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Concerns Over Publisher Compliance Warning and Its Impact on Revenue

Avatar of Jonathan B.Jonathan B.
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OK so this is new.... Has anyone else received this publisher compliance warning about 'encouraging users to click ads'? There's a critical distinction here: Saying 'Consider checking out our sponsor who makes this newsletter possible' isn't asking for clicks for personal benefit—it's acknowledging the ecosystem that sustains free content. This distinction isn't semantic—it's fundamental to the creator economy. Sponsors aren't charity; they're partners in content creation. Acknowledging this relationship isn't manipulation—it's transparency. This policy directly shoots beehiiv in it's own foot - and there is almost a laughable amount of data that shows this so I'm so confused on this new popup.

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    Reducing click-through rates across the entire platform

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    Delivering inferior results to advertisers compared to competitors

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    Decreasing revenue for both publishers and beehiiv itself

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    Creating a competitive disadvantage against platforms like Substack andn Kit

Leading newsletter businesses built multi-million dollar exits using tasteful sponsor acknowledgments.

4 comments

  • Avatar of Jonathan B.
    Jonathan B.
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    Acknowledging sponsors who make the newsletter possible isn't the same as begging for clicks. Writing content that encourages users to click through sponsors' advertisements isn't bad practice - it's literally what copywriting is. 'The process of writing persuasive marketing materials that motivate people to take action.' Beehiiv isn't living in economic reality with this as is and response is concerning 🔒[private user] If your concern is about 'legit' clicks, let's be clear: Acknowledging and encouraging readers to check out sponsors doesn't create fake engagement at all. It increases visibility for genuinely valuable offers. More impressions = more conversion opportunities = higher ROI for advertisers = more revenue for publishers and beehiiv. That's not manipulation - it's basic marketing efficiency. Advertisers WANT their offers seen by interested audiences man that's literally why they're paying to be in newsletters. Tasteful acknowledgment simply ensures their investment delivers maximum value.

  • Avatar of Jonathan B.
    Jonathan B.
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    If beehiiv wants to grow beyond passion projects that flame out in 3 months, the TOS needs clear guidelines on what's acceptable vs. what's not. Right now it's deliberately vague even though your popup targets specific behavior. Lock in fellas. I'm rooting for Beehiiv as an enterprise customer, but this kind of stonewalling vague youtube esqe writing is crappy and counterproductive for everyone involved.

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  • Avatar of Jonathan B.
    Jonathan B.
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    Gotcha, just want to be honest with you guys. To clarify, this is a general reminder to everyone or only some of us are getting this message recently? I think I saw this for the first time ever last week.

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  • Avatar of Kaitlyn A.
    Kaitlyn A.
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    And I've seen some people send newsletter editions with just an ad included. I'm sure your hand was forced in adding that notification.