Tool

Beehiiv

Beehiiv · beehiiv.com Freemium Beginner

Once you are convinced you want an owned list, you need somewhere to actually put it, and Beehiiv is a straightforward place to start with a free plan so you can begin before you have any budget. It handles the unglamorous parts (signup forms, a subscribe page, sending) so you can focus on writing rather than plumbing. Treat it as one solid starting point, not the only option: Substack is simpler if you just want to write, and Kit (formerly ConvertKit) leans toward creators selling digital products.

• The free Launch plan lets you start collecting emails and sending without paying, which matters when you are testing whether a newsletter is worth it.
• Built in growth tools (subscribe forms, pop ups, referral program) help you actually turn readers into subscribers.
• Pick a platform on how you plan to use it: Beehiiv for a newsletter you may grow and monetize, Substack for pure writing, Kit for selling products.