When it came time to pick a new email system, I really did not want “sufficient.” I required something better– something built for growth, smarter money making, and a smoother experience generally. After almost a decade aiding others with email marketing (and 2 years running my own newsletter), I had not been seeking just a tool– I was searching for an appropriate companion Beehiiv Custom CSS.
And that’s exactly how Beehiiv went into the picture.
Now, I know what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv simply an additional Substack option?” I thought that as well in the beginning. But after 3 months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually got a whole lot to state– both the success and the weird traits. If you’re attempting to determine whether Beehiiv is the best system for you, work out in. You will get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be sincere– most email company (ESPs) are developed like they’re still stuck in 2013. I required a device that can actually help grow my listing and make some money while I went to it. My old ESP just had not been cutting it any longer.
So I began comparing options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the usual suspects. Each had its advantages, however I was checking out this with the lens of someone who takes email seriously– and who desired full control over my audience and material.
The Substack Issue: Looks Good Until You Look Closer
Substack was my first stop. It’s polished. It’s basic. And yeah, it’s preferred.
But dig a little deeper, and cracks begin showing. The most significant one? You don’t actually own your followers.
That “follow” button you see on Substack? It’s primarily smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall– inside the Substack app or on their website. You can not email them directly. Can not export them. You’re basically renting an audience you can never ever totally get to.
It resembles executing on a phase where the lights only turn on if the venue chooses to allow the crowd see you. Doesn’t feel great.
And then there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid subscriptions. Stripe takes another 3%. That’s 13% of your revenue– gone. You ‘d think they were running a bar, not an e-mail system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, Yet Was It Too Great to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv stick out?
Initially, it was the pledge of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter checklist growth devices, and no platform charges (besides the typical Stripe cut). But guarantees are easy. Implementation? That’s where it obtains real.
Still, the reviews were motivating. The Reddit strings really did not sound like bots or brand plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me inform you– migrating to a new platform usually seems like drawing teeth. Yet Beehiiv? Remarkably pain-free.
Importing my listing? Smooth. Setting up kinds? No meltdowns. Connecting my customized domain? A couple of minor hiccups, however absolutely nothing that needed swearing at the screen.
One thing I truly valued was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain to inbox service providers, piggybacking off their very own sending out domain. Translation? Less spam folder headaches.
Likewise, their support content– video clips, aid docs, and walkthroughs– really really felt human. Like someone took a seat and said, “Let’s not frustrate the hell out of our individuals today.” Revitalizing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Custom CSS
Currently below’s where things got a little … intriguing.
Beehiiv’s automation system is suitable, however do not expect it to take on heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For example, each kind can just be attached to a single automation. That makes it tricky to customize welcome series based upon how a person registered.
I ended up going complete investigator setting– dabbling with sections, making use of different landing pages, reading odd Reddit strings– just to construct a couple of customized workflows.
Is it doable? Absolutely. But if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this may seem like going back a bit.
Email Builder: Mainly Excellent, However Not Perfect
I’ve obtained a little a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Aesthetically? It’s glossy. Drag, go down, format, sneak peek– it seems like it was made by a person who’s in fact composed an e-newsletter or two.
But default templates took a couple of tweaks to solve. And right here’s a curveball: Beehiiv emails can obtain huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb huge.
That means your wonderfully crafted message may obtain cut in half if you’re not careful. I learned this the hard way– then went down a rabbit hole of testing devices to enhance HTML size and stay clear of that dreadful clipping.
My go-to method?
- Downloading and install test e-mails from Gmail and examining dimension
- Running the HTML through Parcel.io’s e-mail audience
- Ascertaining with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Bit of a hands-on process, however it functions. I also reached out to Beehiiv about adding much better dimension cautions. Fingers went across.
Right Stuff That Really Actions the Needle
Alright, let’s enter into the meat of it– what’s made a tangible difference because changing to Beehiiv?
Audience Growth
In simply 3 months, I added over 160 new subscribers to a rather niche e-newsletter. That has to do with 60% more than what I was seeing before– and I wasn’t even running paid advertisements.
Most of that growth came from Beehiiv’s integrated devices: the referral program, Boosts (assume 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 lot much easier.
Money Making That Doesn’t Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s talk cash since for the majority of designers, it matters.
Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut from your paid memberships. Just Stripe’s charge. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% better than Substack (literally).
Yet there’s more: their advertisement network is intuitive and passive. Within three months, I was currently fielding interest from marketers. Beehiiv’s partner network links makers with brand names in a way that does not really feel icky or compelled. It’s integrated income potential, simple and straightforward Beehiiv Custom CSS.
And when I’m ready to launch a premium subscription? I understand specifically what cut I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Development Devices
What actually sets Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve got customizable referral programs. Boosts for e-newsletter cross-promotion. Numerous landing pages for tracking lead sources. You can turn your visitors into supporters without hanging unpleasant boodle or single tricks.
I’ll claim this: Beehiiv seems like a system that wants you to be successful. Not one that simply wants a piece of your pie.
Points I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No system is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got its traits.
Assistance can be slow-moving when you struck a strange bug or require deep assistance.
Some automations still feel also basic.
Email size surveillance requires better in-app informs (please and thanks).
No integrated countdown timers (long face if you love FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Generally nonexistent.
So if you’re selling physical products or desire deserted cart circulations, Beehiiv possibly isn’t your best option.
Conclusion
If you’re a maker who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a list, or simply tired of obsolete systems– Beehiiv’s a solid selection.
You’ll like it if:
You want complete ownership of your target market
You’re aiming to grow quickly without paying platform tax
You desire something that really feels built by developers, for developers
Will it resolve every trouble? No. But in 3 months, it’s aided me grow quicker, make extra, and anxiety less regarding the little points.
So, should you try Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to quit working out and really range your e-newsletter with real devices that respect your job and target market– yeah, I assume it’s time.
Take place. Offer it a spin. You simply might fall in love like I did.