When it came time to pick a brand-new email system, I really did not want “good enough.” I required something better– something constructed for growth, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience on the whole. After almost a decade aiding others with email marketing (and 2 years running my own e-newsletter), I wasn’t seeking simply a device– I was hunting for a proper partner Beehiiv QR Code.
Which’s exactly how Beehiiv got in the picture.
Now, I recognize what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Beehiiv just one more Substack choice?” I assumed that as well initially. Yet after 3 months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve obtained a lot to say– both the victories and the strange peculiarities. If you’re trying to decide whether Beehiiv is the best platform for you, work out in. You will obtain the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Tool Behind
Let’s be sincere– most email service providers (ESPs) are developed like they’re still embeded 2013. I needed a tool that could actually aid grow my checklist and make some money while I was at it. My old ESP simply wasn’t sufficing any longer.
So I began comparing options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the common suspects. Each had its perks, however I was considering this via the lens of a person who takes e-mail seriously– and who desired full control over my audience and material.
The Substack Trouble: Looks Excellent Till You Look Closer
Substack was my initial stop. It’s brightened. It’s straightforward. And yeah, it’s prominent.
But dig a little much deeper, and fractures start revealing. The largest one? You don’t actually possess your fans.
That “comply with” 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 directly. Can not export them. You’re generally leasing an audience you can never totally reach.
It’s like carrying out on a phase where the lights only switch on if the venue determines to let the crowd see you. Doesn’t really feel terrific.
And afterwards there’s the money side. Substack takes 10% off your paid registrations. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your revenue– gone. You ‘d think they were running a nightclub, not an email platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, Yet Was It Too Good to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv attract attention?
In the beginning, it was the guarantee of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter checklist development devices, and zero platform fees (aside from the usual Stripe cut). However assurances are simple. Execution? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the testimonials 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.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me inform you– moving to a brand-new system generally seems like drawing teeth. But Beehiiv? Surprisingly pain-free.
Importing my checklist? Smooth. Establishing forms? No crises. Linking my custom-made domain name? A few small hiccups, however nothing that needed swearing at the display.
One thing I actually valued was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually presents your domain name to inbox companies, piggybacking off their own sending domain name. Translation? Less spam folder headaches.
Additionally, their support web content– videos, aid docs, and walkthroughs– actually felt human. Like someone took a seat and stated, “Let’s not annoy the heck out of our customers today.” Rejuvenating.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv QR Code
Now right here’s where points obtained a little … intriguing.
Beehiiv’s automation system is decent, but do not anticipate it to compete with heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. As an example, each kind can only be linked to a solitary automation. That makes it challenging to customize welcome series based upon how a person signed up.
I wound up going full investigator setting– playing with sections, utilizing different landing pages, reviewing unknown Reddit threads– just to build a few customized workflows.
Is it practical? Absolutely. Yet if you’re utilized to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this could seem like stepping back a bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Terrific, However Not Perfect
I have actually got a little a love-hate relationship with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Visually? It’s glossy. Drag, drop, format, sneak peek– it seems like it was made by someone who’s really composed an e-newsletter or more.
Yet default templates took a couple of tweaks to get right. And here’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can obtain big. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb big.
That indicates your perfectly crafted message may obtain cut in half if you’re not mindful. I discovered this the hard way– after that went down a bunny hole of testing devices to optimize HTML dimension and avoid that dreadful clipping.
My best strategy?
- Downloading and install test e-mails from Gmail and examining dimension
- Running the HTML with Parcel.io’s e-mail customer
- Verifying with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little bit of a hand-operated procedure, yet it works. I also reached out to Beehiiv about including far better dimension warnings. Fingers went across.
Right Stuff That In Fact Steps the Needle
Alright, let’s enter the meat of it– what’s made a concrete distinction considering that switching to Beehiiv?
Target market Growth
In simply three months, I added over 160 brand-new customers to a rather particular niche e-newsletter. That’s about 60% more than what I was seeing previously– and I had not been 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 functioning and where subscribers are originating from. Makes tweaking your approach a whole lot less complicated.
Monetization That Doesn’t Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s talk money since for the majority of makers, it matters.
Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut from your paid memberships. Simply Stripe’s fee. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% far better than Substack (actually).
Yet there’s even more: their ad network is instinctive and passive. Within 3 months, I was already fielding passion from advertisers. Beehiiv’s partner network links creators with brand names in a way that doesn’t really feel disgusting or compelled. It’s integrated revenue possibility, plain and basic Beehiiv QR Code.
And when I’m ready to launch a premium subscription? I understand specifically what cut I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Growth Devices
What actually establishes Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually got customizable referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Numerous landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can transform your visitors into supporters without dangling unpleasant swag or one-time tricks.
I’ll say this: Beehiiv seems like a platform that desires you to succeed. Not one that simply wants a piece of your pie.
Points I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained its quirks.
Assistance can be sluggish when you struck a strange pest or require deep assistance.
Some automations still feel too fundamental.
Email dimension surveillance needs much better in-app informs (please and thank you).
No integrated countdown timers (long face if you enjoy FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Essentially nonexistent.
So if you’re selling physical items or desire deserted cart circulations, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best choice.
Verdict
If you’re a designer who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a listing, or just tired of obsolete systems– Beehiiv’s a strong choice.
You’ll like it if:
You desire full possession of your target market
You’re looking to expand quickly without paying platform tax
You desire something that really feels constructed by makers, for makers
Will it resolve every issue? No. But in three months, it’s helped me grow much faster, earn more, and tension less about the little points.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you prepare to stop clearing up and actually range your e-newsletter with genuine tools that appreciate your job and audience– yeah, I think it’s time.
Go on. Offer it a spin. You just may fall in love like I did.