When it came time to select a new email platform, I really did not desire “adequate.” I required something better– something built for development, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience generally. After nearly a decade aiding others with email marketing (and 2 years running my very own newsletter), I wasn’t searching for simply a device– I was hunting for a correct companion Beehiiv Smart Warming.
And that’s just how Beehiiv got in the picture.
Currently, I know what you’re believing: “Isn’t Beehiiv simply another Substack choice?” I assumed that as well at first. But after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve obtained a great deal to claim– both the victories and the strange traits. If you’re trying to determine whether Beehiiv is the appropriate platform for you, work out in. You will get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be straightforward– most email company (ESPs) are built like they’re still stuck in 2013. I needed a device that could in fact help expand my listing and make some cash while I was at it. My old ESP simply had not been cutting it anymore.
So I began contrasting alternatives. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the typical suspects. Each had its benefits, but I was looking at this with the lens of someone who takes email seriously– and who desired complete control over my target market and content.
The Substack Problem: Looks Great Until You Look Closer
Substack was my first quit. It’s polished. It’s straightforward. And yeah, it’s prominent.
However dig a little much deeper, and fractures begin showing. The biggest one? You do not in fact own your fans.
That “adhere to” switch you see on Substack? It’s primarily smoke and mirrors. Those fans live behind a wall– inside the Substack application or on their website. You can not email them directly. Can not export them. You’re generally leasing an audience you can never totally get to.
It’s like performing on a stage where the lights only turn on if the location makes a decision to let the crowd see you. Does not feel great.
And afterwards there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid memberships. Stripe takes one more 3%. That’s 13% of your income– gone. You would certainly assume they were running a nightclub, not an email platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It Too Excellent to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv stand apart?
Initially, it was the guarantee of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter list growth tools, and no system charges (besides the normal Stripe cut). Yet promises are very easy. Implementation? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the testimonials were motivating. The Reddit threads didn’t seem like robots or brand plants. And the onboarding? Surprisingly smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Readying Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– moving to a brand-new system generally seems like drawing teeth. But Beehiiv? Surprisingly painless.
Importing my checklist? Smooth. Setting up kinds? No crises. Attaching my custom domain? A couple of small missteps, but nothing that required swearing at the screen.
One point I actually valued was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain name to inbox suppliers, piggybacking off their very own sending out domain. Translation? Fewer spam folder nightmares.
Likewise, their support web content– videos, help docs, and walkthroughs– actually really felt human. Like somebody took a seat and said, “Let’s not irritate the hell out of our individuals today.” Rejuvenating.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Smart Warming
Currently right here’s where things got a little … interesting.
Beehiiv’s automation system is decent, but don’t expect it to compete with heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For example, each form can just be attached to a single automation. That makes it challenging to individualize welcome series based on how a person signed up.
I wound up going complete detective mode– dabbling with sectors, making use of different landing pages, checking out obscure Reddit threads– just to build a few customized workflows.
Is it workable? Definitely. However if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this may seem like going back a bit.
Email Builder: Primarily Fantastic, Yet Not Perfect
I have actually got a little bit of a love-hate partnership with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Aesthetically? It’s slick. Drag, drop, style, preview– it feels like it was designed by someone who’s in fact composed a newsletter or more.
However default templates took a couple of tweaks to get right. And here’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can obtain huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb huge.
That implies your beautifully crafted message could get sliced in half if you’re not cautious. I discovered this by hand– after that dropped a rabbit hole of screening devices to enhance HTML size and avoid that dreaded clipping.
My best technique?
- Downloading examination e-mails from Gmail and inspecting dimension
- Running the HTML via Parcel.io’s email audience
- Ascertaining with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little bit of a manual process, but it works. I even connected to Beehiiv regarding adding far better dimension warnings. Fingers crossed.
Right Stuff That In Fact Steps the Needle
Alright, let’s enter into the meat of it– what’s made a concrete distinction given that switching over to Beehiiv?
Target market Growth
In just three months, I added over 160 brand-new subscribers to a rather specific niche e-newsletter. That’s about 60% more than what I was seeing previously– and I had not been even running paid advertisements.
The majority of that development originated from Beehiiv’s integrated devices: the referral program, Boosts (assume e-newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can actually track what’s working and where subscribers are originating from. Makes tweaking your technique a great deal simpler.
Money Making That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s chat cash because for a lot of creators, it matters.
Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut from your paid subscriptions. Simply Stripe’s fee. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% much better than Substack (actually).
However there’s even more: their advertisement network is instinctive and passive. Within three months, I was already fielding rate of interest from advertisers. Beehiiv’s partner network connects designers with brands in a way that does not really feel disgusting or compelled. It’s built-in revenue potential, ordinary and easy Beehiiv Smart Warming.
And when I’m ready to launch a costs membership? I understand exactly what reduced I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Growth Devices
What truly sets Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually got adjustable referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Multiple landing pages for tracking lead sources. You can transform your visitors into supporters without dangling unpleasant swag or single gimmicks.
I’ll state this: Beehiiv feels like a platform that wants you to prosper. Not one that just wants a piece of your pie.
Things I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained its peculiarities.
Assistance can be sluggish when you hit an odd bug or need deep aid.
Some automations still feel also fundamental.
Email size surveillance requires better in-app informs (please and thanks).
No integrated countdown timers (sad face if you enjoy FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Primarily missing.
So if you’re selling physical items or desire deserted cart circulations, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best option.
Conclusion
If you’re a creator who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a list, or simply tired of out-of-date 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 obligation
You desire something that feels built by creators, for designers
Will it resolve every issue? No. Yet in 3 months, it’s aided me grow quicker, make extra, and stress and anxiety much less about the little points.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to stop resolving and in fact range your newsletter with real tools that respect your work and target market– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Take place. Offer it a spin. You simply could fall in love like I did.