When it came time to pick a brand-new email platform, I really did not want “sufficient.” I required something better– something developed for development, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience generally. After nearly a years aiding others with e-mail marketing (and 2 years running my own e-newsletter), I had not been seeking simply a device– I was hunting for an appropriate companion Beehiiv Open Banker.
Which’s exactly how Beehiiv entered the picture.
Now, I understand what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv simply an additional Substack alternative?” I thought that as well at first. However after 3 months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve obtained a lot to say– both the success and the weird peculiarities. If you’re attempting to determine whether Beehiiv is the appropriate platform for you, clear up 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 stuck in 2013. I needed a device that could actually aid grow my checklist and make some money while I went to it. My old ESP just wasn’t sufficing any longer.
So I started comparing alternatives. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the usual suspects. Each had its benefits, yet I was looking at this with the lens of somebody who takes email seriously– and who desired full control over my audience and web content.
The Substack Issue: Looks Good Up Until You Look Closer
Substack was my first stop. It’s polished. It’s basic. And yeah, it’s popular.
Yet dig a little deeper, and fractures start revealing. The biggest one? You don’t in fact possess your fans.
That “adhere to” button you see on Substack? It’s primarily smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall– inside the Substack application or on their site. You can not email them directly. Can’t export them. You’re generally renting out an audience you can never totally reach.
It resembles carrying out on a stage where the lights only activate if the place determines to let the group see you. Does not really feel terrific.
And after that there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid subscriptions. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your revenue– gone. You ‘d assume they were running a club, not an e-mail system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It Too Great to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv stand out?
Initially, it was the pledge of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter listing growth devices, and no platform costs (in addition to the common Stripe cut). But guarantees are simple. Implementation? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the reviews were motivating. The Reddit strings really did not seem like robots or brand name 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 pulling teeth. But Beehiiv? Surprisingly painless.
Importing my checklist? Smooth. Establishing types? No crises. Connecting my custom-made domain name? A few minor missteps, but absolutely nothing that called for swearing at the screen.
One point I truly appreciated was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually presents your domain name to inbox service providers, piggybacking off their own sending domain. Translation? Fewer spam folder nightmares.
Also, their assistance web content– video clips, help docs, and walkthroughs– actually really felt human. Like a person sat down and claimed, “Let’s not discourage the heck out of our customers today.” Revitalizing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Open Banker
Now below’s where things got a little … intriguing.
Beehiiv’s automation system is suitable, however do not expect it to compete with heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For example, each type can just be connected to a single automation. That makes it challenging to individualize welcome series based on exactly how somebody registered.
I ended up going full investigator setting– tinkering with segments, making use of separate landing pages, checking out rare Reddit threads– simply to construct a couple of customized workflows.
Is it workable? Absolutely. Yet if you’re made use of to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this could feel like going back a little bit.
Email Builder: Mainly Excellent, But Not Perfect
I have actually got a little a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Aesthetically? It’s glossy. Drag, drop, layout, preview– it seems like it was made by somebody who’s really composed a newsletter or 2.
But default templates took a few tweaks to get right. And right here’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can obtain large. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb big.
That indicates your beautifully crafted message might get cut in half if you’re not cautious. I learned this the hard way– then decreased a bunny opening of screening devices to maximize HTML dimension and prevent that dreaded clipping.
My best method?
- Downloading and install examination e-mails from Gmail and inspecting size
- Running the HTML via Parcel.io’s email customer
- Double-checking with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Bit of a hand-operated procedure, however it functions. I also connected to Beehiiv about adding far better dimension cautions. Fingers crossed.
Right Stuff That Really Moves the Needle
Alright, let’s enter the meat of it– what’s made a concrete difference considering that switching to Beehiiv?
Target market Growth
In just three months, I included over 160 new customers to a pretty particular niche newsletter. That has to do with 60% greater than what I was seeing previously– and I had not been even running paid ads.
Most of that development originated from Beehiiv’s built-in tools: the referral program, Boosts (assume e-newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can actually track what’s functioning and where clients are coming from. Makes tweaking your method a whole lot less complicated.
Monetization That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s chat money since for a lot of creators, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid subscriptions. Just Stripe’s fee. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% better than Substack (actually).
But there’s more: their ad network is user-friendly and passive. Within three months, I was currently fielding passion from marketers. Beehiiv’s companion network attaches developers with brand names in such a way that doesn’t really feel sickening or compelled. It’s built-in income possibility, ordinary and easy Beehiiv Open Banker.
And when I prepare to introduce a costs subscription? I recognize specifically what cut I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Development Devices
What truly establishes Beehiiv apart is that growth 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 dangling unpleasant swag or single tricks.
I’ll claim this: Beehiiv seems like a system that desires you to do well. Not one that simply wants an item of your pie.
Points I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No system is perfect, and Beehiiv’s obtained its quirks.
Assistance can be sluggish when you hit an odd pest or need deep aid.
Some automations still feel as well basic.
Email dimension monitoring requires better in-app alerts (please and thanks).
No integrated countdown timers (sad face if you enjoy FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Generally nonexistent.
So if you’re selling physical items or desire deserted cart circulations, Beehiiv possibly isn’t your best choice.
Final Thought
If you’re a creator who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re generating income from, expanding a list, or just tired of out-of-date platforms– 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 platform tax
You desire something that really feels developed by developers, for designers
Will it resolve every problem? No. Yet in three months, it’s aided me grow much faster, gain much more, and tension less concerning the little points.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you prepare to quit settling and really range your e-newsletter with real devices that value your work and audience– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Take place. Provide it a spin. You simply could fall in love like I did.