When it came time to choose a new e-mail platform, I didn’t want “sufficient.” I needed something better– something developed for growth, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience in general. After almost a decade aiding others with e-mail marketing (and 2 years running my own e-newsletter), I had not been looking for just a device– I was searching for a proper companion Beehiiv Monetization Calculator.
And that’s just how Beehiiv went into the picture.
Now, I know what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv simply another Substack choice?” I assumed that as well initially. However after 3 months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually got a whole lot to claim– both the success and the odd peculiarities. If you’re attempting to choose whether Beehiiv is the best system for you, work out in. You will obtain the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be sincere– most email service providers (ESPs) are built like they’re still embeded 2013. I required a device that could in fact aid grow my list and make some money while I went to it. My old ESP just wasn’t cutting it anymore.
So I started contrasting choices. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the usual suspects. Each had its benefits, however I was taking a look at this via the lens of somebody who takes e-mail seriously– and who wanted full control over my audience and web content.
The Substack Issue: Looks Good Up Until You Look Closer
Substack was my initial quit. It’s polished. It’s simple. And yeah, it’s popular.
However dig a little deeper, and fractures begin revealing. The greatest one? You don’t in fact own your fans.
That “adhere to” button you see on Substack? It’s mainly smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack app or on their site. You can not email them straight. Can not export them. You’re generally renting a target market you can never ever completely get to.
It’s like carrying out on a phase where the lights only switch on if the location decides to allow the group see you. Doesn’t really feel terrific.
And after that 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 would certainly think they were running a nightclub, not an email system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, Yet Was It As well Excellent to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv stand apart?
Initially, it was the guarantee of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter listing growth devices, and no platform charges (apart from the common Stripe cut). Yet assurances are easy. Implementation? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the reviews were motivating. The Reddit threads really did not seem 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– moving to a new platform typically seems like drawing teeth. But Beehiiv? Surprisingly pain-free.
Importing my list? Smooth. Setting up forms? No meltdowns. Connecting my custom domain? A few minor missteps, however nothing that called for swearing at the screen.
One thing I truly appreciated was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name to inbox carriers, piggybacking off their very own sending out domain name. Translation? Less spam folder headaches.
Additionally, their assistance content– videos, assistance docs, and walkthroughs– really really felt human. Like somebody sat down and said, “Let’s not frustrate the heck out of our users today.” Rejuvenating.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Monetization Calculator
Currently below’s where things obtained a little … intriguing.
Beehiiv’s automation system is suitable, yet don’t expect it to compete with heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For instance, each form can just be linked to a single automation. That makes it difficult to customize welcome series based on just how somebody subscribed.
I ended up going full detective setting– tinkering with segments, using separate landing pages, reviewing unknown Reddit strings– just to construct a couple of customized workflows.
Is it practical? Definitely. However if you’re made use of to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this might feel like stepping back a little bit.
Email Builder: Mainly Excellent, However Not Perfect
I’ve obtained a little bit of a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Visually? It’s glossy. Drag, go down, layout, preview– it seems like it was developed by someone who’s really composed an e-newsletter or more.
However default templates took a few tweaks to solve. And right here’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can get big. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb big.
That implies your wonderfully crafted message may get sliced in half if you’re not mindful. I learned this by hand– after that went down a rabbit hole of screening tools to enhance HTML dimension and stay clear of that dreaded clipping.
My best strategy?
- Downloading test emails from Gmail and inspecting size
- Running the HTML via Parcel.io’s e-mail visitor
- Confirming with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little bit of a hands-on process, but it functions. I even reached out to Beehiiv concerning including much better size cautions. Fingers crossed.
Right Stuff That Actually Moves the Needle
Alright, let’s get into the meat of it– what’s made a concrete difference given that changing to Beehiiv?
Target market Growth
In simply three months, I included over 160 brand-new subscribers to a rather particular niche e-newsletter. That has to do with 60% greater than what I was seeing previously– and I had not been also running paid advertisements.
Most of that development came from Beehiiv’s built-in tools: the referral program, Boosts (believe e-newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can actually track what’s working and where customers are originating from. Makes tweaking your strategy a great deal less complicated.
Money Making That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s speak money because for most developers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid memberships. Just Stripe’s charge. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% better than Substack (actually).
However there’s more: their ad network is instinctive and passive. Within 3 months, I was already fielding interest from marketers. Beehiiv’s partner network connects creators with brand names in a manner that does not really feel icky or compelled. It’s built-in revenue capacity, ordinary and easy Beehiiv Monetization Calculator.
And when I prepare to introduce a costs membership? I know exactly what cut I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Development Devices
What really establishes Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually obtained adjustable referral programs. Boosts for e-newsletter cross-promotion. Several landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can transform your viewers into supporters without hanging awkward boodle or one-time tricks.
I’ll claim this: Beehiiv feels like a platform that wants you to succeed. Not one that simply wants a piece of your pie.
Things I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained its quirks.
Assistance can be slow-moving when you hit a strange insect or need deep help.
Some automations still feel also basic.
Email dimension tracking requires better in-app signals (please and thanks).
No built-in countdown timers (sad face if you enjoy FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Generally missing.
So if you’re selling physical products or want abandoned cart circulations, Beehiiv possibly isn’t your best choice.
Conclusion
If you’re a developer who’s serious about newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, expanding a listing, or just tired of obsolete systems– Beehiiv’s a strong choice.
You’ll like it if:
You desire full ownership of your audience
You’re aiming to grow fast without paying platform tax
You want something that really feels built by designers, for makers
Will it solve every problem? No. But in three months, it’s aided me grow quicker, earn more, and anxiety much less regarding the little points.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you prepare to quit clearing up and in fact scale your newsletter with genuine devices that respect your work and audience– yeah, I think it’s time.
Go on. Give it a spin. You just could fall in love like I did.