When it came time to select a brand-new e-mail system, I really did not desire “adequate.” I required something better– something built for growth, smarter money making, and a smoother experience generally. After virtually a decade helping others with email marketing (and two years running my very own e-newsletter), I wasn’t seeking simply a tool– I was hunting for an appropriate partner Beehiiv Sign Up.
And that’s how Beehiiv got in the picture.
Currently, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Beehiiv simply another Substack alternative?” I thought that too in the beginning. However after 3 months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually obtained a whole lot to state– both the wins and the weird traits. If you’re attempting to make a decision whether Beehiiv is the ideal system for you, settle in. You will get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be straightforward– most email provider (ESPs) are developed like they’re still stuck in 2013. I needed a device that can really help grow my list and make some money while I was at it. My old ESP simply had not been cutting it any longer.
So I started comparing choices. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the typical suspects. Each had its benefits, however I was looking at this via the lens of a person who takes e-mail seriously– and who wanted full control over my target market and content.
The Substack Trouble: Looks Good Till You Look Closer
Substack was my initial stop. It’s polished. It’s straightforward. And yeah, it’s preferred.
But dig a little deeper, and fractures start revealing. The most significant one? You don’t really possess your followers.
That “comply with” switch you see on Substack? It’s primarily smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack application or on their website. You can not email them straight. Can not export them. You’re generally renting out an audience you can never ever totally get to.
It’s like performing on a phase where the lights only switch on if the location makes a decision to allow the group see you. Doesn’t feel wonderful.
And after that there’s the money side. Substack takes 10% off your paid memberships. Stripe takes one more 3%. That’s 13% of your income– gone. You ‘d think they were running a club, not an email platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, However Was It Too Excellent to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv attract attention?
Initially, it was the assurance of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter checklist development devices, and no system costs (apart from the typical Stripe cut). But guarantees are easy. Execution? That’s where it obtains real.
Still, the testimonials were motivating. The Reddit threads really did not seem like crawlers or brand plants. And the onboarding? Surprisingly smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– migrating to a new platform normally feels like pulling teeth. However Beehiiv? Remarkably painless.
Importing my list? Smooth. Establishing kinds? No crises. Attaching my custom domain name? A few minor missteps, however absolutely nothing that called for swearing at the screen.
One thing I really valued was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name to inbox suppliers, piggybacking off their very own sending out domain name. Translation? Less spam folder headaches.
Likewise, their assistance web content– video clips, aid docs, and walkthroughs– really really felt human. Like someone sat down and said, “Let’s not frustrate the hell out of our individuals today.” Refreshing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Sign Up
Now right here’s where things got a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is good, but do not anticipate it to take on heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For example, each kind can only be connected to a solitary automation. That makes it tricky to personalize welcome series based upon just how someone joined.
I wound up going full investigative mode– tinkering with segments, utilizing different landing pages, reviewing obscure Reddit strings– simply to build a couple of customized workflows.
Is it achievable? Definitely. Yet if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this might feel like stepping back a little bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Terrific, But Not Perfect
I have actually got a bit of a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Aesthetically? It’s slick. Drag, go down, layout, preview– it feels like it was designed by somebody who’s really written a newsletter or two.
However default templates took a couple of tweaks to solve. And here’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can obtain huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb large.
That suggests your magnificently crafted message might get sliced in half if you’re not cautious. I discovered this the hard way– after that decreased a rabbit opening of testing tools to maximize HTML dimension and prevent that dreadful clipping.
My best method?
- Downloading examination emails from Gmail and checking dimension
- Running the HTML via Parcel.io’s email customer
- Ascertaining with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little bit of a hand-operated procedure, however it works. I even reached out to Beehiiv regarding including better size cautions. Fingers went across.
Right Stuff That Really Moves the Needle
Alright, let’s enter the meat of it– what’s made a tangible distinction considering that switching over to Beehiiv?
Audience Growth
In just 3 months, I added over 160 new customers to a pretty particular niche newsletter. That’s about 60% more than what I was seeing previously– and I wasn’t even running paid advertisements.
The majority of that development came from Beehiiv’s integrated devices: the referral program, Boosts (believe e-newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can really track what’s working and where customers are originating from. Makes tweaking your strategy a lot easier.
Money Making That Doesn’t Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s speak cash since for the majority of developers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid registrations. Simply Stripe’s fee. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% better than Substack (literally).
Yet there’s even more: their advertisement network is instinctive and passive. Within 3 months, I was currently fielding passion from advertisers. Beehiiv’s companion network links developers with brand names in a way that doesn’t really feel disgusting or compelled. It’s integrated earnings possibility, ordinary and basic Beehiiv Sign Up.
And when I’m ready to launch a premium subscription? I understand precisely what cut I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Growth Tools
What truly establishes Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve obtained customizable referral programs. Boosts for e-newsletter cross-promotion. Several landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can turn your readers into supporters without dangling awkward boodle or single gimmicks.
I’ll claim this: Beehiiv seems like a system that wants you to prosper. Not one that simply desires a piece of your pie.
Points I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got its peculiarities.
Support can be sluggish when you struck an unusual insect or need deep assistance.
Some automations still feel too standard.
Email size monitoring needs much better in-app signals (please and thanks).
No integrated countdown timers (long face if you love FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Generally nonexistent.
So if you’re offering physical products or desire deserted cart flows, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best bet.
Conclusion
If you’re a developer who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a listing, or just tired of outdated systems– Beehiiv’s a solid selection.
You’ll like it if:
You want full possession of your target market
You’re wanting to expand quick without paying system tax
You want something that really feels built by creators, for developers
Will it solve every problem? No. Yet in 3 months, it’s helped me expand much faster, earn a lot more, and anxiety much less regarding the little points.
So, should you try Beehiiv?
If you prepare to quit working out and in fact scale your newsletter with genuine devices that appreciate your work and audience– yeah, I assume it’s time.
Take place. Provide it a spin. You just could fall in love like I did.