If you’re also from another location into e-mail newsletters, you’ve possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not simply hype. There’s something different concerning this platform, something that makes developers like you stop, take a breath, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Does Beehiiv Have a Free Version…
I’ve been specifically where you are. Trying to pick the ideal e-mail tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. Yet after nearly 10 years of helping individuals browse email marketing and 2 years running my very own newsletter, I lastly started and provided Beehiiv an appropriate, genuine test run.
And looter: I really did not simply dabble. I relocated everything over. Here’s why you might want to do the exact same.
Why I Ditched Substack and Why You Might Intend to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t bad. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a clean user interface and a loyal community of authors. But when it pertains to monetization and audience ownership, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me simplify.
You Don’t Very Own Your Target Market on Substack
You understand that little “follow” feature on Substack? It seems trendy theoretically, right? Like, more visibility, even more engagement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t genuine customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled garden. They don’t get your emails in their inbox. You can’t contact them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So basically, you’re developing a list … that you don’t have.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or perhaps Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that e-mail is your own. You can take it with you. You can build a genuine relationship. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Cost of Ease
Currently let’s talk cash. Every single time a person spends for your 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 dreadful … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You keep the remainder. That extra cash money adds up fast, particularly if you’re planning to grow or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to develop a company (also a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating into your revenues prior to you even start.
What It’s Actually Like Getting Started on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re worried that moving your checklist or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the entire ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: broken forms, ghosted customers, styling headaches. Yet with Beehiiv, points went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking helpful videos, clear walkthroughs, and real assistance when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain warming. Instead of simply tossing your email domain name right into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain name utilizing their own facilities. It’s smart. Like, truly clever.
And importing my checklist? Smooth. No fashionable CSV problems. No clients disappearing into the void. Even linking my internet site was fine– okay, the designing took a little effort, yet hey, no system’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Respectable (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t perfect. But it’s good. Really excellent.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview with ease. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll probably enjoy it. Intend to decrease in an ad block? Done. Required a callout or an enroller area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Trimming Beast
Now, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always advise you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had actually beautifully written e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I discovered a workaround: utilizing Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size before sending out. It’s a little bit hand-operated, certain, once you master it, you’ll stay clear of the dreadful clipping issue.
Growing Your Checklist with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Actual Tools
This is where Beehiiv definitely beams.
It’s like they actually want 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 in fact functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just tidy, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Want to run a giveaway? Offer a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that easy.
And with their Boosts feature (basically a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: Even More Money, Fewer Frustrations
This was just one of the largest factors I moved to Beehiiv, I intended to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that connects you with actual sponsors.
Personalized paid subscriptions with complete control.
Boosts for purchasing 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 Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: many e-newsletter devices uncommitted about your landing page. However Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous concerns
- Personalized kinds, branding and Does Beehiiv Have a Free Version
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for a lot of designers, it’s ample. And it simply functions. No unpleasant DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply connect it in and go.
Analytics That In Fact Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click prices. You obtain genuine insights:.
Where customers came from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, fine-tune, and enhance every action of your funnel, from kind to available to purchase. And that sort of visibility? Priceless when you’re trying to expand purposefully.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got area to grow. Below’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. 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 store (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be much faster on the odd side situations.
However right here’s things, Beehiiv actually listens. I’ve already seen updates turn out based on individual feedback, and that’s a really great sign.
All-time Low Line: Does Beehiiv Have a Free Version
If you’re a developer, writer, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your list quick,
- To maintain full ownership of your subscribers,
- To really generate income without platform penalties,
- And to not combat with cumbersome e-mail home builders …
Then of course, you must absolutely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce shop or desire sophisticated CRM automations, perhaps look in other places. But if you’re building a community, an individual brand, or an interest task?
Beehiiv’s obtained your back.
FAQs Concerning
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid registrations?
Nope. Just the typical Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never ever set up an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market possession, far better monetization devices, no system costs, and much more list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there integrated monetization tools?
Yes! Boosts, recommendations, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.