When it came time to select a new e-mail platform, I didn’t desire “sufficient.” I required something better– something developed for development, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience on the whole. After virtually a years assisting others with email marketing (and 2 years running my own newsletter), I wasn’t seeking simply a tool– I was searching for a correct companion Examples of Beehiiv Websites.
Which’s exactly how Beehiiv went into the picture.
Now, I recognize what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Beehiiv just one more Substack alternative?” I thought that too initially. However after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve got a lot to state– both the victories and the odd traits. If you’re attempting to choose whether Beehiiv is the best system for you, clear up in. You’re about to get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Tool Behind
Let’s be truthful– most email service providers (ESPs) are constructed like they’re still embeded 2013. I needed a device that might actually aid grow my list and make some money while I went to it. My old ESP just wasn’t cutting it anymore.
So I began comparing options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the common suspects. Each had its rewards, but I was checking out this via the lens of someone who takes email seriously– and who wanted full control over my target market and material.
The Substack Trouble: Looks Great Until You Look Closer
Substack was my first stop. It’s brightened. It’s straightforward. And yeah, it’s preferred.
However dig a little much deeper, and cracks begin showing. The most significant one? You do not actually have your followers.
That “comply with” button you see on Substack? It’s primarily smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack application or on their site. You can’t email them directly. Can’t export them. You’re primarily renting a target market you can never totally reach.
It resembles performing on a stage where the lights only switch on if the place decides to allow the group see you. Doesn’t really feel great.
And then there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid registrations. Stripe takes one more 3%. That’s 13% of your earnings– gone. You would certainly think they were running a bar, not an e-mail platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, Yet Was It Also Excellent to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv attract attention?
Initially, it was the guarantee of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter list growth devices, and no platform costs (in addition to the normal Stripe cut). But promises are very easy. Implementation? That’s where it obtains real.
Still, the reviews were motivating. The Reddit strings really did not sound like robots or brand plants. And the onboarding? Surprisingly smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the leap.
Readying Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– moving to a brand-new platform typically feels like pulling teeth. But Beehiiv? Surprisingly pain-free.
Importing my checklist? Smooth. Establishing kinds? No crises. Linking my custom-made domain? A couple of minor missteps, but nothing that required swearing at the screen.
One thing I really valued was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv progressively presents your domain to inbox providers, piggybacking off their very own sending domain. Translation? Less spam folder headaches.
Additionally, their assistance material– videos, assistance docs, and walkthroughs– actually really felt human. Like a person took a seat and stated, “Let’s not frustrate the heck out of our individuals today.” Refreshing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Examples of Beehiiv Websites
Currently here’s where things obtained a little … intriguing.
Beehiiv’s automation system is suitable, however don’t anticipate it to compete with heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. As an example, each kind can just be attached to a single automation. That makes it difficult to personalize welcome series based on how somebody signed up.
I wound up going full investigator mode– dabbling with sections, making use of separate landing pages, reading rare Reddit strings– just to construct a few customized workflows.
Is it achievable? Absolutely. Yet if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this could feel like going back a little bit.
Email Builder: Mainly Wonderful, Yet Not Perfect
I have actually got a bit of a love-hate relationship with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Aesthetically? It’s glossy. Drag, drop, format, sneak peek– it feels like it was developed by somebody who’s actually written an e-newsletter or two.
But default templates took a few tweaks to get right. And here’s a curveball: Beehiiv emails can obtain huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb large.
That implies your magnificently crafted message might obtain cut in half if you’re not cautious. I learned this by hand– then decreased a rabbit hole of screening devices to enhance HTML size and stay clear of that dreaded clipping.
My go-to approach?
- Downloading and install test e-mails from Gmail and examining size
- Running the HTML with Parcel.io’s email visitor
- Verifying with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Little bit of a manual procedure, but it works. I even connected to Beehiiv regarding including much better size cautions. Fingers went across.
The Stuff That Really Actions the Needle
Alright, let’s enter into the meat of it– what’s made a tangible difference because switching to Beehiiv?
Target market Development
In just three months, I added over 160 brand-new clients to a pretty specific niche newsletter. That’s about 60% more than what I was seeing previously– and I wasn’t also running paid advertisements.
Most of that growth originated from Beehiiv’s integrated devices: the referral program, Boosts (believe newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can really track what’s working and where customers are coming from. Makes tweaking your method a great deal simpler.
Money Making That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s speak money since for a lot of developers, it matters.
Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut from your paid registrations. Just Stripe’s fee. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% far better than Substack (essentially).
However there’s even more: their advertisement network is instinctive and passive. Within three months, I was currently fielding passion from marketers. Beehiiv’s companion network attaches makers with brand names in a manner that does not really feel nasty or compelled. It’s integrated revenue potential, plain and straightforward Examples of Beehiiv Websites.
And when I’m ready to introduce a costs membership? I understand precisely what reduced I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Development Tools
What really sets Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve obtained adjustable referral programs. Boosts for e-newsletter cross-promotion. Several landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can turn your viewers into advocates without hanging uncomfortable boodle or single gimmicks.
I’ll state this: Beehiiv feels like a system that desires you to do well. Not one that just wants an item of your pie.
Points I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got its traits.
Support can be slow when you hit a strange bug or need deep assistance.
Some automations still really feel too fundamental.
Email size tracking requires far better in-app notifies (please and thanks).
No built-in countdown timers (long face if you enjoy FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Essentially missing.
So if you’re offering physical products or want abandoned cart circulations, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best bet.
Verdict
If you’re a creator who’s serious about newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a list, or simply tired of out-of-date platforms– Beehiiv’s a solid selection.
You’ll like it if:
You desire complete possession of your audience
You’re looking to expand quick without paying system tax obligation
You want something that really feels developed by designers, for makers
Will it resolve every problem? No. However in 3 months, it’s aided me grow much faster, make a lot more, and stress much less regarding 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 job and target market– yeah, I think it’s time.
Take place. Offer it a spin. You just could fall in love like I did.