When it came time to choose a brand-new e-mail system, I really did not desire “adequate.” I required something much better– something built for growth, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience in general. After almost a decade helping others with e-mail marketing (and 2 years running my own e-newsletter), I wasn’t searching for simply a device– I was searching for a correct companion Beehiiv For Content Creators.
And that’s how Beehiiv entered the picture.
Now, I recognize what you’re believing: “Isn’t Beehiiv just another Substack option?” I thought that as well at first. But after 3 months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually obtained a whole lot to say– both the wins and the weird quirks. If you’re trying to choose whether Beehiiv is the appropriate platform for you, settle 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 tool that might really help expand my listing and make some money while I went to it. My old ESP just had not been cutting it anymore.
So I started comparing options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the usual suspects. Each had its perks, however I was checking out this through the lens of somebody who takes email seriously– and who desired full control over my audience and web content.
The Substack Issue: Looks Good Till You Look Closer
Substack was my very first stop. It’s brightened. It’s basic. And yeah, it’s popular.
But dig a little much deeper, and splits begin showing. The largest one? You do not in fact have your fans.
That “adhere to” button you see on Substack? It’s mainly smoke and mirrors. Those fans live behind a wall– inside the Substack app or on their website. You can’t email them directly. Can not export them. You’re essentially renting out an audience you can never ever totally get to.
It resembles carrying out on a phase where the lights only switch on if the place decides to allow the group see you. Doesn’t really feel excellent.
And after that there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid subscriptions. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your income– gone. You would certainly believe they were running a bar, not an email platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It Also Excellent to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv stick out?
Initially, it was the guarantee of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter listing growth devices, and no system fees (other than the normal Stripe cut). Yet guarantees are easy. Execution? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the evaluations were motivating. The Reddit threads really did not seem like crawlers or brand plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the leap.
Readying Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– migrating to a brand-new platform usually feels like pulling teeth. Yet Beehiiv? Surprisingly painless.
Importing my listing? Smooth. Establishing types? No crises. Attaching my custom-made domain? A few minor missteps, however nothing that required swearing at the display.
One thing I truly valued was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain to inbox suppliers, piggybacking off their very own sending out domain name. Translation? Less spam folder problems.
Likewise, their assistance web content– video clips, help docs, and walkthroughs– actually felt human. Like somebody took a seat and stated, “Let’s not discourage the heck out of our individuals today.” Refreshing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv For Content Creators
Currently right here’s where things got a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is respectable, but do not anticipate it to compete with heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For instance, each kind can just be connected to a single automation. That makes it challenging to personalize welcome series based on just how someone subscribed.
I wound up going complete investigative setting– tinkering with sectors, using different landing pages, reading odd Reddit threads– simply to construct a few tailored workflows.
Is it doable? Definitely. But if you’re utilized to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this may feel like stepping back a bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Wonderful, But Not Perfect
I’ve obtained a little a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Visually? It’s glossy. Drag, drop, style, preview– it feels like it was designed by somebody who’s in fact created an e-newsletter or two.
Yet default templates took a few tweaks to solve. And here’s a curveball: Beehiiv emails can obtain huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb big.
That indicates your beautifully crafted message might obtain chopped in half if you’re not careful. I discovered this the hard way– after that went down a rabbit hole of testing devices to optimize HTML size and stay clear of that feared clipping.
My best technique?
- Downloading test emails from Gmail and examining dimension
- Running the HTML through Parcel.io’s email customer
- Double-checking with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little bit of a hands-on procedure, however it functions. I also reached out to Beehiiv concerning adding much better dimension cautions. Fingers went across.
Right Stuff That Actually Actions the Needle
Alright, let’s get involved in the meat of it– what’s made a concrete distinction considering that switching over to Beehiiv?
Target market Growth
In just three months, I included over 160 new customers to a rather specific niche e-newsletter. That has to do with 60% greater than what I was seeing before– and I wasn’t also running paid advertisements.
Most of that development originated from Beehiiv’s built-in devices: the referral program, Boosts (believe e-newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can in fact track what’s working and where customers are originating from. Makes tweaking your technique a lot much easier.
Money Making That Doesn’t Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s speak cash because for most makers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid memberships. Simply Stripe’s fee. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% far better than Substack (actually).
Yet there’s even more: their advertisement network is user-friendly and passive. Within 3 months, I was currently fielding passion from advertisers. Beehiiv’s companion network connects designers with brands in a manner that doesn’t really feel nasty or compelled. It’s built-in income capacity, ordinary and straightforward Beehiiv For Content Creators.
And when I’m ready to introduce a premium registration? I know exactly what cut I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Growth Tools
What truly establishes Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve obtained personalized referral programs. Boosts for e-newsletter cross-promotion. Several landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can transform your readers into supporters without hanging unpleasant boodle or single gimmicks.
I’ll claim this: Beehiiv feels like a platform that wants you to succeed. Not one that just wants a piece of your pie.
Points I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained its peculiarities.
Assistance can be slow-moving when you hit an odd insect or require deep help.
Some automations still really feel as well standard.
Email size surveillance requires better in-app notifies (please and thank you).
No integrated countdown timers (sad face if you love FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Primarily missing.
So if you’re selling physical products or desire deserted cart flows, Beehiiv possibly isn’t your best bet.
Verdict
If you’re a creator who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, expanding a checklist, or simply tired of out-of-date platforms– Beehiiv’s a strong choice.
You’ll like it if:
You desire complete ownership of your target market
You’re aiming to grow quick without paying platform tax
You desire something that really feels built by creators, for makers
Will it solve every issue? No. Yet in 3 months, it’s aided me grow faster, make extra, and anxiety less about the little things.
So, should you try Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to stop settling and in fact range your newsletter with real tools that appreciate your job and audience– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Take place. Provide it a spin. You just could fall in love like I did.