When it came time to pick a brand-new email platform, I didn’t want “adequate.” I needed something much better– something constructed for growth, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience generally. After virtually a decade helping others with email marketing (and two years running my own e-newsletter), I wasn’t looking for simply a tool– I was searching for an appropriate companion Beehiiv Email Sequence.
And that’s exactly how Beehiiv entered the picture.
Now, I understand what you’re believing: “Isn’t Beehiiv just one more Substack option?” I believed that as well at first. Yet after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve obtained a whole lot to say– both the wins and the weird quirks. If you’re trying to make a decision whether Beehiiv is the right system for you, resolve in. You’re about to get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be truthful– most email service providers (ESPs) are developed like they’re still embeded 2013. I required a device that might in fact aid expand my list and make some money while I went to it. My old ESP just wasn’t sufficing anymore.
So I started contrasting alternatives. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the normal suspects. Each had its perks, but I was looking at this via the lens of somebody who takes email seriously– and who wanted complete control over my target market and content.
The Substack Trouble: Looks Excellent Up Until You Look Closer
Substack was my very first quit. It’s polished. It’s easy. And yeah, it’s popular.
But dig a little much deeper, and cracks start showing. The largest one? You do not really have your fans.
That “adhere to” switch you see on Substack? It’s mostly smoke and mirrors. Those fans live behind a wall– inside the Substack application or on their site. You can’t email them straight. Can not export them. You’re generally leasing an audience you can never fully get to.
It resembles performing on a phase where the lights only turn on if the location makes a decision to let the group see you. Doesn’t feel fantastic.
And then there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid memberships. Stripe takes one more 3%. That’s 13% of your earnings– gone. You ‘d think they were running a club, not an email system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It Too Good to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv stand out?
At first, it was the pledge of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter list development devices, and zero platform charges (besides the normal Stripe cut). But assurances are very easy. Execution? That’s where it obtains real.
Still, the reviews were encouraging. The Reddit strings didn’t sound like robots or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Surprisingly smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the leap.
Readying Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– moving to a brand-new system usually seems like drawing teeth. Yet Beehiiv? Remarkably pain-free.
Importing my list? Smooth. Setting up types? No meltdowns. Linking my custom-made domain name? A few small missteps, however absolutely nothing that called for swearing at the screen.
One thing I actually appreciated was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv progressively presents your domain to inbox suppliers, piggybacking off their very own sending domain name. Translation? Less spam folder headaches.
Likewise, their support material– video clips, assistance docs, and walkthroughs– really felt human. Like somebody sat down and stated, “Let’s not discourage the hell out of our customers today.” Refreshing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Email Sequence
Currently here’s where points obtained a little … interesting.
Beehiiv’s automation system is suitable, but do not expect it to compete with heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For instance, each kind can just be linked to a solitary automation. That makes it challenging to customize welcome sequences based on just how somebody signed up.
I ended up going full investigative mode– tinkering with sectors, utilizing different landing pages, reviewing rare Reddit strings– just to build a couple of customized workflows.
Is it workable? Definitely. But if you’re utilized to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this may seem like stepping back a bit.
Email Builder: Mainly Great, However Not Perfect
I’ve obtained a bit of a love-hate partnership with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Visually? It’s glossy. Drag, drop, format, preview– it feels like it was made by someone who’s in fact created an e-newsletter or more.
But default templates took a couple of tweaks to get right. And here’s a curveball: Beehiiv emails can obtain huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb huge.
That means your perfectly crafted message might get sliced in half if you’re not careful. I discovered this the hard way– after that decreased a bunny hole of testing tools to enhance HTML dimension and prevent that dreaded clipping.
My best method?
- Downloading test e-mails from Gmail and inspecting size
- Running the HTML via Parcel.io’s email viewer
- Ascertaining with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Little a hands-on procedure, however it works. I even reached out to Beehiiv about adding far better dimension cautions. Fingers went across.
Right Stuff That In Fact Actions the Needle
Alright, let’s get involved in the meat of it– what’s made a tangible distinction considering that changing to Beehiiv?
Target market Growth
In simply 3 months, I included over 160 brand-new subscribers to a rather specific niche e-newsletter. That’s about 60% greater than what I was seeing previously– and I wasn’t also running paid ads.
The majority of that development came from Beehiiv’s integrated devices: the referral program, Boosts (assume newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can actually track what’s functioning and where subscribers are coming from. Makes tweaking your strategy a whole lot much easier.
Money Making That Doesn’t Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s talk cash since for a lot of designers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid subscriptions. Simply Stripe’s fee. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% better than Substack (literally).
However there’s even more: their ad network is intuitive and passive. Within 3 months, I was already fielding passion from marketers. Beehiiv’s partner network links designers with brands in a manner that does not really feel disgusting or compelled. It’s integrated earnings possibility, ordinary and basic Beehiiv Email Sequence.
And when I’m ready to launch a costs subscription? I understand specifically what cut I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Growth Devices
What truly sets Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually got personalized referral programs. Boosts for e-newsletter cross-promotion. Several landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can transform your visitors into advocates without hanging uncomfortable boodle or single gimmicks.
I’ll claim this: Beehiiv feels like a system that wants you to do well. Not one that simply wants an item of your pie.
Things I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No platform is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained its traits.
Support can be slow-moving when you hit an odd insect or need deep aid.
Some automations still really feel as well basic.
Email dimension surveillance requires far better in-app alerts (please and thank you).
No built-in countdown timers (long face if you enjoy FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Generally missing.
So if you’re marketing physical products or want deserted cart circulations, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best option.
Final Thought
If you’re a creator who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a listing, or just tired of out-of-date systems– Beehiiv’s a solid choice.
You’ll like it if:
You want full possession of your target market
You’re seeking to expand quick without paying system tax obligation
You desire something that really feels developed by developers, for designers
Will it address every trouble? No. However in 3 months, it’s assisted me grow quicker, make a lot more, and stress less concerning the little things.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you prepare to stop clearing up and actually range your newsletter with actual tools that value your work and target market– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Go on. Give it a spin. You simply could fall in love like I did.