When it came time to choose a new email platform, I didn’t desire “adequate.” I needed something much better– something built for growth, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience generally. After almost a years assisting others with e-mail marketing (and two years running my own newsletter), I had not been looking for just a tool– I was searching for a proper partner Beehiiv Verified Clicks.
And that’s exactly how Beehiiv went into the picture.
Now, I recognize what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Beehiiv simply one more Substack choice?” I believed that as well initially. However after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually got a whole lot to say– both the success and the weird quirks. If you’re trying to choose whether Beehiiv is the best platform for you, work out in. You will obtain the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be straightforward– most email service providers (ESPs) are constructed like they’re still embeded 2013. I needed a device that might in fact help grow my list and make some cash while I went to it. My old ESP simply wasn’t sufficing anymore.
So I started comparing choices. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the typical suspects. Each had its benefits, however I was considering this through the lens of someone who takes email seriously– and who wanted complete control over my audience and content.
The Substack Issue: Looks Great Till You Look Closer
Substack was my first quit. It’s brightened. It’s easy. And yeah, it’s preferred.
Yet dig a little much deeper, and splits begin showing. The largest one? You don’t actually have your fans.
That “follow” button you see on Substack? It’s mainly smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall– inside the Substack application or on their website. You can not email them directly. Can’t export them. You’re essentially renting a target market you can never totally get to.
It resembles performing on a phase where the lights only turn on if the location makes a decision to let the group see you. Doesn’t feel excellent.
And then there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid registrations. Stripe takes one more 3%. That’s 13% of your revenue– gone. You would certainly assume they were running a bar, not an e-mail platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It As well Good to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv stand out?
Initially, it was the pledge of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter list development devices, and zero platform fees (other than the normal Stripe cut). However promises are easy. Execution? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the testimonials were encouraging. The Reddit threads didn’t seem like crawlers or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Readying Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– migrating to a new platform typically seems like drawing teeth. But Beehiiv? Surprisingly pain-free.
Importing my listing? Smooth. Establishing types? No meltdowns. Connecting my personalized domain name? A few minor hiccups, yet absolutely nothing that called for swearing at the display.
Something I truly valued was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually presents your domain name to inbox service providers, piggybacking off their own sending domain. Translation? Less spam folder nightmares.
Additionally, their assistance material– videos, aid docs, and walkthroughs– really felt human. Like a person took a seat and said, “Let’s not annoy the heck out of our users today.” Revitalizing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Verified Clicks
Now here’s where points got a little … intriguing.
Beehiiv’s automation system is decent, however don’t anticipate it to take on heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. As an example, each type can only be linked to a single automation. That makes it tricky to personalize welcome sequences based upon just how a person registered.
I wound up going full investigative setting– playing with segments, using separate landing pages, checking out odd Reddit strings– just to develop a few customized workflows.
Is it achievable? Absolutely. Yet if you’re made use of to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this might seem like stepping back a bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Fantastic, However Not Perfect
I’ve obtained a little a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Aesthetically? It’s slick. Drag, drop, format, sneak peek– it feels like it was made by someone who’s really created a newsletter or two.
Yet default templates took a couple of tweaks to solve. And here’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can obtain big. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb large.
That means your perfectly crafted message may obtain chopped in half if you’re not mindful. I learned this the hard way– after that went down a bunny opening of screening devices to optimize HTML dimension and stay clear of that dreadful clipping.
My go-to approach?
- Downloading test emails from Gmail and examining dimension
- Running the HTML through Parcel.io’s e-mail customer
- Confirming with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Little bit of a hand-operated process, yet it works. I also connected to Beehiiv regarding including better dimension cautions. Fingers went across.
The Stuff That Really Relocations the Needle
Alright, let’s get involved in the meat of it– what’s made a substantial distinction since switching over to Beehiiv?
Target market Development
In just three months, I added over 160 new clients to a rather particular niche e-newsletter. That has to do with 60% more than what I was seeing previously– and I wasn’t even running paid advertisements.
Most of that development originated from Beehiiv’s integrated tools: the referral program, Boosts (think e-newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can actually track what’s working and where clients are coming from. Makes tweaking your technique a lot simpler.
Monetization That Doesn’t Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s speak cash due to the fact that for many designers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid memberships. Simply Stripe’s cost. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% better than Substack (literally).
But there’s more: their advertisement network is user-friendly and passive. Within 3 months, I was currently fielding interest from marketers. Beehiiv’s companion network connects makers with brands in a way that does not really feel sickening or compelled. It’s built-in income possibility, ordinary and basic Beehiiv Verified Clicks.
And when I prepare to launch a costs subscription? I know precisely what reduced I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Growth Devices
What actually sets Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually obtained customizable referral programs. Boosts for e-newsletter cross-promotion. Numerous landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can transform your visitors into advocates without dangling awkward swag or one-time gimmicks.
I’ll claim this: Beehiiv seems like a system that desires you to be successful. Not one that simply desires an item of your pie.
Points I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained its quirks.
Support can be sluggish when you hit a weird pest or need deep help.
Some automations still really feel too standard.
Email size surveillance requires better in-app alerts (please and thanks).
No integrated countdown timers (sad face if you like FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Primarily nonexistent.
So if you’re selling physical products or want abandoned cart flows, Beehiiv probably isn’t your best bet.
Verdict
If you’re a maker who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, expanding a list, or simply tired of outdated platforms– Beehiiv’s a solid choice.
You’ll like it if:
You desire complete possession of your target market
You’re looking to expand quickly without paying platform tax obligation
You desire something that feels developed by makers, for designers
Will it solve every issue? No. However in 3 months, it’s assisted me expand faster, make much more, and tension less regarding the little points.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to stop resolving and actually range your e-newsletter with actual tools that respect your work and target market– yeah, I think it’s time.
Take place. Give it a spin. You simply might fall in love like I did.