When it came time to select a 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 nearly a decade assisting others with email marketing (and 2 years running my very own newsletter), I had not been trying to find simply a device– I was searching for an appropriate companion Beehiiv C’est Quoi.
Which’s exactly how Beehiiv went into the picture.
Currently, I recognize what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Beehiiv just another Substack choice?” I assumed that also initially. But after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve got a great deal to claim– both the success and the odd traits. If you’re attempting to decide whether Beehiiv is the appropriate system for you, settle 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 required a tool that could in fact aid expand my list and make some money while I was at it. My old ESP just had not been cutting it any longer.
So I started contrasting choices. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the usual suspects. Each had its advantages, yet I was considering this via the lens of a person who takes email seriously– and who desired complete control over my target market and content.
The Substack Trouble: Looks Excellent Till You Look Closer
Substack was my initial quit. It’s brightened. It’s basic. And yeah, it’s popular.
However dig a little much deeper, and splits start showing. The greatest one? You don’t actually possess your followers.
That “adhere to” button you see on Substack? It’s mostly smoke and mirrors. Those fans live behind a wall– inside the Substack app or on their website. You can not email them directly. Can’t export them. You’re basically leasing an audience you can never fully reach.
It’s like carrying out on a stage where the lights only activate if the location chooses to let the group see you. Does not feel terrific.
And after that there’s the money side. Substack takes 10% off your paid subscriptions. Stripe takes another 3%. That’s 13% of your revenue– gone. You ‘d believe they were running a nightclub, not an e-mail system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It Also Excellent to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv stand apart?
Initially, it was the pledge of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter checklist development tools, and absolutely no system fees (besides the typical Stripe cut). Yet guarantees are very easy. Execution? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the evaluations were motivating. The Reddit threads didn’t sound like crawlers or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Surprisingly smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me inform you– migrating to a new system usually seems like drawing teeth. However Beehiiv? Remarkably painless.
Importing my listing? Smooth. Setting up kinds? No crises. Attaching my customized domain name? A couple of small missteps, yet absolutely nothing that called for swearing at the display.
One point I really appreciated was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name to inbox suppliers, piggybacking off their very own sending out domain name. Translation? Less spam folder headaches.
Likewise, their support web content– videos, help docs, and walkthroughs– actually felt human. Like a person took a seat and claimed, “Let’s not frustrate the heck out of our customers today.” Rejuvenating.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv C’est Quoi
Currently here’s where things got a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is good, however do not expect it to compete with heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. As an example, each type can only be attached to a single automation. That makes it difficult to individualize welcome series based on exactly how somebody registered.
I wound up going full investigator mode– playing with segments, making use of different landing pages, reviewing odd Reddit strings– simply to construct a couple of tailored workflows.
Is it doable? Definitely. But if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this might seem like going back a little bit.
Email Builder: Mainly Terrific, But Not Perfect
I’ve obtained a little bit of a love-hate relationship with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Visually? It’s glossy. Drag, drop, format, sneak peek– it feels like it was created by someone who’s in fact created a newsletter or more.
But default templates took a few tweaks to solve. And below’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can obtain big. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb huge.
That means your magnificently crafted message may get cut in half if you’re not cautious. I learned this by hand– then went down a rabbit hole of screening devices to enhance HTML dimension and stay clear of that feared clipping.
My go-to strategy?
- Downloading and install test emails from Gmail and inspecting dimension
- Running the HTML through Parcel.io’s email customer
- Confirming with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Bit of a manual procedure, yet it functions. I even connected to Beehiiv concerning adding far better size warnings. Fingers crossed.
The Stuff That Actually Relocations the Needle
Alright, let’s get into the meat of it– what’s made a concrete distinction because changing to Beehiiv?
Audience Development
In just three months, I included over 160 brand-new clients to a quite niche e-newsletter. That’s about 60% greater than what I was seeing previously– and I had not been even running paid advertisements.
A lot of that development originated from Beehiiv’s integrated tools: the referral program, Boosts (think e-newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can really track what’s functioning and where clients are originating from. Makes tweaking your strategy a great deal much easier.
Monetization That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s talk money since for a lot of makers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid subscriptions. Simply Stripe’s charge. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% far better than Substack (actually).
But there’s more: their ad network is user-friendly and passive. Within 3 months, I was currently fielding interest from marketers. Beehiiv’s partner network links designers with brands in such a way that doesn’t really feel nasty or required. It’s built-in income potential, simple and basic Beehiiv C’est Quoi.
And when I’m ready to introduce a premium subscription? I recognize precisely what cut I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Growth Tools
What truly establishes Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve obtained customizable referral programs. Boosts for e-newsletter cross-promotion. Numerous landing pages for tracking lead sources. You can turn your viewers into supporters without hanging unpleasant boodle or single tricks.
I’ll claim this: Beehiiv feels like a system that desires you to succeed. Not one that simply wants an item of your pie.
Points I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s got its traits.
Support can be slow when you hit a strange pest or need deep assistance.
Some automations still really feel as well fundamental.
Email size surveillance needs better in-app signals (please and thanks).
No integrated countdown timers (long face if you like FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Generally missing.
So if you’re offering physical items or want deserted cart flows, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best bet.
Final Thought
If you’re a developer who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a checklist, or simply tired of obsolete platforms– Beehiiv’s a solid selection.
You’ll like it if:
You desire complete possession of your target market
You’re aiming to grow quick without paying system tax obligation
You want something that feels built by developers, for designers
Will it resolve every problem? No. Yet in 3 months, it’s helped me grow quicker, gain more, and anxiety much less regarding the little points.
So, should you try Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to stop settling and actually range your e-newsletter with genuine devices that respect your work and audience– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Go on. Offer it a spin. You just could fall in love like I did.