewhere else. However if you’re developing a community, an individual brand name, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing email checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely supported. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you’ve never ever set up an e-newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market ownership, better money making tools, no platform charges, and much more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, advertisement networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.