When it came time to pick a new e-mail platform, I really did not want “good enough.” I required something much better– something built for growth, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience generally. After almost a years aiding others with e-mail marketing (and two years running my own e-newsletter), I had not been looking for just a tool– I was hunting for a correct partner Beehiiv Terms of Use.
And that’s exactly how Beehiiv went into the picture.
Currently, I recognize what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Beehiiv just an additional Substack option?” I believed that as well at first. However after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve obtained a whole lot to say– both the victories and the weird quirks. If you’re trying to make a decision whether Beehiiv is the ideal platform for you, settle in. You’re about to get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be truthful– most email service providers (ESPs) are constructed like they’re still embeded 2013. I required a device that could actually assist grow my checklist and make some cash while I went to it. My old ESP simply had not been cutting it any longer.
So I started comparing choices. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the common suspects. Each had its rewards, yet I was checking out this through the lens of someone who takes email seriously– and who wanted full control over my target market and content.
The Substack Problem: Looks Good Until You Look Closer
Substack was my initial quit. It’s polished. It’s basic. And yeah, it’s prominent.
But dig a little much deeper, and cracks begin revealing. The most significant one? You don’t really own your fans.
That “follow” switch you see on Substack? It’s mainly smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack application or on their site. You can’t email them directly. Can not export them. You’re primarily leasing an audience you can never completely reach.
It resembles doing on a stage where the lights just turn on if the venue chooses to let the group see you. Doesn’t feel terrific.
And afterwards there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid memberships. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your revenue– gone. You ‘d think they were running a bar, not an email system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, However Was It As well Excellent to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv stand apart?
Initially, it was the pledge of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter listing growth devices, and zero platform costs (besides the usual Stripe cut). Yet promises are simple. Implementation? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the testimonials were motivating. The Reddit threads didn’t seem like crawlers or brand plants. And the onboarding? Surprisingly smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Readying Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– migrating to a new system usually feels like pulling teeth. But Beehiiv? Surprisingly pain-free.
Importing my list? Smooth. Setting up forms? No disasters. Connecting my custom-made domain? A few minor hiccups, but nothing that needed swearing at the display.
One thing I actually appreciated was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv slowly presents your domain name to inbox carriers, piggybacking off their own sending out domain. Translation? Less spam folder headaches.
Also, their assistance web content– video clips, aid docs, and walkthroughs– actually felt human. Like somebody sat down and claimed, “Let’s not discourage the hell out of our customers today.” Refreshing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Terms of Use
Now below’s where points obtained a little … intriguing.
Beehiiv’s automation system is good, yet do not expect it to compete with heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. As an example, each kind can only be linked to a solitary automation. That makes it difficult to personalize welcome sequences based upon just how someone subscribed.
I wound up going full investigative mode– playing with sectors, utilizing separate landing pages, reading unknown Reddit threads– simply to develop a couple of customized workflows.
Is it practical? Absolutely. But if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this may seem like stepping back a bit.
Email Builder: Mainly Wonderful, However Not Perfect
I’ve obtained a little bit of a love-hate partnership with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Visually? It’s slick. Drag, go down, layout, preview– it feels like it was created by somebody who’s actually composed a newsletter or more.
However 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 implies your magnificently crafted message might obtain cut in half if you’re not cautious. I learned this the hard way– after that went down a bunny opening of screening tools to maximize HTML dimension and prevent that feared clipping.
My go-to approach?
- Downloading examination emails from Gmail and checking dimension
- Running the HTML through Parcel.io’s email visitor
- Confirming with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little a hand-operated process, however it works. I also reached out to Beehiiv concerning adding much better size cautions. Fingers went across.
Right Stuff That In Fact Relocations the Needle
Alright, let’s enter the meat of it– what’s made a substantial difference considering that changing to Beehiiv?
Audience Development
In simply three months, I included over 160 brand-new customers to a pretty specific niche newsletter. That has to do with 60% more than what I was seeing previously– and I had not been even running paid advertisements.
The majority of that growth originated from Beehiiv’s integrated tools: the referral program, Boosts (believe newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can really track what’s functioning and where subscribers are originating from. Makes tweaking your method a whole lot easier.
Monetization That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s talk cash since for the majority of designers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid memberships. Simply Stripe’s charge. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% far better than Substack (essentially).
Yet there’s even more: their advertisement network is user-friendly and passive. Within three months, I was already fielding interest from advertisers. Beehiiv’s companion network links developers with brands in a manner that does not really feel disgusting or compelled. It’s integrated income possibility, simple and simple Beehiiv Terms of Use.
And when I prepare to release a costs registration? I know specifically what reduced I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Development Tools
What really establishes 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. Several landing pages for tracking lead sources. You can turn your viewers into advocates without dangling unpleasant swag or single gimmicks.
I’ll state this: Beehiiv seems like a system that wants you to succeed. Not one that just desires an item of your pie.
Points I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No system is perfect, and Beehiiv’s got its peculiarities.
Support can be sluggish when you struck a strange bug or need deep assistance.
Some automations still really feel also fundamental.
Email size tracking needs far better in-app notifies (please and thanks).
No built-in countdown timers (long face if you like FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Essentially nonexistent.
So if you’re marketing physical items or want deserted cart flows, Beehiiv possibly isn’t your best bet.
Final Thought
If you’re a developer who’s serious about newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a listing, or just tired of outdated systems– Beehiiv’s a strong option.
You’ll like it if:
You desire complete ownership of your target market
You’re looking to expand fast without paying platform tax
You want something that really feels developed by makers, for makers
Will it address every trouble? No. But in 3 months, it’s helped me expand quicker, gain more, and tension less about the little points.
So, should you try Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to stop settling and actually scale your newsletter with actual devices that respect your work and audience– yeah, I think it’s time.
Go on. Provide it a spin. You just might fall in love like I did.