When it came time to select a brand-new e-mail system, I really did not desire “adequate.” I required something much better– something developed for growth, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience generally. After almost a years assisting others with e-mail marketing (and 2 years running my own e-newsletter), I wasn’t looking for simply a device– I was hunting for a proper companion Beehiiv Ad Income Calculator.
Which’s just how Beehiiv got in the picture.
Now, I recognize what you’re believing: “Isn’t Beehiiv simply another Substack alternative?” I assumed that also in the beginning. However after 3 months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve got a great deal to say– both the victories and the unusual traits. If you’re trying to make a decision whether Beehiiv is the right platform for you, clear up in. You will obtain the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be honest– most email service providers (ESPs) are built like they’re still stuck in 2013. I needed a tool that can actually aid expand my list and make some cash while I was at it. My old ESP just had not been cutting it any longer.
So I began comparing options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the normal suspects. Each had its perks, however I was considering this through the lens of someone who takes email seriously– and who desired full control over my audience and content.
The Substack Problem: Looks Excellent Till You Look Closer
Substack was my first stop. It’s brightened. It’s simple. And yeah, it’s preferred.
Yet dig a little much deeper, and cracks begin revealing. The biggest one? You do not actually have your followers.
That “follow” button you see on Substack? It’s mainly smoke and mirrors. Those fans live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack app or on their website. You can not email them straight. Can not export them. You’re generally renting out a target market you can never ever fully get to.
It’s like doing on a phase where the lights only turn on if the venue decides to allow the group see you. Does not feel excellent.
And after that there’s the money side. Substack takes 10% off your paid registrations. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your earnings– gone. You ‘d assume they were running a nightclub, not an e-mail system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It Too Good to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv stand apart?
In the beginning, it was the guarantee of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter list development tools, and zero platform fees (aside from the typical Stripe cut). However promises are simple. Execution? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the testimonials were motivating. The Reddit threads really did not seem like bots or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– migrating to a brand-new system typically feels like drawing teeth. But Beehiiv? Surprisingly painless.
Importing my checklist? Smooth. Establishing forms? No meltdowns. Connecting my custom domain? A few small missteps, however absolutely nothing that required swearing at the display.
One point I really appreciated was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually presents your domain name to inbox carriers, piggybacking off their very own sending domain name. Translation? Fewer spam folder nightmares.
Likewise, their support content– videos, assistance docs, and walkthroughs– actually really felt human. Like a person sat down and claimed, “Let’s not frustrate the heck out of our customers today.” Refreshing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Ad Income Calculator
Currently here’s where things obtained a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is respectable, yet do not anticipate it to compete with heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For example, each form can only be connected to a solitary automation. That makes it tricky to personalize welcome sequences based on exactly how somebody registered.
I ended up going complete detective setting– dabbling with segments, utilizing different landing pages, checking out unknown Reddit threads– simply to develop a few tailored workflows.
Is it workable? Absolutely. However if you’re utilized to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this might feel like going back a bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Terrific, But Not Perfect
I have actually obtained a little bit of a love-hate relationship with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Visually? It’s slick. Drag, drop, style, sneak peek– it seems like it was made by a person who’s really created a newsletter or more.
But default templates took a couple of tweaks to get right. And right here’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can obtain large. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb large.
That indicates your beautifully crafted message might get cut in half if you’re not careful. I learned this by hand– after that dropped a bunny opening of screening tools to maximize HTML dimension and prevent that feared clipping.
My best technique?
- Downloading test e-mails from Gmail and checking size
- Running the HTML via Parcel.io’s email viewer
- Ascertaining with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Bit of a hand-operated process, but it functions. I also reached out to Beehiiv about adding far better size cautions. Fingers went across.
Right Stuff That In Fact Moves the Needle
Alright, let’s enter the meat of it– what’s made a substantial difference considering that switching to Beehiiv?
Target market Growth
In just three months, I added over 160 new clients to a pretty specific niche e-newsletter. That has to do with 60% greater than what I was seeing before– and I had not been also running paid advertisements.
Most of that development originated from Beehiiv’s built-in devices: the referral program, Boosts (think e-newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can in fact track what’s working and where customers are coming from. Makes tweaking your technique a great deal much easier.
Monetization That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s chat money since for a lot of designers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid memberships. Simply Stripe’s charge. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% better than Substack (essentially).
However there’s even more: their advertisement network is user-friendly and passive. Within 3 months, I was currently fielding interest from advertisers. Beehiiv’s partner network connects makers with brand names in a way that doesn’t really feel sickening or required. It’s integrated earnings potential, plain and easy Beehiiv Ad Income Calculator.
And when I’m ready to introduce a costs subscription? I recognize exactly what cut I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Growth Devices
What actually sets Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually got adjustable referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Multiple landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can turn your visitors right into supporters without hanging unpleasant boodle or one-time tricks.
I’ll state this: Beehiiv feels like a system that wants you to succeed. Not one that just wants a piece of your pie.
Points I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained its peculiarities.
Assistance can be sluggish when you struck an odd insect or need deep help.
Some automations still really feel as well fundamental.
Email size monitoring requires far better in-app signals (please and thanks).
No integrated countdown timers (sad face if you love FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Basically missing.
So if you’re selling physical items or desire abandoned cart circulations, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best option.
Verdict
If you’re a creator who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, expanding a list, or just tired of obsolete systems– Beehiiv’s a strong selection.
You’ll like it if:
You want full ownership of your target market
You’re seeking to grow quickly without paying platform tax obligation
You want something that feels built by designers, for creators
Will it solve every issue? No. Yet in 3 months, it’s helped me expand quicker, make much more, and anxiety much less concerning the little points.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to quit settling and in fact scale your newsletter with actual tools that respect your job and target market– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Go on. Offer it a spin. You simply might fall in love like I did.