When it came time to choose a new email platform, I really did not want “adequate.” I needed something much better– something developed for development, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience generally. After virtually a years assisting others with e-mail marketing (and 2 years running my own newsletter), I had not been looking for simply a tool– I was searching for an appropriate companion Beehiiv TechCrunch.
Which’s exactly how Beehiiv went into the picture.
Currently, I understand what you’re believing: “Isn’t Beehiiv just one more Substack choice?” I thought that too initially. Yet after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve got a great deal to claim– both the victories and the odd traits. If you’re attempting to make a decision whether Beehiiv is the appropriate system for you, clear up in. You’re about to obtain the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be honest– most email company (ESPs) are developed like they’re still stuck in 2013. I needed a device that could really assist expand my list and make some cash while I went to it. My old ESP just wasn’t sufficing anymore.
So I started comparing choices. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the common suspects. Each had its advantages, yet I was checking out this via the lens of someone who takes email seriously– and who wanted complete control over my audience and web content.
The Substack Issue: Looks Good Up Until You Look Closer
Substack was my first stop. It’s polished. It’s simple. And yeah, it’s preferred.
But dig a little much deeper, and fractures begin revealing. The greatest one? You do not actually have your fans.
That “adhere to” switch you see on Substack? It’s mainly smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall– inside the Substack application or on their site. You can’t email them straight. Can not export them. You’re basically leasing a target market you can never completely reach.
It’s like executing on a stage where the lights only activate if the place decides to let the crowd see you. Does not feel fantastic.
And after that there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid subscriptions. Stripe takes one more 3%. That’s 13% of your earnings– gone. You ‘d believe they were running a bar, not an email platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, However Was It As well Great to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv stick out?
Initially, it was the assurance of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter checklist development devices, and no system costs (other than the normal Stripe cut). Yet promises are very easy. Implementation? That’s where it obtains real.
Still, the testimonials were motivating. The Reddit strings didn’t seem like bots or brand plants. And the onboarding? Surprisingly smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Readying Up on Beehiiv
Let me inform you– migrating to a new system generally feels like pulling teeth. However Beehiiv? Surprisingly pain-free.
Importing my listing? Smooth. Establishing types? No crises. Attaching my personalized domain? A few minor hiccups, however absolutely nothing that called for swearing at the display.
Something I truly valued was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv slowly presents your domain to inbox carriers, piggybacking off their own sending out domain name. Translation? Less spam folder headaches.
Also, their assistance content– video clips, help docs, and walkthroughs– in fact really felt human. Like someone took a seat and stated, “Let’s not frustrate the hell out of our customers today.” Refreshing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv TechCrunch
Now right here’s where things got a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is respectable, however don’t expect it to take on heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. As an example, each type can just be attached to a solitary automation. That makes it complicated to individualize welcome series based upon exactly how someone subscribed.
I ended up going full investigator mode– dabbling with sectors, using separate landing pages, reading odd Reddit strings– just to build a couple of tailored workflows.
Is it practical? Definitely. But if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this could feel like stepping back a bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Wonderful, But Not Perfect
I have actually obtained a little a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Visually? It’s slick. Drag, drop, layout, preview– it feels like it was designed by someone who’s in fact written a newsletter or two.
Yet default templates took a few tweaks to solve. And below’s a curveball: Beehiiv emails can obtain large. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb large.
That indicates your magnificently crafted message may get cut in half if you’re not cautious. I discovered this by hand– after that decreased a rabbit hole of screening devices to enhance HTML size and avoid that dreaded clipping.
My best technique?
- Downloading test emails from Gmail and examining size
- Running the HTML via Parcel.io’s email viewer
- Confirming with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little a hand-operated process, but it functions. I also connected to Beehiiv regarding including far better dimension cautions. Fingers crossed.
The Stuff That Actually Actions the Needle
Alright, let’s enter into the meat of it– what’s made a tangible difference considering that changing to Beehiiv?
Audience Development
In just three months, I added over 160 brand-new subscribers to a quite particular niche newsletter. That’s about 60% greater than what I was seeing before– and I wasn’t also running paid ads.
The majority of that growth came 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 coming from. Makes tweaking your technique a whole lot less complicated.
Monetization That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s talk cash since for many developers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid registrations. Simply Stripe’s cost. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% far better than Substack (actually).
Yet there’s even more: their ad network is instinctive and passive. Within 3 months, I was currently fielding passion from advertisers. Beehiiv’s companion network attaches designers with brand names in such a way that doesn’t really feel disgusting or compelled. It’s integrated earnings capacity, plain and easy Beehiiv TechCrunch.
And when I prepare to launch a costs membership? I know specifically what reduced I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Development Devices
What really sets Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually got customizable referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Several landing pages for tracking lead sources. You can transform your visitors into supporters without hanging unpleasant swag or one-time gimmicks.
I’ll say this: Beehiiv feels like a system that wants you to do well. Not one that just desires a piece of your pie.
Points I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got its traits.
Assistance can be sluggish when you hit a strange insect or require deep assistance.
Some automations still feel also basic.
Email dimension surveillance requires better in-app notifies (please and thanks).
No integrated countdown timers (sad face if you love FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Basically missing.
So if you’re offering physical items or want deserted cart circulations, Beehiiv possibly isn’t your best choice.
Conclusion
If you’re a developer who’s serious about newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a checklist, or simply tired of outdated platforms– Beehiiv’s a solid selection.
You’ll like it if:
You desire complete ownership of your target market
You’re aiming to expand fast without paying platform tax obligation
You want something that feels developed by developers, for developers
Will it solve every issue? No. Yet in 3 months, it’s assisted me grow quicker, make extra, and anxiety less about the little things.
So, should you try Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to stop resolving and actually scale your newsletter with genuine devices that appreciate your job and target market– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Take place. Offer it a spin. You simply might fall in love like I did.