When it came time to pick a brand-new email platform, I didn’t want “adequate.” I needed something much better– something built for development, smarter money making, and a smoother experience generally. After virtually a years aiding others with e-mail marketing (and 2 years running my own e-newsletter), I had not been seeking simply a device– I was hunting for an appropriate companion Ben’s Bites Beehiiv.
And that’s exactly how Beehiiv went into the picture.
Now, I know what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv just another Substack alternative?” I assumed that as well in the beginning. However after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I’ve got a lot to state– both the victories and the strange quirks. If you’re trying to determine whether Beehiiv is the right platform for you, clear up in. You will get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Tool Behind
Let’s be honest– most email provider (ESPs) are built like they’re still stuck in 2013. I required a device that can really assist expand my listing and make some cash while I went to it. My old ESP simply had not been cutting it any longer.
So I started comparing options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the usual suspects. Each had its rewards, however I was considering this with the lens of somebody who takes e-mail seriously– and who desired full control over my target market and content.
The Substack Issue: Looks Excellent Up Until You Look Closer
Substack was my very first quit. It’s brightened. It’s straightforward. And yeah, it’s prominent.
But dig a little deeper, and splits start showing. The greatest one? You do not actually own your followers.
That “comply with” button you see on Substack? It’s mostly smoke and mirrors. Those fans live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack app or on their website. You can not email them directly. Can’t export them. You’re basically renting an audience you can never totally reach.
It resembles doing on a stage where the lights only turn on if the venue chooses to let the group see you. Doesn’t feel wonderful.
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 assume they were running a bar, not an e-mail system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, Yet Was It As well Great to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv stand out?
In the beginning, it was the assurance of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter listing growth devices, and no system fees (aside from the typical Stripe cut). However assurances are easy. Implementation? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the testimonials were encouraging. The Reddit threads really did not seem like crawlers or brand name 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 new platform usually feels like pulling teeth. However Beehiiv? Surprisingly painless.
Importing my checklist? Smooth. Establishing forms? No crises. Attaching my personalized domain? A few minor hiccups, yet absolutely nothing that needed swearing at the screen.
One point I actually appreciated was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain to inbox service providers, piggybacking off their own sending domain. Translation? Fewer spam folder problems.
Additionally, their support content– video clips, aid docs, and walkthroughs– really really felt human. Like someone sat down and stated, “Let’s not discourage the hell out of our individuals today.” Rejuvenating.
Automation on Beehiiv: Ben’s Bites Beehiiv
Currently here’s where things obtained a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is suitable, however do not anticipate it to compete with heavyweight platforms like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For instance, each form can just be connected to a single automation. That makes it difficult to individualize welcome series based upon just how someone subscribed.
I wound up going complete detective setting– playing with segments, using separate landing pages, checking out odd Reddit threads– just to construct a couple of tailored workflows.
Is it manageable? Absolutely. However if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional logic, this may seem like going back a little bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Terrific, However Not Perfect
I have actually got a little bit of a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Visually? It’s slick. Drag, drop, format, preview– it seems like it was created by somebody who’s in fact created an e-newsletter or 2.
However default templates took a couple of tweaks to solve. And right here’s a curveball: Beehiiv emails can obtain big. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb huge.
That means your perfectly crafted message might get sliced in half if you’re not mindful. I discovered this the hard way– after that dropped a rabbit opening of testing tools to maximize HTML dimension and avoid that dreadful clipping.
My go-to approach?
- Downloading examination e-mails from Gmail and inspecting dimension
- Running the HTML with Parcel.io’s e-mail visitor
- Confirming with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little bit of a manual process, yet it functions. I even connected to Beehiiv concerning adding far better dimension warnings. Fingers crossed.
Right Stuff That Really Moves the Needle
Alright, let’s get into the meat of it– what’s made a tangible distinction because switching to Beehiiv?
Audience Growth
In just 3 months, I added over 160 new customers to a pretty specific niche e-newsletter. That’s about 60% more than what I was seeing previously– and I had not been even running paid ads.
A lot of that development came from Beehiiv’s built-in tools: the referral program, Boosts (think e-newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can actually track what’s functioning and where clients are originating from. Makes tweaking your technique a lot much easier.
Money Making That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s talk money because for a lot of makers, it matters.
Beehiiv does not take a cut from your paid memberships. Simply Stripe’s cost. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% much better than Substack (literally).
Yet there’s more: their advertisement network is intuitive and passive. Within three months, I was already fielding interest from marketers. Beehiiv’s partner network links makers with brands in a manner that does not really feel disgusting or compelled. It’s integrated income capacity, plain and easy Ben’s Bites Beehiiv.
And when I prepare to introduce a premium membership? I understand specifically what reduced I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Growth Tools
What actually sets Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve obtained customizable referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Multiple landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can turn your readers right into advocates without dangling awkward boodle or single tricks.
I’ll say this: Beehiiv feels like a platform that wants you to be successful. Not one that just desires a piece of your pie.
Things I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s got its quirks.
Support can be sluggish when you struck a weird bug or need deep aid.
Some automations still really feel also standard.
Email size monitoring requires better in-app notifies (please and thanks).
No built-in countdown timers (sad face if you like FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Essentially nonexistent.
So if you’re selling physical items or desire deserted cart flows, Beehiiv probably isn’t your best choice.
Verdict
If you’re a designer who’s serious about newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a list, or just tired of obsolete systems– Beehiiv’s a strong choice.
You’ll like it if:
You desire complete ownership of your target market
You’re looking to grow fast without paying system tax
You want something that really feels built by designers, for developers
Will it resolve every issue? No. But in 3 months, it’s aided me expand much faster, earn more, and stress and anxiety much less concerning the little things.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to quit working out and really range your newsletter with actual tools that appreciate your work and target market– yeah, I assume it’s time.
Take place. Give it a spin. You simply might fall in love like I did.