When it came time to pick a new email platform, I really did not desire “adequate.” I required something much better– something constructed for development, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience in general. After almost a years aiding others with email marketing (and two years running my own e-newsletter), I had not been trying to find simply a device– I was hunting for a proper companion When Did Beehiiv Start.
Which’s just how Beehiiv got in the picture.
Currently, I recognize what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Beehiiv simply an additional Substack option?” I thought that too in the beginning. Yet after 3 months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually got a great deal to state– both the wins and the odd peculiarities. If you’re attempting to determine whether Beehiiv is the right system for you, work out in. You will get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Tool Behind
Let’s be truthful– most email company (ESPs) are developed like they’re still embeded 2013. I needed a tool that can really aid grow my list and make some cash while I was at it. My old ESP simply wasn’t cutting it any longer.
So I started contrasting options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the usual suspects. Each had its rewards, but I was checking out this via the lens of somebody who takes e-mail seriously– and who wanted full control over my target market and material.
The Substack Trouble: Looks Great Up Until You Look Closer
Substack was my initial stop. It’s brightened. It’s straightforward. And yeah, it’s preferred.
However dig a little deeper, and fractures start revealing. The greatest one? You don’t actually have your fans.
That “comply with” button you see on Substack? It’s mainly smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall– inside the Substack application or on their website. You can’t email them straight. Can not export them. You’re generally leasing an audience you can never ever totally get to.
It’s like doing on a phase where the lights only turn on if the place determines to let the crowd see you. Doesn’t really feel great.
And after that there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid memberships. Stripe takes one more 3%. That’s 13% of your revenue– gone. You ‘d assume they were running a nightclub, not an email platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, Yet Was It As well Good to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv attract attention?
Initially, it was the assurance of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter list development devices, and zero platform charges (besides the typical Stripe cut). But pledges are easy. Implementation? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the reviews were encouraging. The Reddit threads didn’t sound like crawlers or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– migrating to a brand-new platform typically seems like drawing teeth. But Beehiiv? Surprisingly painless.
Importing my list? Smooth. Establishing types? No crises. Connecting my customized domain name? A few small hiccups, however nothing that called for swearing at the screen.
One point I truly valued was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv progressively presents your domain name to inbox suppliers, piggybacking off their very own sending domain. Translation? Fewer spam folder nightmares.
Likewise, their assistance material– video clips, assistance docs, and walkthroughs– actually really felt human. Like somebody took a seat and claimed, “Let’s not annoy the hell out of our individuals today.” Revitalizing.
Automation on Beehiiv: When Did Beehiiv Start
Currently right here’s where things obtained a little … intriguing.
Beehiiv’s automation system is decent, however don’t expect it to compete with heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For example, each form can only be linked to a solitary automation. That makes it complicated to individualize welcome sequences based on exactly how someone joined.
I wound up going complete investigator mode– tinkering with sections, utilizing separate landing pages, checking out unknown Reddit strings– simply to build a few tailored workflows.
Is it practical? Absolutely. Yet if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this could feel like stepping back a bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Terrific, But Not Perfect
I’ve obtained a bit of a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Aesthetically? It’s glossy. Drag, drop, layout, preview– it seems like it was developed by someone who’s actually written an e-newsletter or more.
But default templates took a couple of tweaks to get right. And below’s a curveball: Beehiiv emails can get large. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb large.
That means your perfectly crafted message could obtain chopped in half if you’re not mindful. I learned this by hand– then dropped a rabbit hole of testing tools to optimize HTML size and stay clear of that dreadful clipping.
My best technique?
- Downloading and install examination emails from Gmail and checking dimension
- Running the HTML through Parcel.io’s e-mail visitor
- Verifying with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little a manual procedure, but it works. I even reached out to Beehiiv regarding adding far better size cautions. Fingers went across.
The Stuff That Really Steps the Needle
Alright, let’s enter into the meat of it– what’s made a tangible distinction because switching over to Beehiiv?
Audience Development
In just three months, I included over 160 brand-new subscribers to a pretty specific niche e-newsletter. That has to do with 60% more than what I was seeing previously– and I had not been also running paid advertisements.
Most of that development originated from Beehiiv’s built-in devices: the referral program, Boosts (assume e-newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can really track what’s functioning and where clients are coming from. Makes tweaking your method a whole lot less complicated.
Money Making That Doesn’t Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s speak money because for most creators, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid memberships. Just Stripe’s cost. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% much better than Substack (essentially).
Yet there’s more: their ad network is instinctive and passive. Within 3 months, I was currently fielding passion from advertisers. Beehiiv’s partner network connects designers with brands in a manner that does not feel nasty or required. It’s built-in revenue possibility, simple and easy When Did Beehiiv Start.
And when I prepare to introduce a premium subscription? I recognize specifically what reduced I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Development Devices
What really sets Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve obtained customizable referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Several landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can turn your readers right into advocates without dangling uncomfortable boodle or single tricks.
I’ll say this: Beehiiv seems like a system that wants you to be successful. Not one that simply desires a piece of your pie.
Things I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s got its peculiarities.
Assistance can be slow when you struck a strange insect or need deep help.
Some automations still feel also standard.
Email size surveillance requires much better in-app notifies (please and thank you).
No built-in countdown timers (sad face if you enjoy FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Generally missing.
So if you’re offering physical products or desire abandoned cart circulations, Beehiiv probably isn’t your best bet.
Verdict
If you’re a maker who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re generating income from, growing a checklist, or simply tired of outdated systems– Beehiiv’s a solid option.
You’ll like it if:
You desire full ownership of your audience
You’re aiming to grow quickly without paying platform tax obligation
You desire something that really feels constructed by designers, for creators
Will it address every trouble? No. However in 3 months, it’s helped me expand much faster, earn more, and stress much less regarding the little points.
So, should you try Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to quit working out and actually scale your e-newsletter with real devices that respect your job and target market– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Go on. Provide it a spin. You simply may fall in love like I did.