When it came time to select a new email platform, I really did not desire “sufficient.” I needed something better– something constructed for development, smarter money making, and a smoother experience generally. After nearly a decade assisting others with e-mail marketing (and 2 years running my own e-newsletter), I wasn’t looking for just a device– I was searching for a proper companion Beehiiv ResiClub.
And that’s just how Beehiiv went into the picture.
Currently, I understand what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv just another Substack option?” I believed that as well initially. But after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve got a great deal to claim– both the wins and the odd quirks. If you’re trying to determine whether Beehiiv is the ideal platform for you, clear up in. You’re about to get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be straightforward– most email company (ESPs) are developed like they’re still stuck in 2013. I required a device that might really help expand my list and make some cash while I was at it. My old ESP simply wasn’t sufficing anymore.
So I started comparing alternatives. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the usual suspects. Each had its advantages, yet I was considering this via the lens of somebody who takes email seriously– and who wanted full control over my audience and material.
The Substack Issue: Looks Good Until You Look Closer
Substack was my initial quit. It’s polished. It’s easy. And yeah, it’s preferred.
Yet dig a little deeper, and cracks start showing. The biggest one? You do not in fact possess your fans.
That “adhere to” switch you see on Substack? It’s primarily smoke and mirrors. Those fans live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack application or on their website. You can not email them straight. Can’t export them. You’re essentially leasing an audience you can never ever totally reach.
It’s like carrying out on a stage where the lights only switch on if the location decides to let the group see you. Does not really feel terrific.
And then there’s the money side. Substack takes 10% off your paid memberships. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your earnings– gone. You ‘d believe they were running a bar, not an email system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, However Was It Too Good to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv stand apart?
In the beginning, it was the pledge of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter checklist development devices, and no system fees (besides the common Stripe cut). But guarantees are simple. Execution? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the testimonials were encouraging. The Reddit threads really did not seem like robots or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Surprisingly smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– migrating to a brand-new platform normally feels like drawing teeth. Yet Beehiiv? Remarkably painless.
Importing my checklist? Smooth. Establishing types? No crises. Attaching my customized domain? A few minor hiccups, however absolutely nothing that needed swearing at the display.
One point I really valued was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv progressively presents your domain name to inbox carriers, piggybacking off their very own sending out domain name. Translation? Fewer spam folder problems.
Additionally, their assistance content– video clips, aid docs, and walkthroughs– in fact really felt human. Like a person sat down and said, “Let’s not frustrate the hell out of our customers today.” Revitalizing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv ResiClub
Now here’s where points obtained a little … intriguing.
Beehiiv’s automation system is decent, but don’t anticipate it to take on heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For instance, each kind can only be linked to a single automation. That makes it challenging to customize welcome series based upon how somebody joined.
I ended up going complete detective mode– dabbling with sections, making use of different landing pages, reading obscure Reddit threads– just to construct a couple of customized workflows.
Is it manageable? Absolutely. But if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this may feel like going back a bit.
Email Builder: Primarily Terrific, However Not Perfect
I’ve obtained a little a love-hate partnership with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Visually? It’s slick. Drag, go down, style, sneak peek– it seems like it was developed by somebody who’s in fact written a newsletter or two.
But default templates took a couple of tweaks to get right. And right here’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can obtain big. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb large.
That means your beautifully crafted message might get sliced in half if you’re not careful. I discovered this by hand– then went down a rabbit hole of testing tools to enhance HTML size and prevent that dreadful clipping.
My best method?
- Downloading examination e-mails from Gmail and checking dimension
- Running the HTML via Parcel.io’s email visitor
- Double-checking with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little bit of a hands-on process, yet it works. I even connected to Beehiiv regarding including better dimension 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 substantial difference considering that switching over to Beehiiv?
Target market Growth
In simply 3 months, I added over 160 new clients 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 growth originated from Beehiiv’s built-in tools: the referral program, Boosts (assume newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can in fact track what’s functioning and where subscribers are coming from. Makes tweaking your strategy a great deal simpler.
Monetization That Doesn’t Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s speak money because for a lot of makers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid registrations. Simply Stripe’s charge. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% much better than Substack (essentially).
But there’s even more: their advertisement network is intuitive and passive. Within 3 months, I was currently fielding interest from advertisers. Beehiiv’s companion network connects makers with brand names in a manner that does not really feel sickening or required. It’s integrated revenue capacity, simple and simple Beehiiv ResiClub.
And when I prepare to release a costs registration? I understand precisely what reduced I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Development Tools
What truly establishes Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually obtained customizable referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Multiple landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can transform your visitors into supporters without dangling uncomfortable boodle or one-time gimmicks.
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 excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained its quirks.
Support can be slow when you struck a strange insect or need deep aid.
Some automations still really feel too basic.
Email dimension surveillance requires better in-app notifies (please and thanks).
No integrated countdown timers (long face if you love FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Basically nonexistent.
So if you’re selling physical products or want deserted cart flows, Beehiiv probably isn’t your best bet.
Final Thought
If you’re a creator who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re generating income from, growing a list, or simply tired of out-of-date platforms– Beehiiv’s a solid selection.
You’ll like it if:
You desire complete possession of your target market
You’re looking to grow quickly without paying system tax
You want something that really feels built by creators, for developers
Will it resolve every issue? No. But in three months, it’s aided me grow faster, earn more, and tension less about the little points.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to stop resolving and in fact range your e-newsletter with actual devices that value your job and audience– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Take place. Provide it a spin. You simply could fall in love like I did.