When it came time to choose a brand-new email platform, I really did not desire “adequate.” I required something much better– something developed for growth, smarter money making, and a smoother experience in general. After virtually a decade aiding others with e-mail marketing (and 2 years running my own e-newsletter), I had not been searching for just a device– I was hunting for a proper companion Beehiiv Vs ConvertKit.
Which’s just how Beehiiv went into the picture.
Currently, I recognize what you’re believing: “Isn’t Beehiiv just another Substack option?” I assumed that as well in the beginning. However after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve obtained a great deal to state– both the success and the unusual traits. If you’re trying to make a decision whether Beehiiv is the appropriate system for you, clear up in. You will obtain the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Tool Behind
Let’s be honest– most email provider (ESPs) are constructed like they’re still embeded 2013. I required a device that could actually assist expand my listing and make some cash while I went to it. My old ESP just wasn’t sufficing any longer.
So I began comparing options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the typical suspects. Each had its benefits, however I was considering this with the lens of somebody who takes e-mail seriously– and who desired complete control over my audience and material.
The Substack Trouble: Looks Excellent Up Until You Look Closer
Substack was my very first stop. It’s polished. It’s easy. And yeah, it’s preferred.
But dig a little much deeper, and fractures begin showing. The greatest one? You don’t really own your followers.
That “comply with” switch you see on Substack? It’s mostly smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall– inside the Substack application or on their site. You can not email them straight. Can not export them. You’re basically renting a target market you can never fully reach.
It resembles doing on a stage where the lights only activate if the venue chooses to let the crowd see you. Does not really feel terrific.
And after that there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid memberships. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your earnings– gone. You ‘d think they were running a bar, not an e-mail system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It As well Good to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv stand apart?
In the beginning, it was the promise of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter checklist growth tools, and no platform fees (besides the usual Stripe cut). Yet pledges are easy. Execution? That’s where it obtains real.
Still, the testimonials were encouraging. The Reddit threads really did not seem like crawlers or brand plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me inform you– moving to a brand-new system generally feels like pulling teeth. Yet Beehiiv? Surprisingly pain-free.
Importing my list? Smooth. Establishing forms? No meltdowns. Linking my custom-made domain name? A couple of minor hiccups, but nothing that needed swearing at the screen.
One point I truly appreciated was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv progressively presents your domain name to inbox carriers, piggybacking off their very own sending domain name. Translation? Fewer spam folder problems.
Likewise, their assistance content– video clips, help docs, and walkthroughs– actually really felt human. Like someone sat down and claimed, “Let’s not annoy the hell out of our users today.” Revitalizing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Vs ConvertKit
Now here’s where points obtained a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is respectable, yet do not expect it to compete with heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. As an example, each form can only be attached to a single automation. That makes it complicated to customize welcome series based upon exactly how somebody signed up.
I wound up going full detective mode– tinkering with segments, utilizing separate landing pages, reviewing odd Reddit strings– simply to build a couple of tailored workflows.
Is it manageable? Definitely. However if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this could seem like stepping back a bit.
Email Builder: Primarily Fantastic, However Not Perfect
I have actually obtained a bit of a love-hate relationship with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Visually? It’s glossy. Drag, go down, style, preview– it feels like it was created by someone who’s actually 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 huge.
That implies your magnificently crafted message might obtain sliced in half if you’re not mindful. I discovered this by hand– then decreased a bunny opening of screening devices to optimize HTML size and prevent that feared clipping.
My go-to strategy?
- Downloading and install examination e-mails from Gmail and examining dimension
- Running the HTML with Parcel.io’s e-mail customer
- Double-checking with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Bit of a manual process, yet it functions. I also reached out to Beehiiv regarding adding much better size cautions. Fingers went across.
Right Stuff That In Fact Steps the Needle
Alright, let’s enter into the meat of it– what’s made a substantial difference considering that changing to Beehiiv?
Audience Growth
In simply three months, I included over 160 new subscribers to a quite niche e-newsletter. That has to do with 60% greater than what I was seeing previously– and I wasn’t also running paid advertisements.
The majority of that growth originated from Beehiiv’s integrated devices: the referral program, Boosts (think e-newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can actually track what’s working and where clients are coming from. Makes tweaking your strategy a lot less complicated.
Money Making That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s speak money since for the majority of developers, it matters.
Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut from your paid memberships. Simply Stripe’s charge. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% far better than Substack (essentially).
But there’s more: their advertisement network is instinctive and passive. Within three months, I was currently fielding rate of interest from advertisers. Beehiiv’s companion network connects makers with brands in such a way that doesn’t really feel sickening or compelled. It’s integrated earnings possibility, ordinary and basic Beehiiv Vs ConvertKit.
And when I prepare to release a premium subscription? I understand exactly what cut I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Growth Devices
What truly sets Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually got customizable referral programs. Boosts for e-newsletter cross-promotion. Numerous landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can transform your visitors right into advocates without dangling unpleasant boodle or one-time tricks.
I’ll state this: Beehiiv feels like a system that wants you to do well. Not one that just desires an item of your pie.
Points I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No system is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got its peculiarities.
Assistance can be sluggish when you struck an odd insect or require deep assistance.
Some automations still really feel too basic.
Email dimension monitoring requires much better in-app signals (please and thank you).
No built-in countdown timers (sad face if you enjoy FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Generally nonexistent.
So if you’re selling physical products or want abandoned cart circulations, Beehiiv possibly isn’t your best option.
Verdict
If you’re a designer who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, expanding a list, or just tired of obsolete platforms– Beehiiv’s a strong selection.
You’ll like it if:
You want full possession of your audience
You’re wanting to expand fast without paying platform tax obligation
You want something that feels built by designers, for creators
Will it resolve every issue? No. However in three months, it’s aided me grow quicker, make much more, and stress and anxiety much less concerning the little things.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you prepare to quit clearing up and actually range your e-newsletter with genuine devices that respect your work and target market– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Take place. Offer it a spin. You simply may fall in love like I did.