If you’re even remotely into e-mail newsletters, you’ve possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something different about this system, something that makes makers like you stop, breathe, and say, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Beehiiv The Popehat Report…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Attempting to choose the best e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. However after nearly ten years helpful individuals navigate email marketing and two years running my own newsletter, I finally started and gave Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just mess around. I moved everything over. Right here’s why you might wish to do the same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You Might Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re reputable. They have actually got a tidy interface and a faithful community of authors. Yet when it involves money making and target market possession, they falter. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It seems awesome on paper, right? Like, more exposure, more interaction?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before make a decision to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So essentially, you’re building a list … that you do not possess.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a real connection. That’s just how it ought to be.
The Hidden Expense of Convenience
Now let’s talk money. Whenever a person spends for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% right off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re stealing just over $6. Not horrible … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That added money accumulates fast, especially if you’re intending to grow or monetize seriously.
And honestly, if you’re going to build a business (even a side one), you require a platform that’s not eating into your earnings before you also begin.
What It’s Actually Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re fretted that migrating your checklist or establishing automations will be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle before. You recognize the drill: broken types, ghosted customers, styling problems. However with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking helpful videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to just throwing your email domain right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain using their very own facilities. It’s wise. Like, actually smart.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No fashionable CSV concerns. No subscribers going away right into the void. Even connecting my site was fine– alright, the styling took a little bit of effort, yet hey, no platform’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t flawless. But it’s good. Really good.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview easily. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Intend to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Currently, 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 actually perfectly composed newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
However I located a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML dimension before sending out. It’s a bit manual, sure, but once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreadful clipping issue.
Growing Your Listing with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely radiates.
It’s like they in fact desire you to grow your audience. Shocking, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your existing clients generate brand-new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Simply tidy, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a giveaway? Offer a bonus for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other e-newsletters’ target markets. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: More Money, Fewer Migraines
This was one of the biggest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Built-in advertisement network that links you with genuine sponsors.
Adjustable paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for buying web traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was already gaining greater than I ever before did on my old platform and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: many newsletter devices uncommitted about your landing page. But Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A tidy, contemporary homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous issues
- Custom types, branding and Beehiiv The Popehat Report
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for most makers, it’s ample. And it just functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click rates. You get actual insights:.
Where customers originated from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and enhance every step of your funnel, from kind to open up to purchase. Which type of exposure? Priceless when you’re attempting to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to expand. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:.
The automation system is a bit rigid. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need 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 edge cases.
Yet below’s the important things, Beehiiv in fact listens. I’ve already seen updates turn out based upon individual comments, which’s an actually excellent sign.
All-time Low Line: Beehiiv The Popehat Report
If you’re a developer, author, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your list quickly,
- To keep complete ownership of your clients,
- To actually earn money without system charges,
- And to not battle with clunky e-mail home builders …
Then indeed, you ought to absolutely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for every person. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. But if you’re constructing a community, a personal brand name, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning
1. Can I move my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and completely sustained. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the basic Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for newbies?
Absolutely. The onboarding process is clear and easy, even if you have actually never set up a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market ownership, far better monetization devices, no system costs, and more list-growth choices.
5. Can I use my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid registrations are all native features.