When it came time to select a new e-mail system, I really did not desire “adequate.” I needed something better– something developed for development, smarter money making, and a smoother experience generally. After nearly a years assisting others with e-mail marketing (and 2 years running my own newsletter), I had not been seeking just a tool– I was searching for an appropriate partner Full Potential Zone Beehiiv.
Which’s exactly how Beehiiv got in the picture.
Currently, I know what you’re believing: “Isn’t Beehiiv just one more Substack choice?” I assumed that also initially. Yet after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve obtained a lot to state– both the success and the unusual peculiarities. If you’re trying to make a decision whether Beehiiv is the right system for you, resolve in. You will get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Tool Behind
Let’s be straightforward– most email service providers (ESPs) are constructed like they’re still embeded 2013. I needed a device that might really help grow my list and make some cash while I went to it. My old ESP simply had not been cutting it any longer.
So I began comparing options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the normal suspects. Each had its benefits, but I was looking at this via the lens of somebody who takes email seriously– and who wanted full control over my audience and material.
The Substack Problem: Looks Good Till You Look Closer
Substack was my very first stop. It’s polished. It’s straightforward. And yeah, it’s prominent.
But dig a little deeper, and fractures start showing. The most significant one? You do not really have your fans.
That “follow” button you see on Substack? It’s primarily smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall– inside the Substack application or on their site. You can’t email them straight. Can’t export them. You’re basically renting an audience you can never ever totally reach.
It’s like performing on a phase where the lights only turn on if the place determines to let the group see you. Doesn’t really feel great.
And afterwards there’s the money side. Substack takes 10% off your paid registrations. Stripe takes one more 3%. That’s 13% of your income– gone. You would certainly assume they were running a bar, not an e-mail system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, However Was It Also Great to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv attract attention?
Initially, it was the assurance of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter checklist development tools, and no system fees (other than the typical Stripe cut). However guarantees are simple. Execution? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the evaluations were encouraging. The Reddit threads really did not seem like crawlers or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the leap.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– migrating to a brand-new system usually feels like pulling teeth. However Beehiiv? Remarkably pain-free.
Importing my list? Smooth. Setting up kinds? No disasters. Attaching my customized domain? A few minor hiccups, however absolutely nothing that required swearing at the screen.
Something I really valued was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name to inbox carriers, piggybacking off their own sending out domain name. Translation? Less spam folder nightmares.
Additionally, their assistance web content– video clips, aid docs, and walkthroughs– actually really felt human. Like someone took a seat and stated, “Let’s not annoy the hell out of our individuals today.” Revitalizing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Full Potential Zone Beehiiv
Now here’s where points got a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is respectable, however don’t expect it to take on heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For instance, each type can only be linked to a single automation. That makes it difficult to customize welcome sequences based on how somebody signed up.
I wound up going complete investigative mode– tinkering with segments, using separate landing pages, reviewing odd Reddit strings– simply to build a few customized workflows.
Is it practical? Definitely. But if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this may seem like going back a little bit.
Email Builder: Primarily Terrific, Yet Not Perfect
I have actually got a bit of a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Visually? It’s slick. Drag, go down, format, preview– it seems like it was designed by someone who’s actually written a newsletter or more.
Yet default templates took a couple of tweaks to solve. And below’s a curveball: Beehiiv emails can get large. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb huge.
That suggests your wonderfully crafted message may obtain cut in half if you’re not cautious. I learned this the hard way– then dropped a bunny opening of testing tools to enhance HTML size and stay clear of that feared clipping.
My best technique?
- Downloading and install examination e-mails from Gmail and examining size
- Running the HTML with Parcel.io’s email audience
- Verifying with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Bit of a hands-on procedure, however it functions. I also reached out to Beehiiv concerning adding far better dimension warnings. Fingers crossed.
The Stuff That In Fact Relocations the Needle
Alright, let’s get involved in the meat of it– what’s made a tangible difference since changing to Beehiiv?
Target market Development
In simply 3 months, I included over 160 new customers to a pretty particular niche newsletter. That’s about 60% greater than what I was seeing previously– and I had not been even running paid ads.
A lot of that development originated from Beehiiv’s built-in devices: the referral program, Boosts (think e-newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can really track what’s functioning and where subscribers are originating from. Makes tweaking your method a whole lot easier.
Monetization That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s talk cash since for the majority of designers, it matters.
Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut from your paid registrations. Simply Stripe’s charge. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% better than Substack (literally).
But there’s even more: their advertisement network is instinctive and passive. Within 3 months, I was already fielding rate of interest from advertisers. Beehiiv’s partner network links creators with brand names in a manner that doesn’t really feel sickening or required. It’s integrated earnings possibility, ordinary and simple Full Potential Zone Beehiiv.
And when I prepare to release a premium membership? I recognize precisely what reduced I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Development Devices
What truly 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. Numerous landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can turn your readers right into advocates without hanging uncomfortable swag or one-time gimmicks.
I’ll state this: Beehiiv feels like a system that wants you to be successful. Not one that simply wants an item of your pie.
Points I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got its quirks.
Support can be slow-moving when you struck an odd insect or need deep assistance.
Some automations still really feel also standard.
Email size monitoring needs much better in-app notifies (please and thanks).
No integrated countdown timers (long face if you like FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Basically missing.
So if you’re offering physical items or want abandoned cart circulations, Beehiiv possibly isn’t your best choice.
Final Thought
If you’re a designer who’s serious about newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a checklist, or just tired of obsolete systems– Beehiiv’s a solid selection.
You’ll like it if:
You want complete possession of your target market
You’re seeking to grow quickly without paying system tax obligation
You desire something that feels built by creators, for makers
Will it fix every issue? No. Yet in 3 months, it’s assisted me grow much faster, make much more, and stress much less concerning the little things.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you prepare to stop clearing up and in fact range your newsletter with real tools that appreciate your job and target market– yeah, I assume it’s time.
Go on. Offer it a spin. You just may fall in love like I did.