When it came time to select a new e-mail platform, I didn’t desire “sufficient.” I required something better– something constructed for growth, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience overall. After nearly a decade helping others with e-mail marketing (and 2 years running my own newsletter), I wasn’t trying to find simply a device– I was hunting for a correct partner Beehiiv Newsletter Newspaper Layout.
Which’s exactly how Beehiiv got in the picture.
Now, I recognize what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv just an additional Substack choice?” I assumed that as well initially. However after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually obtained a great deal to claim– both the success and the strange traits. If you’re trying to decide whether Beehiiv is the best system for you, resolve in. You will obtain the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be honest– most email provider (ESPs) are built like they’re still stuck in 2013. I needed a device that could really assist grow my list and make some money while I went to it. My old ESP just had not been sufficing any longer.
So I started contrasting options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the typical suspects. Each had its advantages, yet I was considering this with the lens of a person who takes email seriously– and who wanted complete control over my target market and web content.
The Substack Trouble: Looks Good Until You Look Closer
Substack was my very first stop. It’s brightened. It’s basic. And yeah, it’s popular.
But dig a little deeper, and cracks begin revealing. The most significant one? You do not really own your followers.
That “comply with” switch you see on Substack? It’s primarily smoke and mirrors. Those fans live behind a wall– inside the Substack app or on their site. You can not email them directly. Can’t export them. You’re primarily renting out an audience you can never totally reach.
It resembles performing on a phase where the lights only activate if the place determines to let the group see you. Doesn’t really feel fantastic.
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 bar, not an e-mail platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It Also Good to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv stick out?
At first, it was the pledge of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter list growth devices, and no system fees (besides the usual Stripe cut). Yet assurances are very easy. Implementation? That’s where it obtains real.
Still, the testimonials were motivating. The Reddit threads didn’t sound like crawlers or brand 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 new system normally seems like pulling teeth. But Beehiiv? Remarkably painless.
Importing my list? Smooth. Establishing kinds? No disasters. Attaching my custom-made domain? A few small hiccups, however absolutely nothing that required swearing at the display.
Something I really valued was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually presents your domain name to inbox carriers, piggybacking off their own sending out domain name. Translation? Fewer spam folder problems.
Also, their support web content– video clips, help docs, and walkthroughs– really really felt human. Like someone took a seat and stated, “Let’s not discourage the heck out of our users today.” Rejuvenating.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Newsletter Newspaper Layout
Currently here’s where things got a little … interesting.
Beehiiv’s automation system is suitable, however don’t anticipate it to compete with heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For example, each form can only be connected to a solitary automation. That makes it difficult to personalize welcome series based upon just how someone registered.
I ended up going full investigator mode– dabbling with sectors, utilizing separate landing pages, checking out unknown Reddit threads– simply to build a couple of tailored workflows.
Is it practical? Absolutely. Yet if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this could seem like going back a bit.
Email Builder: Primarily Excellent, However Not Perfect
I’ve got a little bit of a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Aesthetically? It’s slick. Drag, drop, format, preview– it feels like it was designed by somebody who’s really composed an e-newsletter or 2.
Yet default templates took a few tweaks to get right. And here’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can obtain huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb huge.
That implies your wonderfully crafted message might get cut in half if you’re not mindful. I learned this the hard way– after that went down a bunny opening of screening devices to optimize HTML dimension and avoid that dreaded clipping.
My best strategy?
- Downloading and install test e-mails from Gmail and examining dimension
- Running the HTML via Parcel.io’s email visitor
- Confirming with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Bit of a manual procedure, however it functions. I also reached out to Beehiiv concerning including better dimension warnings. Fingers crossed.
Right Stuff That Really Steps the Needle
Alright, let’s get involved in the meat of it– what’s made a substantial difference because switching to Beehiiv?
Audience Growth
In simply three months, I included over 160 brand-new customers to a pretty niche newsletter. That has to do with 60% more than what I was seeing before– and I had not been even running paid advertisements.
A lot of that development originated from Beehiiv’s built-in devices: the referral program, Boosts (believe e-newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can in fact track what’s working and where customers are coming from. Makes tweaking your approach a great deal easier.
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 registrations. Just Stripe’s fee. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% better than Substack (literally).
But there’s even more: their ad network is intuitive and passive. Within three months, I was currently fielding passion from advertisers. Beehiiv’s partner network attaches makers with brands in a way that doesn’t feel nasty or forced. It’s integrated income potential, simple and straightforward Beehiiv Newsletter Newspaper Layout.
And when I’m ready to launch a costs subscription? I recognize exactly what cut I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Growth Devices
What really sets Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually got personalized referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Multiple landing pages for tracking lead sources. You can transform your viewers into supporters without dangling awkward boodle or one-time tricks.
I’ll claim this: Beehiiv seems like a platform that wants you to do well. Not one that simply desires a piece of your pie.
Points I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s got its peculiarities.
Support can be slow when you hit an odd insect or need deep aid.
Some automations still really feel too fundamental.
Email dimension tracking requires much better in-app informs (please and thank you).
No built-in countdown timers (long face if you love FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Basically missing.
So if you’re offering physical products or desire deserted cart circulations, Beehiiv probably isn’t your best option.
Conclusion
If you’re a maker who’s serious about newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, expanding a listing, or simply tired of obsolete systems– Beehiiv’s a strong selection.
You’ll like it if:
You want complete possession of your audience
You’re seeking to expand fast without paying system tax
You want something that feels developed by developers, for developers
Will it address every issue? No. But in 3 months, it’s helped me expand quicker, gain more, and anxiety less concerning the little points.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to stop resolving and really range your e-newsletter with genuine tools that respect your work and target market– yeah, I think it’s time.
Go on. Give it a spin. You simply could fall in love like I did.