If you’re even from another location right into email e-newsletters, you have actually possibly listened to the buzz around Beehiiv lately. And no, it’s not just buzz. There’s something various about this platform, something that makes creators like you stop, breathe, and state, “Stand up … could this be the one?” Newsletter Operator…
I have actually been exactly where you are. Attempting to select 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 ten years helpful people navigate e-mail marketing and 2 years running my own newsletter, I ultimately started and provided Beehiiv a proper, genuine trial run.
And spoiler: I really did not simply dabble. I relocated every little thing over. Right here’s why you might wish to do the exact same.
Why I Abandoned Substack and Why You May Wish to?
Let’s be real, Substack isn’t poor. They’re reputable. They have actually obtained a tidy user interface and a dedicated community of writers. However when it pertains to money making and audience possession, they drop the ball. Difficult.
Let me simplify.
You Do not Very Own Your Audience on Substack
You know that little “comply with” feature on Substack? It appears amazing on paper, right? Like, more presence, more interaction?
Yeah … not exactly.
See, those “followers” aren’t real subscribers. They’re locked inside Substack’s little walled yard. They don’t get your e-mails in their inbox. You can not call them directly. And worst of all? If you ever before determine to leave Substack, you can’t take them with you.
So primarily, you’re building a checklist … that you don’t own.
Now compare that to Beehiiv and even Ghost. When someone subscribes, that email is yours. You can take it with you. You can construct a real partnership. That’s exactly how it must be.
The Hidden Price of Benefit
Now let’s talk money. Every single time someone 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 subscriber? You’re filching just over $6. Not dreadful … up until you scale.
With Beehiiv? No system fees. Just Stripe’s 3%. You maintain the rest. That added money builds up quick, especially if you’re planning to grow or monetize seriously.
And truthfully, if you’re going to build a service (also a side one), you require a system that’s not eating into your profits before you also begin.
What It’s Actually Like Beginning on Beehiiv
Alright, so let’s talk setup. If you’re stressed that moving your checklist or setting up automations will certainly be a discomfort … don’t be.
I have actually done the whole ESP shuffle before. You understand the drill: damaged forms, ghosted subscribers, styling headaches. However with Beehiiv, things went surprisingly smooth.
Their onboarding? Top-tier. I’m chatting useful videos, clear walkthroughs, and actual support when you need it.
Setting Up Your Domain
Something that blew me away was domain name warming. As opposed to simply throwing your e-mail domain into the wild (and hoping you do not land in spam), Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name utilizing their own infrastructure. It’s wise. Like, truly clever.
And importing my listing? Smooth. No fashionable CSV issues. No clients disappearing into deep space. Also linking my site was great– alright, the styling took a little effort, yet hey, no system’s excellent.
The Email Builder: Pretty Good (With Some Caveats)
Let’s not sugarcoat it: the email builder isn’t perfect. Yet it’s excellent. Actually great.
You can drag, go down, style, and preview easily. If you’re refraining from doing anything also design-heavy, you’ll possibly love it. Want to decrease in an ad block? Done. Need a callout or an enroller section? Easy.
Keep an eye out for the Gmail Cutting Beast
Currently, a word of caution: Gmail clips e-mails over 102KB. And Beehiiv doesn’t always alert you when you’re close to that restriction. So yeah, I’ve had actually perfectly created e-newsletters obtain sliced off mid-sentence. Not enjoyable.
Yet I found a workaround: making use of Parcel.io and AboutMy.Email to examine HTML dimension prior to sending out. It’s a bit hand-operated, certain, but once you master it, you’ll prevent the dreadful clipping issue.
Expanding Your Listing with Beehiiv: Ultimately, Some Genuine Devices
This is where Beehiiv absolutely radiates.
It resembles they really desire you to expand your audience. Shocking, best?
Referral Programs That Work
Beehiiv’s integrated referral program lets your existing clients generate new ones– and it really works. No janky third-party hacks. Simply clean, trackable referrals baked right into the system.
Intend to run a free gift? Deal a bonus offer for signups? Done. Beehiiv makes that simple.
And with their Boosts feature (essentially a paid referral program), you can pay to enter front of other newsletters’ target markets. Consider it like cross-promotion with steroids.
Monetization: More Cash, Less Frustrations
This was one of the largest factors I relocated to Beehiiv, I wished to monetize smarter, not harder.
No platform charges. Tidy integration with Stripe. And also:.
Integrated ad network that attaches you with real enrollers.
Personalized paid subscriptions with full control.
Boosts for purchasing web traffic or earning by advertising others.
3 months in, I was currently earning more than I ever did on my old system and with less effort.
Your Beehiiv Internet Site: Simple, Sleek, Effective
Let’s be sincere: a lot of e-newsletter devices uncommitted regarding your landing page. Yet Beehiiv? They provide you an entire mini-website.
You obtain:
- A tidy, modern homepage
- Archive web pages for your previous problems
- Customized kinds, branding and Newsletter Operator
It’s not a full-on CMS, but for most developers, it’s more than enough. And it just works. No messy DNS configs or broken embeds. Simply plug it in and go.
Analytics That Actually Mean Something
Beehiiv’s analytics are chef’s kiss. You do not simply obtain open and click prices. You get actual understandings:.
Where subscribers came from.
Which referral resources are functioning.
How much cash you’ve made.
Who’s clicking what and why.
You can track, tweak, and enhance every action of your funnel, from type to open up to purchase. Which kind of presence? Valuable when you’re trying to expand intentionally.
What Beehiiv Could Improve?
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained area to expand. Here’s what to watch out for:.
The automation system is a little bit rigid. One form = one automation? Meh.
The e-mail builder’s defaults need some tender loving care.
You’ll miss out on some shopping features if you’re running a shop (no Shopify integration or transactional automations).
Support could be faster on the unusual side cases.
Yet below’s things, Beehiiv in fact listens. I have actually already seen updates roll out based upon customer responses, which’s a truly excellent indication.
The Bottom Line: Newsletter Operator
If you’re a designer, author, or indie author who desires:
- To expand your checklist fast,
- To keep full possession of your clients,
- To in fact make money without system fines,
- And to not fight with cumbersome e-mail contractors …
After that indeed, you ought to definitely offer Beehiiv a shot.
Look, it’s except every person. If you’re running an ecommerce store or want innovative CRM automations, perhaps look elsewhere. But if you’re developing a community, a personal brand, or an interest task?
Beehiiv’s got your back.
FAQs Regarding
1. Can I migrate my existing e-mail list to Beehiiv?
Yes! Movement is smooth and totally supported. No CSV problems below.
2. Does Beehiiv take a cut of my paid memberships?
Nope. Simply the typical Stripe 3% charge. The rest is all your own.
3. Is Beehiiv good for newbies?
Definitely. The onboarding procedure is clear and very easy, even if you have actually never established an e-newsletter before.
4. What makes Beehiiv much better than Substack?
Audience possession, much better money making tools, no platform fees, and a lot more list-growth options.
5. Can I utilize my very own domain name?
Yes. And they’ll even assist you warm it up for much better deliverability.
6. Are there built-in money making devices?
Yes! Boosts, referrals, advertisement networks and paid subscriptions are all native features.