If you’re also remotely right into e-mail newsletters, you’ve most likely listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something various about this system, something that makes designers like you quit, breathe, and claim, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Digital Surfer Beehiiv…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Attempting to choose the ideal email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a few months. But after almost 10 years helpful individuals browse email marketing and two years running my very own newsletter, I finally took the plunge and offered Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I didn’t simply mess around. I relocated every little thing over. Right here’s why you may intend to do the very same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You Might Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve got a clean interface and a dedicated community of authors. But when it concerns money making and target market ownership, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It sounds great on paper, right? Like, extra presence, more interaction?
Yeah … not specifically.
See, those “fans” aren’t real clients. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t obtain your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them straight. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re building a listing … that you do not have.
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 build an actual connection. That’s just how it should be.
The Hidden Cost of Benefit
Now let’s talk cash. Every single time somebody pays 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 client? You’re swiping just over $6. Not awful … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the remainder. That additional cash adds up quick, especially if you’re preparing to expand or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to build a business (even a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your revenues prior to you also begin.
What It’s In Fact Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re stressed that migrating your checklist or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle prior to. You understand the drill: busted types, ghosted clients, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking useful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain warming. Rather than simply tossing your email domain name right into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain using their own facilities. It’s wise. Like, truly wise.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No cool CSV issues. No customers disappearing into the void. Even linking my web site was great– fine, the designing took a bit of effort, but hey, no platform’s perfect.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. But it’s good. Truly great.
You can drag, drop, style, and preview with ease. If you’re not doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll possibly enjoy it. Wish to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Watch Out for the Gmail Cutting Monster
Now, a word of warning: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t constantly advise you when you’re close to that limit. So yeah, I’ve had magnificently composed newsletters obtain chopped off mid-sentence. Not fun.
However I discovered a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to inspect HTML dimension prior to sending. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreadful clipping concern.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely shines.
It’s like they in fact desire you to grow your audience. Stunning, right?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your current subscribers bring in brand-new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable recommendations baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a giveaway? Deal a reward for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that very easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to get in front of other newsletters’ target markets. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Less Migraines
This was one of the most significant factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No platform fees. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with genuine sponsors.
Personalized paid memberships with complete control.
Boosts for acquiring web traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was currently earning more than I ever before did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: the majority of e-newsletter devices don’t care regarding your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you a whole mini-website.
You obtain:
- A clean, modern-day homepage
- Archive pages for your past problems
- Personalized forms, branding and Digital Surfer Beehiiv
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for a lot of designers, it’s ample. And it just functions. No untidy DNS configs or broken embeds. Just connect it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply get open and click prices. You obtain real insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash you have actually made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and maximize every action of your funnel, from type to available to purchase. Which sort of visibility? Invaluable when you’re attempting to grow deliberately.
What Beehiiv Can Improve?
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got space to grow. Right here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit stiff. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss some e-commerce features if you’re running a store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Assistance could be quicker on the strange side situations.
But here’s the important things, Beehiiv actually listens. I have actually already seen updates present based on individual feedback, which’s a truly great indicator.
The Bottom Line: Digital Surfer Beehiiv
If you’re a creator, author, or indie author who wants:
- To expand your listing quick,
- To maintain complete ownership of your customers,
- To really generate income without system charges,
- And to not battle with clunky email contractors …
Then indeed, you ought to definitely give Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire sophisticated CRM automations, maybe look elsewhere. But if you’re developing a community, a personal brand name, or an enthusiasm task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and fully supported. No CSV headaches here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Just the conventional Stripe 3% charge. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and simple, even if you’ve never ever established an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Target market ownership, much better monetization tools, no system costs, and much more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even help you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Exist integrated money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid registrations are all native features.