When it came time to select a new e-mail platform, I really did not want “adequate.” I needed something better– something built for development, smarter money making, and a smoother experience generally. After virtually a decade assisting others with email marketing (and two years running my very own e-newsletter), I had not been seeking simply a tool– I was hunting for a proper partner Beehiiv Updates.
Which’s how Beehiiv went into the picture.
Currently, I recognize what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv simply another Substack option?” I thought that too initially. However after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve obtained a lot to say– both the wins and the weird peculiarities. If you’re attempting to determine whether Beehiiv is the best platform for you, work out in. You will get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Tool Behind
Let’s be straightforward– most email company (ESPs) are constructed like they’re still stuck in 2013. I needed a device that might actually help grow my checklist and make some cash while I was at it. My old ESP simply had not been cutting it any longer.
So I began comparing options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the common suspects. Each had its benefits, yet I was taking a look at this via the lens of a person who takes e-mail seriously– and who desired full control over my target market and material.
The Substack Problem: Looks Good Up Until You Look Closer
Substack was my initial quit. It’s brightened. It’s straightforward. And yeah, it’s preferred.
But dig a little deeper, and cracks begin showing. The most significant one? You do not in fact own your followers.
That “follow” button you see on Substack? It’s mainly smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall– inside the Substack app or on their site. You can not email them straight. Can’t export them. You’re basically renting out a target market you can never ever fully get to.
It resembles performing on a phase where the lights only activate if the location determines to allow the group see you. Does not feel excellent.
And then there’s the money side. Substack takes 10% off your paid subscriptions. Stripe takes another 3%. That’s 13% of your revenue– gone. You would certainly think they were running a club, not an e-mail system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, Yet Was It Too Great to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv stand apart?
In the beginning, it was the promise of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter list development tools, and zero system charges (apart from the common Stripe cut). But promises are very easy. Implementation? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the evaluations were motivating. The Reddit threads didn’t seem like robots or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me tell you– migrating to a new system usually feels like pulling teeth. But Beehiiv? Surprisingly painless.
Importing my checklist? Smooth. Establishing kinds? No meltdowns. Attaching my custom-made domain name? A few small hiccups, however absolutely nothing that called for swearing at the display.
Something I actually appreciated was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name to inbox suppliers, piggybacking off their very own sending out domain name. Translation? Less spam folder headaches.
Additionally, their assistance web content– videos, assistance docs, and walkthroughs– really really felt human. Like a person took a seat and stated, “Let’s not discourage the hell out of our customers today.” Refreshing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Updates
Now below’s where things obtained a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is suitable, but do not expect it to compete with heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For instance, each form can only be attached to a solitary automation. That makes it difficult to individualize welcome series based upon how somebody registered.
I wound up going complete detective setting– dabbling with segments, making use of different landing pages, checking out odd Reddit strings– simply to develop a few customized workflows.
Is it achievable? Absolutely. But if you’re utilized to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this may feel like stepping back a little bit.
Email Builder: Primarily Great, However Not Perfect
I’ve obtained a bit of a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Visually? It’s slick. Drag, drop, layout, preview– it feels like it was developed by someone who’s in fact composed an e-newsletter or 2.
Yet default templates took a few tweaks to solve. And below’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can obtain big. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb large.
That suggests your magnificently crafted message could get sliced in half if you’re not mindful. I discovered this the hard way– then decreased a bunny opening of testing tools to enhance HTML dimension and stay clear of that dreadful clipping.
My best approach?
- Downloading test e-mails from Gmail and checking size
- Running the HTML via Parcel.io’s email audience
- Double-checking with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Little bit of a hand-operated process, but it works. I also connected to Beehiiv regarding adding better dimension cautions. Fingers went across.
Right Stuff That Actually Relocations the Needle
Alright, let’s get involved in the meat of it– what’s made a tangible distinction given that changing to Beehiiv?
Target market Growth
In just three months, I added over 160 brand-new clients to a rather specific niche newsletter. That has to do with 60% more than what I was seeing previously– and I wasn’t also running paid advertisements.
Most of that development came from Beehiiv’s built-in tools: the referral program, Boosts (assume e-newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can in fact track what’s functioning and where clients are coming from. Makes tweaking your approach a whole lot easier.
Monetization That Doesn’t Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s speak cash since for many developers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid memberships. Simply Stripe’s fee. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% far better than Substack (essentially).
But there’s more: their ad network is intuitive and passive. Within 3 months, I was currently fielding interest from marketers. Beehiiv’s companion network attaches creators with brands in a manner that doesn’t feel sickening or required. It’s built-in income possibility, simple and basic Beehiiv Updates.
And when I prepare to launch a premium subscription? I know specifically what cut I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Development Devices
What truly sets Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve obtained personalized referral programs. Boosts for e-newsletter cross-promotion. Multiple landing pages for tracking lead sources. You can transform your visitors into advocates without hanging unpleasant boodle or single tricks.
I’ll claim this: Beehiiv seems like a system that desires you to do well. Not one that simply desires an item of your pie.
Things I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s got its peculiarities.
Assistance can be slow when you struck an unusual insect or require deep aid.
Some automations still feel as well basic.
Email dimension monitoring requires better in-app signals (please and thank you).
No built-in countdown timers (long face if you love FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Basically nonexistent.
So if you’re marketing physical products or want abandoned cart circulations, Beehiiv probably isn’t your best choice.
Verdict
If you’re a developer who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a list, or simply tired of out-of-date systems– Beehiiv’s a solid option.
You’ll like it if:
You desire complete possession of your audience
You’re aiming to grow quick without paying system tax obligation
You desire something that really feels developed by designers, for creators
Will it resolve every problem? No. But in three months, it’s aided me expand quicker, gain more, and tension less about the little things.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you prepare to quit clearing up and in fact range your newsletter with actual devices that respect your job and target market– yeah, I assume it’s time.
Go on. Give it a spin. You just may fall in love like I did.