When it came time to choose a new e-mail platform, I really did not want “adequate.” I needed something much better– something developed for development, smarter money making, and a smoother experience in general. After nearly a decade helping others with e-mail marketing (and 2 years running my very own newsletter), I had not been searching for simply a tool– I was hunting for a correct companion Beehiiv Segmentation.
And that’s exactly how Beehiiv got in the picture.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Beehiiv simply an additional Substack alternative?” I assumed that also at first. However after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually obtained a lot to say– both the victories and the odd quirks. If you’re trying to make a decision whether Beehiiv is the best system 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 constructed like they’re still embeded 2013. I needed a tool that might really aid grow my list and make some cash while I was at it. My old ESP just had not been sufficing any longer.
So I started contrasting alternatives. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the common suspects. Each had its benefits, however I was considering this via the lens of someone who takes email seriously– and who desired complete control over my target market and material.
The Substack Trouble: Looks Good Up Until You Look Closer
Substack was my initial stop. It’s brightened. It’s straightforward. And yeah, it’s preferred.
However dig a little much deeper, and cracks begin showing. The greatest one? You don’t really own your fans.
That “comply with” switch you see on Substack? It’s mostly 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 basically leasing an audience you can never totally reach.
It resembles executing on a stage where the lights just activate if the venue chooses to let the group see you. Does not feel fantastic.
And then 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 ‘d believe they were running a nightclub, not an email platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It Too Great to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv attract attention?
Initially, it was the guarantee of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter checklist development tools, and zero platform fees (in addition to the usual Stripe cut). Yet pledges are simple. Implementation? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the reviews were motivating. The Reddit threads didn’t seem like bots or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the leap.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me inform you– migrating to a brand-new system generally seems like drawing teeth. Yet Beehiiv? Surprisingly painless.
Importing my checklist? Smooth. Establishing forms? No disasters. Linking my custom-made domain? A couple of small hiccups, however absolutely nothing that required swearing at the display.
One thing I actually valued was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name to inbox suppliers, piggybacking off their very own sending domain. Translation? Fewer spam folder nightmares.
Also, their assistance web content– video clips, assistance docs, and walkthroughs– actually really felt human. Like somebody took a seat and claimed, “Let’s not irritate the heck out of our users today.” Rejuvenating.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Segmentation
Currently below’s where things got a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is respectable, but don’t anticipate it to compete with heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For instance, each kind can only be attached to a single automation. That makes it difficult to individualize welcome series based upon exactly how a person subscribed.
I wound up going complete investigator mode– tinkering with segments, making use of different landing pages, reading rare Reddit strings– just to build a few customized workflows.
Is it achievable? Definitely. However if you’re utilized to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this may seem like going back a bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Great, Yet Not Perfect
I’ve got a bit of a love-hate relationship with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Visually? It’s slick. Drag, drop, layout, preview– it feels like it was made by somebody who’s actually composed an e-newsletter or more.
However default templates took a couple of tweaks to get right. And right here’s a curveball: Beehiiv emails can obtain huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb big.
That suggests your magnificently crafted message may obtain cut in half if you’re not careful. I discovered this by hand– after that dropped a rabbit opening of screening tools to maximize HTML dimension and prevent that feared clipping.
My best approach?
- Downloading examination e-mails from Gmail and examining size
- Running the HTML through Parcel.io’s email viewer
- Verifying with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Bit of a hand-operated process, but it works. I even reached out to Beehiiv concerning adding far better size warnings. Fingers crossed.
Right Stuff That Actually Relocations the Needle
Alright, let’s get into the meat of it– what’s made a concrete distinction considering that switching to Beehiiv?
Audience Growth
In just three months, I included over 160 new clients to a rather specific niche newsletter. That has to do with 60% more than what I was seeing before– and I wasn’t even running paid advertisements.
A lot of that development came from Beehiiv’s integrated tools: the referral program, Boosts (assume e-newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can really track what’s functioning and where subscribers are originating from. Makes tweaking your approach a lot less complicated.
Monetization That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s talk money because for most designers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid memberships. Just Stripe’s cost. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% much better than Substack (literally).
However there’s more: their advertisement network is instinctive and passive. Within three months, I was already fielding rate of interest from advertisers. Beehiiv’s companion network links creators with brands in a way that does not feel icky or forced. It’s integrated income capacity, simple and straightforward Beehiiv Segmentation.
And when I prepare to launch a premium membership? I know specifically what reduced I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Growth Devices
What really sets 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. Several landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can turn your visitors into advocates without hanging uncomfortable boodle or one-time tricks.
I’ll state this: Beehiiv feels like a platform that wants you to do well. Not one that simply desires a piece of your pie.
Things I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained its quirks.
Assistance can be slow-moving when you hit an odd insect or require deep aid.
Some automations still feel as well fundamental.
Email dimension surveillance needs better in-app notifies (please and thank you).
No integrated countdown timers (sad face if you like FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Primarily missing.
So if you’re offering physical items or desire deserted cart flows, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best bet.
Final Thought
If you’re a creator who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, expanding a list, or just tired of outdated platforms– Beehiiv’s a strong selection.
You’ll like it if:
You desire complete ownership of your target market
You’re seeking to expand fast without paying platform tax obligation
You desire something that feels developed by developers, for makers
Will it resolve every trouble? No. Yet in three months, it’s helped me expand faster, earn extra, and stress and anxiety less about the little things.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you prepare to stop working out and in fact scale your newsletter with genuine tools that value your work and audience– yeah, I think it’s time.
Take place. Offer it a spin. You just may fall in love like I did.