When it came time to select a brand-new e-mail platform, I really did not want “adequate.” I needed something better– something constructed for development, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience overall. After almost a decade aiding others with e-mail marketing (and 2 years running my very own e-newsletter), I wasn’t seeking just a device– I was searching for a correct companion Beehiiv Tutorials.
And that’s just how Beehiiv got in the picture.
Currently, I know what you’re believing: “Isn’t Beehiiv simply one more Substack option?” I assumed that as well initially. But after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually got a whole lot to say– both the wins and the unusual quirks. If you’re attempting to decide whether Beehiiv is the appropriate system for you, settle in. You’re about to get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Tool Behind
Let’s be straightforward– most email company (ESPs) are developed like they’re still stuck in 2013. I required a device that might in fact help expand my listing and make some money while I was at it. My old ESP simply had not been cutting it any longer.
So I began comparing alternatives. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the usual suspects. Each had its perks, yet I was considering 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 Great Until You Look Closer
Substack was my initial quit. It’s brightened. It’s simple. And yeah, it’s popular.
Yet dig a little deeper, and fractures begin revealing. The greatest one? You don’t actually have your followers.
That “adhere to” switch you see on Substack? It’s mostly smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall– inside the Substack application or on their website. You can not email them straight. Can not export them. You’re essentially leasing a target market you can never totally get to.
It’s like executing on a phase where the lights just turn on if the location decides to allow the group see you. Does not really feel wonderful.
And then there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid memberships. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your revenue– gone. You ‘d assume they were running a nightclub, not an email platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It As well Good to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv attract attention?
Initially, it was the promise of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter listing development tools, and zero system charges (besides the normal Stripe cut). But guarantees are simple. Execution? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the testimonials were encouraging. The Reddit threads really did not seem like robots or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Surprisingly smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– moving to a new platform usually feels like drawing teeth. But Beehiiv? Surprisingly pain-free.
Importing my list? Smooth. Setting up kinds? No meltdowns. Attaching my custom-made domain? A few minor hiccups, but nothing that needed swearing at the display.
Something I truly appreciated was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv slowly presents your domain to inbox providers, piggybacking off their very own sending domain name. Translation? Less spam folder problems.
Additionally, their support content– video clips, assistance docs, and walkthroughs– really really felt human. Like somebody took a seat and stated, “Let’s not annoy the heck out of our users today.” Rejuvenating.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Tutorials
Currently here’s where things got a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is suitable, but don’t anticipate it to compete with heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. As an example, each type can just be attached to a single automation. That makes it challenging to individualize welcome sequences based upon exactly how somebody joined.
I ended up going complete investigator mode– playing with segments, utilizing separate landing pages, reviewing unknown Reddit strings– simply to develop a few customized workflows.
Is it workable? Absolutely. However if you’re made use of to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this may feel like going back a bit.
Email Builder: Primarily Great, But Not Perfect
I have actually got a little a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Aesthetically? It’s glossy. Drag, go down, layout, preview– it feels like it was developed by a person who’s in fact created an e-newsletter or more.
However default templates took a couple of tweaks to solve. And right here’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can get huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb huge.
That means your wonderfully crafted message could get cut in half if you’re not careful. I discovered this by hand– after that decreased a rabbit opening of screening tools to enhance HTML size and stay clear of that dreadful clipping.
My go-to technique?
- Downloading test emails from Gmail and inspecting dimension
- Running the HTML through Parcel.io’s email audience
- Ascertaining with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Bit of a hands-on process, yet it functions. I even connected to Beehiiv about including much better size warnings. Fingers went across.
Right Stuff That Actually Relocations the Needle
Alright, let’s enter into the meat of it– what’s made a tangible difference considering that switching to Beehiiv?
Audience Growth
In simply 3 months, I added over 160 brand-new subscribers to a pretty niche newsletter. That has to do with 60% more than what I was seeing in the past– and I had not been also running paid ads.
The majority of that development originated from Beehiiv’s built-in devices: the referral program, Boosts (think e-newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can actually track what’s functioning and where subscribers are originating from. Makes tweaking your method a lot much easier.
Money Making That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s talk cash since for most creators, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid registrations. Simply Stripe’s charge. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% far better than Substack (literally).
But there’s even more: their advertisement network is user-friendly and passive. Within three months, I was currently fielding interest from advertisers. Beehiiv’s companion network links designers with brands in such a way that does not feel icky or compelled. It’s integrated income potential, ordinary and easy Beehiiv Tutorials.
And when I’m ready to introduce a costs subscription? I understand exactly what cut I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Development Tools
What truly establishes Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve got personalized referral programs. Boosts for e-newsletter cross-promotion. Several landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can turn your readers into advocates without hanging unpleasant swag or one-time tricks.
I’ll say this: Beehiiv seems like a platform that desires you to be successful. Not one that simply desires an item of your pie.
Things I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained its peculiarities.
Support can be sluggish when you hit a strange pest or require deep assistance.
Some automations still really feel too standard.
Email dimension surveillance needs better in-app alerts (please and thank you).
No built-in countdown timers (long face if you enjoy FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Primarily missing.
So if you’re selling physical items or want deserted cart circulations, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best choice.
Conclusion
If you’re a creator who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re generating income from, growing a checklist, or simply tired of outdated platforms– Beehiiv’s a solid option.
You’ll like it if:
You want complete possession of your target market
You’re wanting to expand quickly without paying system tax obligation
You desire something that feels developed by developers, for creators
Will it fix every problem? No. But in three months, it’s helped me expand quicker, gain more, and anxiety much less about the little things.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to quit clearing up and really scale your e-newsletter with genuine devices that appreciate your job and target market– yeah, I assume it’s time.
Take place. Give it a spin. You simply might fall in love like I did.