If you’re also remotely right into e-mail e-newsletters, you have actually possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something various about this platform, something that makes developers like you stop, take a breath, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Tags…
I have actually been precisely where you are. Trying to pick the ideal email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. Yet after virtually 10 years helpful individuals browse e-mail marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I ultimately took the plunge and offered Beehiiv a correct, genuine trial run.
And looter: I really did not simply mess around. I relocated every little thing over. Right here’s why you may intend to do the same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a clean user interface and a devoted community of writers. However when it concerns money making and target market ownership, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You recognize that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears great theoretically, right? Like, a lot more exposure, even more interaction?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t genuine clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not get your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So basically, you’re building a list … that you don’t own.
Now compare that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can develop a genuine relationship. That’s how it ought to be.
The Hidden Price of Comfort
Currently let’s chat money. Each time a person 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 customer? You’re filching just over $6. Not dreadful … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That added cash adds up fast, especially if you’re planning to expand or generate income from seriously.
And honestly, if you’re mosting likely to build a service (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating right into your profits prior to you also start.
What It’s Actually Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re worried that moving your list or establishing automations will certainly be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: broken forms, ghosted subscribers, styling nightmares. However with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking useful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and genuine assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of simply throwing your e-mail domain right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain utilizing their very own facilities. It’s clever. Like, actually wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No funky CSV concerns. No subscribers going away right into the void. Also connecting my web site was fine– okay, the designing took a little effort, however hey, no system’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. But it’s great. Actually good.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview with ease. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably love it. Intend to drop in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly caution you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had perfectly composed newsletters get cut off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I discovered a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML dimension before sending. It’s a little bit manual, certain, once you master it, you’ll avoid the feared clipping issue.
Expanding Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It’s like they really desire you to expand your target market. Stunning, best?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s built-in referral program lets your existing subscribers generate brand-new ones– and it really works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the system.
Want to run a free gift? Offer a benefit for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Less Frustrations
This was just one of the biggest factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that links you with actual enrollers.
Customizable paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for getting web traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was currently earning greater than I ever before did on my old platform and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: most newsletter tools uncommitted regarding your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous issues
- Personalized types, branding and Beehiiv Tags
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for a lot of developers, it’s more than enough. And it just works. No messy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You do not just get open and click rates. You obtain real insights:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and optimize every action of your funnel, from form to open to buy. Which sort of exposure? Priceless when you’re trying to grow on purpose.
What Beehiiv Can Improve?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s got space to grow. Right here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the unusual edge situations.
But right here’s things, Beehiiv actually pays attention. I’ve currently seen updates present based on customer responses, which’s a really good indication.
The Bottom Line: Beehiiv Tags
If you’re a maker, writer, or indie author who desires:
- To expand your list quick,
- To keep full possession of your subscribers,
- To actually earn money without platform fines,
- And to not fight with clunky email building contractors …
After that yes, you ought to definitely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look in other places. Yet if you’re constructing a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I move my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV headaches below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the conventional Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for novices?
Absolutely. 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?
Audience possession, far better money making devices, no platform fees, and more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you heat it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid memberships are all indigenous features.