If you’re also remotely into email e-newsletters, you’ve probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different about this platform, something that makes designers like you stop, breathe, and claim, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Culture Critic Beehiiv…
I have actually been precisely where you are. Attempting to select the appropriate e-mail device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. But after almost 10 years of helping people browse email marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I finally took the plunge and gave Beehiiv a proper, honest-to-goodness trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply dabble. I relocated whatever over. Right here’s why you could wish to do the very same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They have actually got a tidy interface and a faithful community of authors. But when it pertains to money making and audience possession, they falter. Hard.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It sounds awesome theoretically, right? Like, extra exposure, even more engagement?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “followers” aren’t genuine clients. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t obtain your e-mails in their inbox. You can not contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever make a decision to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So generally, you’re building a list … that you do not possess.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can build a genuine connection. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Price of Benefit
Currently let’s speak money. Whenever someone spends for your e-newsletter on Substack, you shed 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 subscriber? You’re pocketing simply over $6. Not horrible … till you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That additional cash accumulates quick, specifically if you’re intending to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to build a business (even a side one), you need a system that’s not eating right into your revenues before you also begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re stressed that migrating your list or setting up automations will certainly be a pain … do not be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: busted kinds, ghosted clients, styling problems. Yet with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking handy videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual support when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One thing that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of just throwing your e-mail domain name into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain utilizing their very own facilities. It’s wise. Like, actually smart.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No cool CSV concerns. No clients going away right into deep space. Even attaching my web site was fine– alright, the designing took a bit of effort, but 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 excellent. Actually good.
You can drag, drop, design, and preview easily. If you’re not doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll possibly love it. Wish to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always advise you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had actually beautifully written newsletters obtain cut off mid-sentence. Not fun.
But I located a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML size before sending. It’s a little bit hand-operated, sure, once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the feared clipping concern.
Expanding Your List with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It resembles they in fact want you to grow your target market. Stunning, best?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your present clients generate brand-new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable references baked right into the system.
Wish to run a free gift? Offer a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of various other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Fewer Headaches
This was one of the greatest reasons I transferred to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Clean integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that connects you with genuine enrollers.
Customizable paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for buying web traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was already earning more than I ever before did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Web Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be honest: a lot of newsletter devices don’t care concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your past concerns
- Customized forms, branding and Culture Critic Beehiiv
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but also for many makers, it’s ample. And it simply functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t simply obtain open and click prices. You get genuine insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and maximize every step of your funnel, from type to open to purchase. Which sort of exposure? Priceless when you’re trying to expand purposefully.
What Beehiiv Might Enhance?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to expand. Here’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults require some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be faster on the odd side cases.
But below’s the important things, Beehiiv really pays attention. I’ve currently seen updates present based on individual feedback, which’s a truly excellent indication.
The Bottom Line: Culture Critic Beehiiv
If you’re a designer, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your checklist quickly,
- To keep full possession of your subscribers,
- To really make money without platform penalties,
- And to not battle with cumbersome e-mail home builders …
Then of course, you ought to absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look somewhere else. But if you’re developing a community, a personal brand, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV headaches below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Simply the basic Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv helpful for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and easy, even if you’ve never ever set up an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv better than Substack?
Target market possession, much better monetization devices, no system charges, and more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I use my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll also help you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid registrations are all indigenous features.