When it came time to select a new e-mail system, I really did not want “good enough.” I needed something better– something constructed for growth, smarter money making, and a smoother experience in general. After nearly a decade assisting others with e-mail marketing (and two years running my own newsletter), I had not been looking for just a device– I was searching for an appropriate companion Beehiiv Affiliate Leaderboard.
Which’s how Beehiiv went into the picture.
Now, I recognize what you’re believing: “Isn’t Beehiiv just another Substack alternative?” I assumed that too initially. However after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually got a lot to claim– both the wins and the odd peculiarities. If you’re attempting to make a decision whether Beehiiv is the right system for you, settle in. You’re about to get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be truthful– most email company (ESPs) are developed like they’re still embeded 2013. I required a tool that could actually aid expand my checklist and make some cash while I was at it. My old ESP simply had not been cutting it any longer.
So I started comparing options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the normal suspects. Each had its advantages, yet I was taking a look at this via the lens of someone who takes e-mail seriously– and who desired full control over my target market and web content.
The Substack Issue: Looks Great Until You Look Closer
Substack was my initial quit. It’s brightened. It’s straightforward. And yeah, it’s prominent.
However dig a little deeper, and splits start revealing. The largest one? You don’t actually own your fans.
That “comply with” 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’t email them straight. Can not export them. You’re primarily renting a target market you can never totally reach.
It’s like carrying out on a stage where the lights just turn on if the venue chooses to allow the crowd see you. Doesn’t feel terrific.
And afterwards there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid registrations. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your revenue– gone. You ‘d believe they were running a club, not an email platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, However Was It Also Great to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv stand out?
Initially, it was the guarantee of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter listing growth devices, and zero platform fees (in addition to the typical Stripe cut). Yet promises are very easy. Implementation? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the evaluations were motivating. The Reddit threads really did not sound like bots or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the leap.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me inform you– migrating to a new platform normally seems like drawing teeth. But Beehiiv? Remarkably painless.
Importing my checklist? Smooth. Setting up forms? No crises. Connecting my custom-made domain? A couple of minor missteps, but absolutely nothing that required swearing at the display.
Something I truly valued was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain to inbox companies, piggybacking off their very own sending out domain. Translation? Less spam folder nightmares.
Also, their assistance material– video clips, aid docs, and walkthroughs– in fact really felt human. Like somebody took a seat and said, “Let’s not annoy the heck out of our users today.” Refreshing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Affiliate Leaderboard
Now right here’s where points obtained a little … intriguing.
Beehiiv’s automation system is good, yet don’t expect it to compete with heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For example, each form can only be linked to a single automation. That makes it complicated to personalize welcome series based on exactly how a person joined.
I wound up going complete investigator mode– dabbling with sectors, using separate landing pages, reading rare Reddit strings– just to develop a couple of tailored workflows.
Is it practical? Definitely. But if you’re utilized to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this might feel like going back a bit.
Email Builder: Primarily Fantastic, Yet Not Perfect
I’ve obtained a bit of a love-hate relationship with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Visually? It’s glossy. Drag, go down, style, sneak peek– it seems like it was developed by somebody who’s actually composed a newsletter or two.
However default templates took a couple of tweaks to get right. And here’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can obtain large. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb huge.
That means your beautifully crafted message could obtain cut in half if you’re not careful. I discovered this the hard way– after that went down a bunny opening of testing devices to enhance HTML size and stay clear of that feared clipping.
My go-to method?
- Downloading examination emails from Gmail and inspecting size
- Running the HTML through Parcel.io’s e-mail customer
- Verifying with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Little a hands-on process, yet it works. I even connected to Beehiiv concerning including better dimension cautions. Fingers crossed.
The Stuff That In Fact Relocations the Needle
Alright, let’s get into the meat of it– what’s made a substantial difference because switching over to Beehiiv?
Target market Development
In just three months, I included over 160 brand-new customers to a pretty specific niche e-newsletter. That’s about 60% greater than what I was seeing previously– and I had not been even running paid ads.
The majority of that growth originated from Beehiiv’s integrated devices: the referral program, Boosts (think newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can really track what’s working and where customers are originating from. Makes tweaking your method a whole lot much easier.
Monetization That Doesn’t Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s talk cash because for a lot of makers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid memberships. Simply Stripe’s cost. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% far better than Substack (essentially).
Yet there’s even more: their ad network is user-friendly and passive. Within three months, I was already fielding interest from advertisers. Beehiiv’s companion network links developers with brand names in such a way that does not really feel sickening or compelled. It’s integrated earnings possibility, plain and straightforward Beehiiv Affiliate Leaderboard.
And when I’m ready to release a premium registration? I understand specifically what reduced I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Development Tools
What truly sets Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve obtained customizable referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Multiple landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can turn your readers into supporters without dangling uncomfortable swag or one-time tricks.
I’ll state this: Beehiiv feels like a system that wants you to succeed. Not one that simply desires a piece of your pie.
Things I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s got its peculiarities.
Support can be slow-moving when you hit a weird bug or require deep help.
Some automations still really feel too standard.
Email dimension surveillance needs much better in-app signals (please and thanks).
No integrated countdown timers (long face if you love FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Basically missing.
So if you’re selling physical items or want abandoned cart circulations, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best option.
Conclusion
If you’re a designer who’s serious about newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a checklist, or just tired of outdated platforms– Beehiiv’s a strong selection.
You’ll like it if:
You desire complete ownership of your audience
You’re wanting to expand quick without paying platform tax
You desire something that really feels built by designers, for creators
Will it solve every problem? No. But in three months, it’s helped me grow much faster, earn much more, and stress less about the little points.
So, should you try Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to quit working out and actually range your newsletter with actual devices that value your job and target market– yeah, I think it’s time.
Go on. Give it a spin. You simply might fall in love like I did.