When it came time to choose a new e-mail system, I really did not want “good enough.” I required something much better– something constructed for growth, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience on the whole. After nearly a years aiding others with e-mail marketing (and 2 years running my own newsletter), I wasn’t seeking simply a tool– I was searching for a correct partner Alex & Books Beehiiv.
Which’s just how Beehiiv went into the picture.
Currently, I recognize what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv just one more Substack choice?” I believed that too initially. However after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve got a great deal to claim– both the success and the odd quirks. If you’re attempting to determine whether Beehiiv is the appropriate platform for you, settle in. You’re about to get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be honest– most email company (ESPs) are developed like they’re still embeded 2013. I needed a device that might really help expand my list and make some cash while I went to it. My old ESP just had not been cutting it any longer.
So I started comparing options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the usual suspects. Each had its benefits, but I was taking a look at this through the lens of somebody who takes email seriously– and who desired complete control over my target market and web content.
The Substack Trouble: Looks Excellent Up Until You Look Closer
Substack was my initial stop. It’s polished. It’s easy. And yeah, it’s prominent.
However dig a little much deeper, and splits begin showing. The most significant one? You do not really possess your followers.
That “comply with” button you see on Substack? It’s mostly smoke and mirrors. Those fans live behind a wall– inside the Substack app or on their site. You can’t email them directly. Can not export them. You’re generally renting an audience you can never completely get to.
It’s like performing on a stage where the lights just turn on if the place decides to allow the crowd see you. Does not really feel fantastic.
And afterwards there’s the money side. Substack takes 10% off your paid memberships. Stripe takes one more 3%. That’s 13% of your earnings– gone. You ‘d assume they were running a club, not an email system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, Yet Was It Too Excellent to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv stand out?
Initially, it was the pledge of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter checklist growth devices, and no system charges (in addition to the normal Stripe cut). But assurances are easy. Execution? That’s where it obtains real.
Still, the reviews were motivating. The Reddit threads didn’t sound like robots or brand plants. And the onboarding? Surprisingly smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the leap.
Readying Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– moving to a new system generally seems like drawing teeth. But Beehiiv? Remarkably pain-free.
Importing my listing? Smooth. Setting up types? No crises. Attaching my customized domain name? A few minor missteps, yet absolutely nothing that needed swearing at the screen.
One point I actually appreciated was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv slowly presents your domain name to inbox service providers, piggybacking off their very own sending out domain name. Translation? Fewer spam folder nightmares.
Additionally, their support web content– videos, assistance docs, and walkthroughs– in fact really felt human. Like somebody took a seat and said, “Let’s not annoy the heck out of our customers today.” Refreshing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Alex & Books Beehiiv
Now below’s where things obtained a little … interesting.
Beehiiv’s automation system is suitable, yet don’t expect it to compete with heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For example, each kind can just be attached to a single automation. That makes it complicated to individualize welcome series based upon exactly how a person subscribed.
I ended up going full investigative mode– tinkering with segments, using different landing pages, checking out odd Reddit threads– simply to develop a couple of customized workflows.
Is it manageable? Definitely. But if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this could feel like going back a little bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Great, Yet Not Perfect
I have actually got a little a love-hate relationship with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Aesthetically? It’s glossy. Drag, go down, style, preview– it feels like it was designed by a person who’s in fact created a newsletter or 2.
Yet default templates took a couple of tweaks to solve. And right here’s a curveball: Beehiiv emails can get huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb big.
That indicates your magnificently crafted message could obtain chopped in half if you’re not mindful. I learned this by hand– after that dropped a bunny opening of screening tools to enhance HTML dimension and stay clear of that dreaded clipping.
My best approach?
- Downloading test emails from Gmail and examining size
- Running the HTML through Parcel.io’s e-mail viewer
- Ascertaining with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Bit of a hands-on process, however it functions. I even connected to Beehiiv regarding including much better size cautions. Fingers went across.
Right Stuff That In Fact Actions the Needle
Alright, let’s enter the meat of it– what’s made a concrete distinction because switching to Beehiiv?
Target market Development
In just three months, I added over 160 new clients to a pretty particular niche e-newsletter. That has to do with 60% more than what I was seeing previously– and I wasn’t also running paid ads.
Most of that growth came from Beehiiv’s integrated tools: the referral program, Boosts (think e-newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can really track what’s working and where clients are originating from. Makes tweaking your method a great deal simpler.
Monetization That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s chat cash due to the fact that for many developers, it matters.
Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut from your paid subscriptions. Simply Stripe’s cost. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% far better than Substack (essentially).
However there’s more: their advertisement network is instinctive and passive. Within three months, I was currently fielding interest from advertisers. Beehiiv’s companion network attaches designers with brands in a manner that does not feel nasty or forced. It’s integrated revenue capacity, ordinary and easy Alex & Books Beehiiv.
And when I prepare to release a costs membership? I know exactly what reduced I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Development Devices
What really establishes Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve obtained adjustable referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Multiple landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can transform your readers into supporters without dangling awkward swag or one-time tricks.
I’ll say this: Beehiiv feels like a system that desires you to prosper. Not one that simply desires a piece of your pie.
Points I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained its peculiarities.
Support can be slow-moving when you hit an odd pest or need deep assistance.
Some automations still feel as well standard.
Email dimension tracking requires better in-app notifies (please and thanks).
No built-in countdown timers (sad face if you like FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Primarily missing.
So if you’re offering physical products or desire abandoned cart flows, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best choice.
Verdict
If you’re a creator who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, expanding a list, or just tired of outdated systems– Beehiiv’s a strong option.
You’ll like it if:
You want full ownership of your audience
You’re looking to grow quick without paying system tax obligation
You desire something that really feels constructed by designers, for designers
Will it fix every problem? No. But in three months, it’s assisted me grow much faster, make extra, and anxiety much less about the little points.
So, should you try Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to quit clearing up and really range your e-newsletter with real tools that value your job and target market– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Take place. Offer it a spin. You simply may fall in love like I did.