When it came time to choose a new e-mail system, I didn’t want “sufficient.” I required something better– something built for growth, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience overall. After almost a years assisting others with e-mail marketing (and two years running my own newsletter), I wasn’t looking for just a tool– I was hunting for a proper partner Beehiiv Customer Support.
Which’s exactly how Beehiiv entered the picture.
Currently, I understand what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv just another Substack choice?” I thought that too initially. But after 3 months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve got a lot to say– both the wins and the unusual quirks. If you’re attempting to make a decision whether Beehiiv is the appropriate platform for you, work out in. You’re about to get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be straightforward– most email company (ESPs) are built like they’re still stuck in 2013. I needed a tool that can really help expand my list and make some money while I went to it. My old ESP just wasn’t sufficing anymore.
So I began comparing alternatives. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the typical suspects. Each had its benefits, however I was taking a look at this through the lens of someone who takes e-mail seriously– and who desired full control over my audience and content.
The Substack Trouble: Looks Great Till You Look Closer
Substack was my first quit. It’s brightened. It’s straightforward. And yeah, it’s popular.
But dig a little deeper, and splits start showing. The biggest one? You do not really own your fans.
That “comply with” switch you see on Substack? It’s mainly smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack application or on their website. You can’t email them straight. Can’t export them. You’re primarily renting out an audience you can never totally reach.
It’s like doing on a stage where the lights just switch on if the venue chooses to allow the crowd see you. Doesn’t really feel fantastic.
And after that there’s the money side. Substack takes 10% off your paid registrations. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your income– gone. You would certainly think they were running a club, not an e-mail system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It As well Excellent to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv stick out?
In the beginning, it was the pledge of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter checklist development tools, and zero system fees (in addition to the normal Stripe cut). However guarantees are very easy. Execution? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the reviews were motivating. The Reddit threads didn’t sound like bots or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Readying Up on Beehiiv
Let me inform you– migrating to a brand-new system usually seems like pulling teeth. However Beehiiv? Surprisingly pain-free.
Importing my listing? Smooth. Establishing kinds? No meltdowns. Linking my custom-made domain name? A couple of small missteps, but nothing that needed swearing at the display.
One thing I really valued was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name to inbox carriers, piggybacking off their own sending domain. Translation? Less spam folder headaches.
Also, their assistance material– video clips, assistance docs, and walkthroughs– in fact really felt human. Like someone took a seat and stated, “Let’s not discourage the heck out of our users today.” Rejuvenating.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Customer Support
Currently right here’s where points got a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is good, yet don’t expect it to compete with heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For instance, each type can only be attached to a solitary automation. That makes it difficult to customize welcome sequences based on exactly how a person subscribed.
I wound up going complete investigative mode– dabbling with segments, utilizing separate landing pages, reading rare Reddit strings– just to develop a couple of tailored workflows.
Is it practical? Absolutely. However if you’re utilized to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this might seem like stepping back a little bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Terrific, However Not Perfect
I’ve got a bit of a love-hate relationship with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Aesthetically? It’s slick. Drag, drop, style, sneak peek– it feels like it was made by someone who’s in fact composed a newsletter or more.
However default templates took a couple of tweaks to solve. And here’s a curveball: Beehiiv emails can get huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb huge.
That means your wonderfully crafted message may get chopped in half if you’re not careful. I discovered this by hand– after that went down a rabbit hole of screening devices to optimize HTML size and prevent that dreadful clipping.
My go-to approach?
- Downloading test e-mails from Gmail and checking dimension
- Running the HTML with Parcel.io’s e-mail visitor
- Double-checking with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Bit of a hand-operated procedure, but it works. I also reached out to Beehiiv about including better size warnings. Fingers crossed.
The Stuff That Actually Steps the Needle
Alright, let’s enter the meat of it– what’s made a tangible distinction since switching over to Beehiiv?
Audience Development
In simply three months, I added over 160 new subscribers to a pretty particular niche e-newsletter. That’s about 60% greater than what I was seeing previously– and I had not been also running paid ads.
A lot of that growth originated from Beehiiv’s integrated tools: the referral program, Boosts (believe newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can really track what’s functioning and where subscribers are coming from. Makes tweaking your technique a lot easier.
Money Making That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s speak cash due to the fact that for many developers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid registrations. Just Stripe’s charge. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% much better than Substack (essentially).
However there’s even more: their ad network is intuitive and passive. Within 3 months, I was already fielding rate of interest from advertisers. Beehiiv’s companion network attaches designers with brands in such a way that does not really feel icky or compelled. It’s integrated revenue capacity, ordinary and easy Beehiiv Customer Support.
And when I’m ready to launch a premium subscription? I understand precisely what reduced I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Growth Tools
What really sets Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually obtained personalized referral programs. Boosts for e-newsletter cross-promotion. Several landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can transform your visitors into advocates without hanging uncomfortable swag or single tricks.
I’ll state this: Beehiiv feels like a system that desires you to prosper. Not one that simply wants a piece of your pie.
Points I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s got its peculiarities.
Support can be sluggish when you hit an unusual insect or require deep help.
Some automations still feel also standard.
Email dimension tracking needs better in-app informs (please and thank you).
No integrated countdown timers (sad face if you love FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Primarily missing.
So if you’re selling physical items or desire abandoned cart flows, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best choice.
Conclusion
If you’re a creator who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a list, or just tired of obsolete platforms– Beehiiv’s a solid selection.
You’ll like it if:
You want full possession of your audience
You’re seeking to expand quick without paying system tax obligation
You want something that feels developed by makers, for creators
Will it fix every problem? No. But in three months, it’s aided me expand faster, make more, and stress less regarding the little points.
So, should you try Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to stop clearing up and really range your e-newsletter with actual tools that value your job and target market– yeah, I assume it’s time.
Go on. Offer it a spin. You simply may fall in love like I did.