When it came time to choose a brand-new email platform, I didn’t want “adequate.” I needed something better– something developed for development, smarter money making, and a smoother experience on the whole. After virtually a decade assisting others with e-mail marketing (and two years running my own newsletter), I had not been seeking simply a device– I was hunting for an appropriate partner Beehiiv Vs Customer.io.
Which’s just how Beehiiv went into the picture.
Now, I understand what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv just an additional Substack alternative?” I thought that as well initially. However after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually obtained a whole lot to state– both the success and the strange quirks. If you’re attempting to decide whether Beehiiv is the right system for you, work out in. You will obtain the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Tool Behind
Let’s be truthful– most email company (ESPs) are built like they’re still stuck in 2013. I required a tool that can actually help grow my list and make some cash while I went to it. My old ESP just had not been cutting it anymore.
So I started contrasting options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the usual suspects. Each had its rewards, but I was considering this through the lens of someone who takes e-mail seriously– and who desired full control over my target market and content.
The Substack Trouble: Looks Good Up Until You Look Closer
Substack was my very first stop. It’s brightened. It’s easy. And yeah, it’s preferred.
Yet dig a little deeper, and splits start revealing. The most significant one? You don’t really possess your followers.
That “adhere to” button you see on Substack? It’s mainly smoke and mirrors. Those fans live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack application or on their website. You can not email them directly. Can’t export them. You’re primarily renting a target market you can never completely reach.
It resembles doing on a phase where the lights only switch on if the place makes a decision to let the group see you. Doesn’t feel excellent.
And after that there’s the money side. Substack takes 10% off your paid subscriptions. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your earnings– gone. You ‘d assume they were running a bar, not an email system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, Yet Was It As well Great to Be Real?
So what made Beehiiv stand out?
Initially, it was the assurance of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter list growth tools, and zero system fees (besides the common Stripe cut). Yet promises are very easy. Execution? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the testimonials were motivating. The Reddit strings didn’t sound like crawlers 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– moving to a brand-new platform generally seems like drawing teeth. Yet Beehiiv? Surprisingly painless.
Importing my list? Smooth. Establishing types? No crises. Linking my personalized domain? A couple of small hiccups, yet absolutely nothing that called for swearing at the display.
One point I really appreciated was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain to inbox providers, piggybacking off their very own sending domain name. Translation? Less spam folder problems.
Also, their support material– videos, aid docs, and walkthroughs– really felt human. Like somebody took a seat and claimed, “Let’s not discourage the heck out of our customers today.” Refreshing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Beehiiv Vs Customer.io
Currently right here’s where points obtained a little … intriguing.
Beehiiv’s automation system is good, however do not expect it to compete with heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For example, each type can just be connected to a single automation. That makes it complicated to personalize welcome series based on how a person registered.
I wound up going complete investigator mode– dabbling with sections, using different landing pages, reading unknown Reddit threads– simply to construct a couple of customized workflows.
Is it workable? Definitely. However if you’re made use of to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this may feel like stepping back a bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Terrific, However Not Perfect
I’ve obtained a little bit of a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Visually? It’s glossy. Drag, go down, layout, sneak peek– it feels like it was created by someone who’s in fact created an e-newsletter or two.
Yet default templates took a couple of tweaks to solve. And here’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can obtain large. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb big.
That implies your magnificently crafted message could get cut in half if you’re not mindful. I discovered this by hand– then went down a bunny hole of screening tools to optimize HTML size and stay clear of that dreaded clipping.
My best approach?
- Downloading and install examination e-mails from Gmail and inspecting dimension
- Running the HTML through Parcel.io’s email customer
- Ascertaining with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little a hand-operated process, however it functions. I also reached out to Beehiiv concerning adding better size cautions. Fingers crossed.
The Stuff That In Fact Actions the Needle
Alright, let’s get into the meat of it– what’s made a concrete distinction since switching over to Beehiiv?
Audience Development
In just three months, I added over 160 new subscribers to a pretty niche e-newsletter. That’s about 60% greater than what I was seeing in the past– and I had not been also running paid advertisements.
The majority of that development originated from Beehiiv’s built-in devices: the referral program, Boosts (think e-newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can really track what’s working and where clients are coming from. Makes tweaking your strategy a whole lot less complicated.
Money Making That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s chat cash due to the fact that for the majority of designers, it matters.
Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut from your paid memberships. Just Stripe’s cost. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% far better than Substack (essentially).
Yet there’s even more: their ad network is user-friendly and passive. Within three months, I was currently fielding passion from marketers. Beehiiv’s partner network connects developers with brand names in such a way that doesn’t feel disgusting or forced. It’s built-in earnings potential, simple and basic Beehiiv Vs Customer.io.
And when I’m ready to release a costs registration? I understand exactly what reduced I’ll obtain: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Development Devices
What truly establishes Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually obtained adjustable referral programs. Boosts for e-newsletter cross-promotion. Numerous landing pages for tracking lead sources. You can turn your visitors right into supporters without dangling awkward boodle or single gimmicks.
I’ll say this: Beehiiv seems like a platform that wants you to prosper. Not one that simply wants an item of your pie.
Points I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s got its peculiarities.
Assistance can be slow-moving when you hit an odd insect or need deep assistance.
Some automations still feel too fundamental.
Email dimension surveillance requires far better in-app notifies (please and thank you).
No integrated countdown timers (sad face if you enjoy FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Primarily nonexistent.
So if you’re selling physical items or desire deserted cart flows, Beehiiv possibly isn’t your best choice.
Conclusion
If you’re a designer who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re generating income from, expanding a checklist, or simply tired of outdated systems– Beehiiv’s a solid choice.
You’ll like it if:
You want complete ownership of your target market
You’re looking to grow quickly without paying platform tax obligation
You want something that feels constructed by creators, for creators
Will it resolve every issue? No. However in 3 months, it’s aided me expand much faster, gain a lot more, and stress less regarding the little points.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to quit resolving and really scale your e-newsletter with genuine tools that value your job and audience– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Take place. Give it a spin. You simply could fall in love like I did.