When it came time to choose a new email platform, I really did not desire “good enough.” I needed something much better– something constructed for development, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience in general. After nearly a years helping others with email marketing (and two years running my own e-newsletter), I had not been searching for simply a device– I was hunting for a proper partner Beehiiv Marketplace.
And that’s how Beehiiv entered the picture.
Now, I know what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv just an additional Substack option?” I assumed that too in the beginning. But after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve got a lot to claim– both the wins and the weird traits. If you’re trying to determine whether Beehiiv is the appropriate system for you, clear up in. You’re about to obtain the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Tool Behind
Let’s be straightforward– most email company (ESPs) are developed like they’re still stuck in 2013. I required a device that can really aid expand my list and make some money while I was at it. My old ESP simply had not been sufficing any longer.
So I began contrasting options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the common suspects. Each had its advantages, yet I was checking out this via the lens of someone who takes email seriously– and who wanted full control over my audience and content.
The Substack Issue: Looks Good Until You Look Closer
Substack was my very first quit. It’s brightened. It’s easy. And yeah, it’s prominent.
However dig a little much deeper, and cracks start revealing. The greatest one? You don’t really have your fans.
That “follow” switch you see on Substack? It’s mainly smoke and mirrors. Those followers 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 basically renting out a target market you can never ever completely reach.
It resembles carrying out on a stage where the lights only switch on if the place determines to allow the group see you. Does not feel wonderful.
And after that there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid memberships. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your earnings– gone. You ‘d think they were running a club, not an e-mail system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, However Was It Too Great to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv stick out?
Initially, it was the guarantee of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter list development tools, and no platform charges (other than the typical Stripe cut). But guarantees are very easy. Execution? That’s where it obtains real.
Still, the evaluations were motivating. The Reddit strings really did not sound like crawlers or brand plants. And the onboarding? Surprisingly smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the leap.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me inform you– migrating to a new system typically seems like drawing teeth. However Beehiiv? Surprisingly pain-free.
Importing my list? Smooth. Establishing kinds? No crises. Attaching my personalized domain? A couple of minor missteps, however absolutely nothing that needed swearing at the screen.
One thing I actually valued was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain name to inbox service providers, piggybacking off their very own sending domain. Translation? Less spam folder nightmares.
Additionally, their support web content– video clips, aid docs, and walkthroughs– actually really felt human. Like someone took a seat and said, “Let’s not frustrate the heck out of our users today.” Revitalizing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Marketplace
Currently here’s where points got a little … interesting.
Beehiiv’s automation system is decent, but don’t expect it to take on heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. As an example, each form can only be connected to a solitary automation. That makes it challenging to customize welcome sequences based upon just how someone registered.
I wound up going complete investigator mode– playing with segments, utilizing different landing pages, reviewing rare Reddit strings– just to construct a couple of customized workflows.
Is it manageable? Absolutely. However if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this might seem like going back a little bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Fantastic, However Not Perfect
I’ve obtained a little bit of a love-hate partnership with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Aesthetically? It’s glossy. Drag, go down, style, preview– it feels like it was designed by someone who’s in fact created a newsletter or more.
Yet default templates took a couple of tweaks to get right. And right here’s a curveball: Beehiiv emails can obtain huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb big.
That suggests your wonderfully crafted message might get chopped in half if you’re not cautious. I learned this the hard way– then went down a bunny hole of screening devices to optimize HTML dimension and avoid that dreadful clipping.
My best method?
- Downloading examination e-mails from Gmail and examining size
- Running the HTML via Parcel.io’s e-mail viewer
- Verifying with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Little a manual process, but it functions. I also reached out to Beehiiv regarding including much better size warnings. Fingers went across.
The 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 switching over to Beehiiv?
Audience Development
In just three months, I added over 160 brand-new subscribers to a rather niche newsletter. That has to do with 60% greater than what I was seeing before– and I wasn’t even running paid ads.
The majority of that development originated from Beehiiv’s integrated tools: the referral program, Boosts (believe e-newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can really track what’s working and where customers are coming from. Makes tweaking your technique a lot simpler.
Money Making That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s chat cash since for a lot of creators, it matters.
Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut from your paid registrations. Just Stripe’s fee. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% much better than Substack (literally).
Yet there’s even more: their advertisement network is user-friendly and passive. Within three months, I was already fielding interest from advertisers. Beehiiv’s partner network links creators with brand names in a way that doesn’t feel icky or compelled. It’s integrated income possibility, ordinary and basic Beehiiv Marketplace.
And when I prepare to release a costs membership? I know exactly what cut I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Development Tools
What truly establishes Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve got personalized referral programs. Boosts for e-newsletter cross-promotion. Numerous landing pages for tracking lead sources. You can turn your readers into advocates without hanging unpleasant boodle or single tricks.
I’ll claim this: Beehiiv seems like a platform that desires you to be successful. Not one that simply wants an item of your pie.
Points I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s got its peculiarities.
Support can be slow-moving when you struck an odd pest or need deep help.
Some automations still really feel as well standard.
Email dimension surveillance needs better in-app alerts (please and thanks).
No integrated countdown timers (sad face if you like FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Essentially nonexistent.
So if you’re marketing physical items or want abandoned cart flows, Beehiiv possibly isn’t your best option.
Verdict
If you’re a creator who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a checklist, or just tired of outdated systems– Beehiiv’s a strong option.
You’ll like it if:
You desire full ownership of your target market
You’re aiming to expand quick without paying system tax
You want something that really feels built by developers, for makers
Will it resolve every issue? No. Yet in 3 months, it’s assisted me grow much faster, make extra, and stress and anxiety much less about the little points.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to quit clearing up and actually range your e-newsletter with genuine devices that respect your job and target market– yeah, I think it’s time.
Take place. Give it a spin. You simply may fall in love like I did.