If you’re even from another location right into e-mail newsletters, you have actually possibly heard the buzz around Beehiiv recently. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something different regarding this platform, something that makes designers like you quit, breathe, and say, “Hold up … could this be the one?” Lucky Culture Beehiiv…
I have actually been precisely where you are. Trying to pick the ideal email tool. Wondering if I’m making a move I’ll regret in a couple of months. Yet after virtually 10 years helpful people navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my own e-newsletter, I ultimately started and provided Beehiiv a correct, genuine test run.
And spoiler: I didn’t just dabble. I relocated everything over. Below’s why you may want to do the very same.
Why I Dropped Substack and Why You Might Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t negative. They’re well-established. They’ve got a clean user interface and a dedicated community of authors. However when it comes to money making and target market possession, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me break it down.
You Don’t Own Your Audience on Substack
You understand that little “adhere to” feature on Substack? It seems great on paper, right? Like, extra presence, more involvement?
Yeah … not precisely.
See, those “followers” aren’t real customers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They do not obtain your emails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever decide to leave Substack, you can not take them with you.
So essentially, you’re developing a listing … that you don’t possess.
Currently compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When a person subscribes, that e-mail is yours. You can take it with you. You can develop a real relationship. That’s how it needs to be.
The Hidden Cost of Ease
Now let’s chat money. Whenever a person spends for your 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 terrible … until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No platform fees. Simply Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That extra money adds up quickly, particularly if you’re intending to expand or generate income from seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re mosting likely to construct a company (even a side one), you need a platform that’s not eating into your profits before you also start.
What It’s In Fact Like Getting Going on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk configuration. If you’re worried that migrating your listing or establishing automations will be a discomfort … don’t be.
I’ve done the whole ESP shuffle before. You know the drill: broken types, ghosted customers, styling nightmares. Yet with Beehiiv, things went remarkably smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m speaking valuable video clips, clear walkthroughs, and actual assistance when you need it.
Establishing Your Domain name
One point that blew me away was domain name warming. Instead of just throwing your email domain into the wild (and hoping you don’t land in spam), Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name using their own facilities. It’s wise. Like, truly smart.
And importing my list? Smooth. No fashionable CSV issues. No subscribers going away into the void. Even linking my site was fine– fine, the styling took a little elbow grease, however hey, no system’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Cautions)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t remarkable. Yet it’s good. Truly great.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview easily. If you’re refraining anything as well design-heavy, you’ll most likely enjoy it. Want to decrease in an advertisement block? Done. Required a callout or a sponsor area? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Clipping Monster
Currently, a word of warning: Gmail clips emails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always warn you when you’re close to that limitation. So yeah, I have actually had actually beautifully written e-newsletters get sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I discovered a workaround: using Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to check HTML dimension prior to sending out. It’s a bit hands-on, certain, once you get the hang of it, you’ll stay clear of the dreadful clipping issue.
Growing Your List with Beehiiv: Finally, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely shines.
It resembles they actually want you to expand your audience. Stunning, appropriate?
Referral Programs That Job
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your present clients bring in brand-new ones– and it really works. No janky third-party hacks. Just clean, trackable referrals baked right into the platform.
Want to run a giveaway? Offer an incentive 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’ audiences. Think about it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Less Headaches
This was one of the biggest reasons I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No system costs. Clean integration with Stripe. Plus:.
Built-in advertisement network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Personalized paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for purchasing web traffic or earning by promoting others.
Three months in, I was currently gaining more than I ever did on my old system and with much less effort.
Your Beehiiv Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be straightforward: most newsletter tools uncommitted regarding your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They give you an entire mini-website.
You get:
- A clean, contemporary homepage
- Archive pages for your previous issues
- Custom types, branding and Lucky Culture Beehiiv
It’s not a full-on CMS, but also for a lot of designers, it’s more than enough. And it simply functions. No messy DNS configs or busted embeds. Just plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You don’t just get open and click rates. You get actual insights:.
Where subscribers originated from.
Which referral sources are working.
How much money you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every step of your funnel, from form to available to buy. And that type of exposure? Priceless when you’re trying to expand deliberately.
What Beehiiv Can Boost?
No system is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got room to grow. Below’s what to look out for:.
The automation system is a bit inflexible. One type = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults require some TLC.
You’ll miss some ecommerce features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be quicker on the unusual edge instances.
But here’s things, Beehiiv in fact listens. I’ve currently seen updates roll out based upon user responses, which’s a really good indicator.
The Bottom Line: Lucky Culture Beehiiv
If you’re a creator, author, or indie author who wants:
- To grow your checklist quickly,
- To keep complete ownership of your customers,
- To in fact make money without platform penalties,
- And to not battle with confusing email building contractors …
After that yes, you must absolutely provide Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s not for everybody. If you’re running an ecommerce store or desire sophisticated CRM automations, possibly look elsewhere. Yet if you’re developing a community, an individual brand, or an enthusiasm project?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding
1. Can I move my existing email list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Migration is smooth and completely supported. No CSV nightmares right here.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid subscriptions?
Nope. Just the common Stripe 3% fee. The remainder is all yours.
3. Is Beehiiv great for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and simple, 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 platform fees, and extra list-growth alternatives.
5. Can I utilize my own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll also assist you heat it up for better deliverability.
6. Exist built-in money making tools?
Yes! Boosts, references, ad networks and paid subscriptions are all indigenous features.