When it came time to pick a brand-new email platform, I really did not desire “adequate.” I required something much better– something built for development, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience generally. After almost a decade assisting others with e-mail marketing (and 2 years running my very own newsletter), I wasn’t seeking simply a tool– I was hunting for a proper companion Beehiiv API Docs.
And that’s just how Beehiiv got in the picture.
Currently, I recognize what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Beehiiv just another Substack alternative?” I believed that too in the beginning. But after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve obtained a great deal to state– both the success and the unusual quirks. If you’re trying to determine whether Beehiiv is the appropriate system for you, work out in. You will obtain the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be truthful– most email provider (ESPs) are developed like they’re still stuck in 2013. I needed a device that can actually aid expand my list and make some cash while I was at it. My old ESP simply wasn’t sufficing anymore.
So I began comparing options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the common suspects. Each had its benefits, but I was looking at this with the lens of someone who takes email seriously– and who desired complete control over my target market and content.
The Substack Issue: Looks Great Until You Look Closer
Substack was my very first stop. It’s brightened. It’s simple. And yeah, it’s preferred.
However dig a little deeper, and splits start showing. The greatest one? You don’t really possess your followers.
That “follow” button you see on Substack? It’s primarily smoke and mirrors. Those fans live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack application or on their site. You can not email them straight. Can’t export them. You’re generally renting out a target market you can never ever fully get to.
It’s like executing on a stage where the lights just activate if the venue decides to allow the crowd see you. Doesn’t feel wonderful.
And afterwards there’s the money side. Substack takes 10% off your paid memberships. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your income– gone. You would certainly assume they were running a bar, not an email platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It Also Good to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv stand apart?
Initially, it was the assurance of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter listing development devices, and no system fees (aside from the normal Stripe cut). However promises are simple. Execution? That’s where it obtains real.
Still, the testimonials were encouraging. The Reddit strings didn’t sound like crawlers or brand name 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 platform typically seems like pulling teeth. However Beehiiv? Remarkably pain-free.
Importing my listing? Smooth. Establishing types? No crises. Connecting my customized domain? A couple of small missteps, yet nothing that required swearing at the display.
Something I really appreciated was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name to inbox suppliers, piggybacking off their very own sending out domain name. Translation? Less spam folder problems.
Additionally, their assistance content– videos, aid docs, and walkthroughs– in fact really felt human. Like a person sat down and claimed, “Let’s not discourage the heck out of our customers today.” Rejuvenating.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv API Docs
Now right here’s where things obtained a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is decent, but do not expect it to take on heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For instance, each kind can only be linked to a single automation. That makes it tricky to customize welcome series based on how someone subscribed.
I wound up going full investigative setting– tinkering with segments, using separate landing pages, reading rare Reddit strings– simply to construct a few tailored workflows.
Is it achievable? Definitely. Yet if you’re utilized to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this may feel like stepping back a bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Wonderful, But Not Perfect
I have actually got a little a love-hate partnership with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Aesthetically? It’s glossy. Drag, drop, layout, preview– it feels like it was developed by somebody who’s in fact written a newsletter or two.
Yet default templates took a couple of tweaks to get right. And right here’s a curveball: Beehiiv emails can obtain large. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb large.
That means your perfectly crafted message might get sliced in half if you’re not cautious. I learned this by hand– after that went down a bunny hole of testing tools to optimize HTML size and stay clear of that feared clipping.
My go-to strategy?
- Downloading and install test e-mails from Gmail and checking dimension
- Running the HTML with Parcel.io’s email viewer
- Double-checking with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Little bit of a manual process, however it works. I even connected to Beehiiv about including far better dimension cautions. Fingers crossed.
Right Stuff That Really Actions the Needle
Alright, let’s enter into the meat of it– what’s made a tangible difference considering that changing to Beehiiv?
Target market Growth
In simply 3 months, I added over 160 brand-new subscribers to a pretty specific niche newsletter. That’s about 60% greater than what I was seeing previously– and I wasn’t even running paid advertisements.
Most of that development came from Beehiiv’s integrated devices: the referral program, Boosts (assume e-newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can actually track what’s functioning and where clients are coming from. Makes tweaking your technique a whole lot easier.
Monetization That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s speak cash since for many makers, it matters.
Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut from your paid registrations. Simply Stripe’s fee. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% better than Substack (essentially).
But there’s even more: their ad network is user-friendly and passive. Within 3 months, I was already fielding passion from advertisers. Beehiiv’s companion network attaches creators with brands in such a way that does not really feel disgusting or compelled. It’s integrated revenue capacity, simple and straightforward Beehiiv API Docs.
And when I’m ready to launch a premium membership? I recognize specifically what cut I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Growth Devices
What truly sets Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve got personalized referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Numerous landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can turn your viewers into supporters without hanging uncomfortable swag or one-time gimmicks.
I’ll state this: Beehiiv seems like a platform that wants you to succeed. Not one that just desires an item of your pie.
Things I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained its peculiarities.
Support can be sluggish when you hit a weird bug or need deep assistance.
Some automations still feel too standard.
Email size monitoring requires better in-app informs (please and thank you).
No built-in countdown timers (sad face if you like FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Generally nonexistent.
So if you’re selling physical items or desire abandoned cart flows, Beehiiv probably isn’t your best bet.
Final Thought
If you’re a creator who’s serious about newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a listing, or just tired of outdated platforms– Beehiiv’s a solid option.
You’ll like it if:
You want full possession of your audience
You’re aiming to expand fast without paying system tax obligation
You desire something that feels constructed by developers, for makers
Will it resolve every problem? No. However in three months, it’s assisted me expand much faster, earn much more, and anxiety much less concerning the little points.
So, should you try Beehiiv?
If you prepare to stop clearing up and actually range your e-newsletter with actual devices that appreciate your work and audience– yeah, I think it’s time.
Go on. Give it a spin. You simply could fall in love like I did.