If you’re even remotely right into email newsletters, you have actually probably heard the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just hype. There’s something various regarding this system, something that makes creators like you quit, take a breath, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Launchy Beehiiv…
I have actually been specifically where you are. Trying to select the appropriate email device. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll be sorry for in a couple of months. But after nearly 10 years of helping people browse e-mail marketing and two years running my very own e-newsletter, I finally took the plunge and offered Beehiiv a proper, genuine trial run.
And looter: I really did not simply mess around. I moved every little thing over. Right here’s why you may want to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Want To?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re well-established. They’ve obtained a tidy interface and a dedicated community of authors. But when it concerns monetization and target market ownership, they drop the ball. Tough.
Let me break it down.
You Do not Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears great theoretically, right? Like, much more visibility, more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “fans” aren’t actual customers. They’re secured inside Substack’s little walled garden. They do not obtain your emails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before decide to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So basically, you’re building a listing … that you don’t possess.
Now contrast that to Beehiiv or even Ghost. When somebody subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct an actual partnership. That’s exactly how it should be.
The Hidden Price of Ease
Now let’s speak cash. Each time somebody pays for your e-newsletter on Substack, you lose 13% straight off the top. That’s 10% to Substack and 3% to Stripe.
So your $7 customer? You’re filching just over $6. Not horrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform costs. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You keep the rest. That extra money accumulates quickly, particularly 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 system that’s not eating right into your revenues prior to you also start.
What It’s In Fact Like Starting on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk arrangement. If you’re stressed that moving your list or establishing automations will certainly be a discomfort … do not be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: busted types, ghosted subscribers, styling problems. But with Beehiiv, points went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m talking useful video clips, clear walkthroughs, and real support when you require it.
Setting Up Your Domain
One point that blew me away was domain warming. As opposed to just tossing your email domain into the wild (and praying you do not land in spam), Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain using their very own framework. It’s wise. Like, really smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No funky CSV problems. No subscribers vanishing right into deep space. Also connecting my internet site was great– fine, the designing took a little bit of effort, however hey, no platform’s ideal.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the e-mail builder isn’t remarkable. Yet it’s good. Really excellent.
You can drag, drop, style, and sneak peek easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely love it. Intend to drop in an advertisement block? Done. Need a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv does not always warn you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had actually beautifully created newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not fun.
Yet I discovered a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML size prior to sending out. It’s a little bit hands-on, sure, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the dreaded clipping concern.
Growing Your List with Beehiiv: Lastly, Some Actual Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely beams.
It’s like they in fact desire you to grow your audience. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program allows your existing clients generate new ones– and it actually functions. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable references baked right into the platform.
Intend to run a free gift? Deal a perk for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of various other e-newsletters’ audiences. Think of it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Money making: Even More Money, Fewer Headaches
This was just one of the most significant factors I transferred to Beehiiv, I wanted to generate income from smarter, not harder.
No system charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in ad network that links you with genuine sponsors.
Personalized paid registrations with complete control.
Boosts for getting traffic or earning by promoting others.
3 months in, I was already making greater than I ever before did on my old system and with much less initiative.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: the majority of newsletter devices do not care concerning your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They offer you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive pages for your previous problems
- Custom types, branding and Launchy Beehiiv
It’s not a full-blown CMS, but for most designers, it’s sufficient. And it just works. No messy DNS configs or damaged embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That Really Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are cook’s kiss. You don’t just obtain open and click rates. You get genuine insights:.
Where clients came from.
Which referral resources are working.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and maximize every step of your funnel, from form to open to acquire. And that kind of presence? Invaluable when you’re attempting to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Might Improve?
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained space to grow. Below’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit inflexible. One kind = one automation? Meh.
The email 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).
Assistance could be quicker on the unusual edge instances.
Yet right here’s things, Beehiiv really pays attention. I have actually currently seen updates present based upon customer feedback, which’s a truly good sign.
The Bottom Line: Launchy Beehiiv
If you’re a developer, author, or indie author who desires:
- To expand your checklist quickly,
- To maintain full ownership of your customers,
- To really earn money without platform charges,
- And to not fight with cumbersome e-mail building contractors …
After that of course, you ought to definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everyone. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire innovative CRM automations, perhaps look somewhere else. But if you’re developing a community, a personal brand, or a passion job?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing email listing to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally sustained. No CSV problems here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the standard Stripe 3% cost. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv good for beginners?
Definitely. The onboarding process is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never ever established a newsletter prior to.
4. What makes Beehiiv far better than Substack?
Target market ownership, better money making devices, no platform fees, and a lot more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid memberships are all native features.