When it came time to pick a new e-mail platform, I really did not want “adequate.” I needed something better– something developed for growth, smarter money making, and a smoother experience generally. After virtually a decade aiding others with e-mail marketing (and two years running my very own newsletter), I had not been looking for just a device– I was hunting for a proper companion Beehiiv Case Studies.
And that’s just how Beehiiv entered the picture.
Currently, I understand what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv just another Substack option?” I thought that too in the beginning. However after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually obtained a lot to state– both the wins and the unusual quirks. If you’re trying to decide whether Beehiiv is the appropriate system for you, resolve in. You’re about to get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Tool Behind
Let’s be honest– most email provider (ESPs) are developed like they’re still embeded 2013. I required a device that could really aid grow my list and make some cash while I was at it. My old ESP just had not been sufficing anymore.
So I began comparing alternatives. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the usual suspects. Each had its perks, but I was looking at this via the lens of someone who takes email seriously– and who wanted complete control over my audience and web content.
The Substack Problem: Looks Excellent Till You Look Closer
Substack was my initial quit. It’s polished. It’s simple. And yeah, it’s popular.
However dig a little much deeper, and fractures start showing. The biggest one? You do not really own your fans.
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 website. You can’t email them directly. Can not export them. You’re primarily leasing a target market you can never totally get to.
It resembles carrying out on a phase where the lights only activate if the location determines to allow the crowd see you. Doesn’t really feel terrific.
And afterwards there’s the money side. Substack takes 10% off your paid registrations. Stripe takes one more 3%. That’s 13% of your earnings– gone. You ‘d think they were running a club, not an email platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It Too Great to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv stick out?
At first, it was the guarantee of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter listing development tools, and no platform charges (aside from the typical Stripe cut). However pledges are simple. Execution? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the reviews were encouraging. The Reddit strings really did not sound like robots or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Readying Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– moving to a brand-new system normally feels like drawing teeth. Yet Beehiiv? Remarkably painless.
Importing my list? Smooth. Setting up forms? No crises. Linking my personalized domain name? A few small hiccups, however absolutely nothing that required swearing at the screen.
Something I actually valued was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain to inbox service providers, piggybacking off their very own sending out domain name. Translation? Fewer spam folder nightmares.
Likewise, their assistance web content– video clips, help docs, and walkthroughs– really felt human. Like somebody sat down and stated, “Let’s not discourage the hell out of our individuals today.” Rejuvenating.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Case Studies
Currently below’s where things got a little … interesting.
Beehiiv’s automation system is good, however don’t expect it to take on heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For example, each type can only be linked to a solitary automation. That makes it tricky to personalize welcome series based upon just how a person registered.
I ended up going complete investigator setting– playing with segments, making use of different landing pages, reviewing odd Reddit threads– simply to build a couple of customized workflows.
Is it achievable? Definitely. But if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this might feel like going back a bit.
Email Builder: Mainly Great, But Not Perfect
I have actually obtained a bit of a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Aesthetically? It’s glossy. Drag, go down, layout, preview– it seems like it was created by somebody who’s really written a newsletter or more.
However default templates took a few tweaks to get right. And below’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can obtain huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb big.
That indicates your magnificently crafted message might obtain sliced in half if you’re not mindful. I discovered this by hand– then decreased a rabbit opening of screening devices to enhance HTML size and stay clear of that feared clipping.
My go-to strategy?
- Downloading examination emails from Gmail and inspecting size
- Running the HTML with Parcel.io’s email viewer
- Ascertaining with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Little bit of a manual procedure, however it works. I also connected to Beehiiv about including far better dimension cautions. Fingers crossed.
The Stuff That Actually Moves the Needle
Alright, let’s enter the meat of it– what’s made a tangible distinction considering that switching to Beehiiv?
Audience Development
In just 3 months, I included over 160 brand-new clients to a quite niche newsletter. That’s about 60% more than what I was seeing in the past– and I had not been also running paid advertisements.
Most of that development came from Beehiiv’s integrated devices: the referral program, Boosts (think e-newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can really track what’s functioning and where customers are originating from. Makes tweaking your technique a great deal easier.
Monetization That Doesn’t Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s chat money because for many makers, it matters.
Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut from your paid subscriptions. Simply Stripe’s charge. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% far better than Substack (literally).
But there’s even more: their advertisement network is user-friendly and passive. Within three months, I was currently fielding rate of interest from marketers. Beehiiv’s partner network links makers with brands in a way that doesn’t feel nasty or compelled. It’s integrated revenue potential, ordinary and basic Beehiiv Case Studies.
And when I’m ready to launch a costs subscription? I recognize exactly what cut I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Development Tools
What really establishes 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. Numerous landing pages for tracking lead sources. You can turn your visitors right into advocates without hanging unpleasant boodle or single gimmicks.
I’ll say this: Beehiiv feels like a platform that wants you to prosper. Not one that just desires a piece of your pie.
Things I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s got its quirks.
Assistance can be slow when you struck a weird bug or need deep help.
Some automations still really feel too fundamental.
Email dimension monitoring requires far better in-app alerts (please and thank you).
No integrated countdown timers (long face if you like FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Generally nonexistent.
So if you’re selling physical products or desire abandoned cart circulations, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best option.
Conclusion
If you’re a maker who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, expanding a checklist, or just tired of obsolete platforms– Beehiiv’s a strong option.
You’ll like it if:
You desire full possession of your target market
You’re seeking to expand fast without paying system tax obligation
You want something that feels built by designers, for makers
Will it fix every issue? No. However in 3 months, it’s assisted me grow faster, make extra, and tension less about the little things.
So, should you try Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to stop settling and actually scale your newsletter with genuine devices that value your work and target market– yeah, I assume it’s time.
Go on. Provide it a spin. You simply might fall in love like I did.