When it came time to select a new e-mail system, I really did not desire “adequate.” I required something much better– something developed for development, smarter money making, and a smoother experience in general. After virtually a years aiding others with e-mail marketing (and two years running my very own e-newsletter), I wasn’t searching for simply a tool– I was searching for an appropriate partner Beehiiv Audience Segmentation.
Which’s how Beehiiv entered the picture.
Now, I know what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv just an additional Substack option?” I believed that also at first. Yet after 3 months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve obtained a whole lot to say– both the wins and the odd quirks. If you’re trying to make a decision whether Beehiiv is the best platform for you, clear up in. You’re about to obtain the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Tool Behind
Let’s be straightforward– most email provider (ESPs) are built like they’re still embeded 2013. I required a device that might actually assist grow my checklist and make some cash while I was at it. My old ESP just had not been cutting it anymore.
So I began contrasting choices. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the common suspects. Each had its benefits, but I was considering this via the lens of somebody who takes email seriously– and who desired complete control over my target market and content.
The Substack Problem: Looks Good Until You Look Closer
Substack was my first quit. It’s polished. It’s basic. And yeah, it’s popular.
But dig a little deeper, and cracks start revealing. The most significant one? You don’t actually possess your fans.
That “adhere to” button you see on Substack? It’s mostly smoke and mirrors. Those fans live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack application or on their website. You can not email them directly. Can not export them. You’re generally renting out an audience you can never totally reach.
It resembles carrying out on a phase where the lights only switch on if the location decides to let the group see you. Doesn’t really feel terrific.
And then there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid memberships. Stripe takes one more 3%. That’s 13% of your earnings– gone. You ‘d think they were running a club, not an e-mail platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It Also Excellent to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv attract attention?
In the beginning, it was the assurance of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter list development tools, and absolutely no system charges (aside from the usual Stripe cut). Yet pledges are easy. Implementation? That’s where it obtains real.
Still, the testimonials were motivating. The Reddit strings really did not sound like robots or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the leap.
Readying Up on Beehiiv
Let me inform you– migrating to a brand-new system normally feels like pulling teeth. Yet Beehiiv? Remarkably painless.
Importing my checklist? Smooth. Establishing kinds? No crises. Attaching my custom domain? A few small hiccups, however absolutely nothing that called for swearing at the display.
One thing I actually valued was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually presents your domain name to inbox service providers, piggybacking off their own sending out domain. Translation? Fewer spam folder nightmares.
Likewise, their support web content– video clips, help docs, and walkthroughs– actually really felt human. Like someone sat down and claimed, “Let’s not frustrate the heck out of our individuals today.” Rejuvenating.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Audience Segmentation
Now here’s where things obtained a little … intriguing.
Beehiiv’s automation system is good, however don’t anticipate it to take on heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For instance, each form can only be connected to a single automation. That makes it complicated to individualize welcome series based upon exactly how somebody signed up.
I ended up going full investigator mode– playing with sections, using different landing pages, reviewing unknown Reddit strings– just to construct a couple of tailored workflows.
Is it workable? Definitely. But if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this may feel like going back a little bit.
Email Builder: Primarily Excellent, But Not Perfect
I have actually got a little bit of a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Aesthetically? It’s slick. Drag, drop, style, preview– it seems like it was created by someone who’s in fact written an e-newsletter or more.
But 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 large.
That implies your perfectly crafted message may get chopped in half if you’re not cautious. I learned this by hand– after that dropped a bunny opening of testing devices to enhance HTML dimension and prevent that dreadful clipping.
My best method?
- Downloading and install examination e-mails from Gmail and examining size
- Running the HTML via Parcel.io’s email viewer
- Ascertaining with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Bit of a hands-on procedure, but it functions. I even connected to Beehiiv concerning including much better dimension warnings. Fingers crossed.
Right Stuff That Actually Actions the Needle
Alright, let’s get into the meat of it– what’s made a tangible distinction since switching to Beehiiv?
Target market Growth
In just 3 months, I added over 160 brand-new subscribers to a pretty niche newsletter. That’s about 60% more than what I was seeing previously– and I had not been even running paid advertisements.
A lot of that development originated 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 subscribers are coming from. Makes tweaking your strategy a whole lot less complicated.
Monetization That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s talk cash since for the majority of makers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid subscriptions. Simply Stripe’s charge. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% much better than Substack (essentially).
But there’s more: their ad network is instinctive and passive. Within three months, I was already fielding rate of interest from advertisers. Beehiiv’s companion network connects designers with brand names in a manner that doesn’t feel icky or forced. It’s built-in income potential, ordinary and basic Beehiiv Audience Segmentation.
And when I prepare to launch a costs subscription? I understand exactly what reduced I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Development Tools
What actually sets Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually obtained personalized referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Numerous landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can turn your viewers into supporters without dangling uncomfortable swag or one-time gimmicks.
I’ll say this: Beehiiv seems like a platform that wants you to do well. Not one that simply wants an item of your pie.
Things I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got its traits.
Assistance can be slow-moving when you struck an odd pest or need deep help.
Some automations still really feel also standard.
Email dimension surveillance needs far better in-app notifies (please and thanks).
No built-in countdown timers (sad face if you like FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Basically missing.
So if you’re marketing physical products or desire abandoned cart circulations, Beehiiv possibly isn’t your best option.
Final Thought
If you’re a developer who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, expanding a listing, or just tired of obsolete platforms– Beehiiv’s a solid choice.
You’ll like it if:
You want complete possession of your audience
You’re seeking to expand quickly without paying platform tax obligation
You desire something that feels constructed by creators, for designers
Will it fix every issue? No. But in 3 months, it’s aided me grow faster, make much more, and stress and anxiety less regarding the little points.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you prepare to stop clearing up and in fact range your newsletter with real devices that appreciate your work and audience– yeah, I think it’s time.
Take place. Provide it a spin. You just might fall in love like I did.