If you’re also remotely right into email e-newsletters, you have actually possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different concerning this platform, something that makes designers like you stop, take a breath, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv Teammates…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Trying to pick the right email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. However after almost 10 years helpful people browse email marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I finally took the plunge and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine trial run.
And looter: I really did not just dabble. I relocated whatever over. Right here’s why you might intend to do the same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You Might Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a tidy interface and a dedicated community of authors. However when it involves monetization and audience ownership, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You know that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds awesome on paper, right? Like, extra exposure, more involvement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t real subscribers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t obtain your emails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So basically, you’re constructing a list … that you don’t possess.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct a real connection. That’s just how it needs to be.
The Hidden Expense of Benefit
Currently let’s chat cash. Every single time a person 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 client? You’re pocketing just over $6. Not dreadful … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That extra cash money accumulates fast, specifically if you’re intending to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to build a service (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating right into your revenues prior to you also begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that moving your checklist or setting up automations will be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: broken kinds, ghosted clients, styling nightmares. But with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking helpful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual support when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to simply tossing your e-mail domain right into the wild (and praying you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively presents your domain name utilizing their very own facilities. It’s wise. Like, actually wise.
And importing my list? Smooth. No cool CSV issues. No clients going away into the void. Also attaching my internet site was fine– fine, 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 email builder isn’t flawless. However it’s great. Truly good.
You can drag, go down, design, and preview easily. If you’re not doing anything too design-heavy, you’ll possibly like it. Intend to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Clipping Beast
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not constantly alert you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I’ve had perfectly written newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I discovered a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size before sending out. It’s a little bit hand-operated, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the dreaded clipping problem.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Real Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It’s like they really want you to grow your target market. Shocking, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your present clients bring in brand-new ones– and it in fact works. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Want to run a free gift? Deal a perk 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 newsletters’ target markets. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Less Migraines
This was one of the greatest factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wanted to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that connects you with real sponsors.
Personalized paid memberships with full control.
Boosts for acquiring website traffic or earning by advertising others.
Three months in, I was currently gaining greater than I ever did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Website: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: a lot of newsletter devices do not care about your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your previous problems
- Custom-made types, branding and Beehiiv Teammates
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for many designers, it’s more than enough. And it just works. No messy DNS configs or broken embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not just get open and click prices. You obtain actual insights:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral sources 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 kind to open to acquire. Which type of presence? Priceless when you’re attempting to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got space to grow. Right here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some TLC.
You’ll miss out on some e-commerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be much faster on the weird side cases.
Yet below’s things, Beehiiv really pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates roll out based upon user feedback, and that’s an actually good indication.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv Teammates
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie publisher who wants:
- To grow your list quickly,
- To keep complete ownership of your subscribers,
- To in fact make money without platform charges,
- And to not combat with clunky email contractors …
Then yes, you ought to definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or want advanced CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. But if you’re developing a community, a personal brand name, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
Frequently Asked Questions About
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV headaches right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Just the standard Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv great for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never set up a newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience possession, better monetization devices, no platform charges, and a lot more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even aid you warm it up for far better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated monetization devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.