If you’re even remotely right into e-mail newsletters, you’ve possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply buzz. There’s something different about this system, something that makes creators like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Subscription…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Trying to select the best e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. However after virtually ten years helpful individuals navigate email marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I ultimately started and gave Beehiiv a proper, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply mess around. I moved every little thing over. Right here’s why you might want to do the exact same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You Might Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They’ve obtained a tidy user interface and a dedicated community of authors. Yet when it involves monetization and audience possession, they drop the ball. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds amazing theoretically, right? Like, more presence, even more interaction?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t actual subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can not call them straight. And worst of all? If you ever determine to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So generally, you’re developing a listing … that you do not own.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can construct a real relationship. That’s just how it must be.
The Hidden Expense of Ease
Now let’s speak money. Every single time somebody 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 just over $6. Not horrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform charges. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra money adds up fast, specifically if you’re intending to expand or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to construct a service (also a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating right into your revenues before you also begin.
What It’s Really Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re worried that migrating your listing or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: broken forms, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. Yet with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain name
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. Rather than simply throwing your e-mail domain right into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain using their very own framework. It’s smart. Like, really wise.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No clients vanishing into deep space. Even linking my site was great– all right, the styling took a little effort, however hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t flawless. However it’s good. Really excellent.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably love it. Want to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting 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 actually perfectly written e-newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a bit hand-operated, sure, once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the feared clipping concern.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Real Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It’s like they actually desire you to expand your target market. Surprising, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your existing subscribers bring in new ones– and it really functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Want to run a giveaway? Offer an incentive for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Money, Less Migraines
This was just one of the most significant factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that connects you with actual sponsors.
Customizable paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was currently earning more than I ever before did on my old platform and with less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be truthful: most e-newsletter devices uncommitted about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous issues
- Personalized types, branding and Beehiiv Subscription
It’s not a full-blown CMS, however, for the majority of makers, it’s sufficient. 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 chef’s kiss. You do not just get open and click prices. You get genuine understandings:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral sources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, modify, and enhance every action of your funnel, from form to open up to purchase. And that kind of presence? Priceless when you’re trying to expand purposefully.
What Beehiiv Might Improve?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to expand. Here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit rigid. One form = one automation? Meh.
The email 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).
Assistance could be faster on the odd edge cases.
However here’s things, Beehiiv in fact pays attention. I have actually already seen updates roll out based on customer feedback, which’s an actually great indication.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Subscription
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your list quickly,
- To keep full ownership of your customers,
- To actually earn money without platform fines,
- And to not battle with cumbersome email home builders …
Then indeed, you need to absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look somewhere else. But if you’re building a community, a personal brand, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I move my existing email checklist to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and fully supported. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Simply the common Stripe 3% cost. The rest is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for novices?
Absolutely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, even if you have actually never ever set up an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market ownership, better money making tools, no platform fees, and extra list-growth choices.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also help you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all native features.