When it came time to select a new email system, I really did not desire “good enough.” I needed something better– something built for development, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience generally. After nearly a decade assisting others with e-mail marketing (and two years running my own newsletter), I wasn’t searching for just a tool– I was hunting for a proper companion Equal Opportunity Beehiiv.
Which’s just how Beehiiv entered the picture.
Now, I recognize what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Beehiiv simply one more Substack choice?” I believed that also at first. But after 3 months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually got a great deal to say– both the wins and the unusual peculiarities. If you’re attempting to make a decision whether Beehiiv is the right system for you, resolve in. You will obtain 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 needed a tool that could really assist grow my listing and make some cash while I was at it. My old ESP just had not been sufficing anymore.
So I started comparing options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the normal suspects. Each had its advantages, yet I was taking a look at this through the lens of someone who takes email seriously– and who wanted complete control over my target market and web content.
The Substack Trouble: Looks Excellent Up Until You Look Closer
Substack was my initial stop. It’s polished. It’s straightforward. And yeah, it’s popular.
However dig a little much deeper, and fractures begin showing. The biggest one? You do not really own your followers.
That “adhere to” button you see on Substack? It’s mostly smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall– inside the Substack application or on their website. You can’t email them directly. Can’t export them. You’re generally renting a target market you can never ever completely get to.
It’s like performing on a phase where the lights only activate if the place chooses to let the group see you. Does not feel fantastic.
And after that there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid subscriptions. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your revenue– gone. You would certainly think they were running a bar, not an email platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, However Was It As well Excellent to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv stick out?
At first, it was the guarantee of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter checklist growth devices, and absolutely no system fees (apart from the usual Stripe cut). However promises are simple. Implementation? That’s where it obtains real.
Still, the evaluations were motivating. The Reddit threads really did not seem like crawlers or brand 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 brand-new platform typically feels like drawing teeth. However Beehiiv? Surprisingly painless.
Importing my checklist? Smooth. Setting up kinds? No disasters. Connecting my custom domain? A few minor hiccups, yet nothing that called for swearing at the screen.
One thing I truly valued was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name to inbox companies, piggybacking off their own sending domain name. Translation? Less spam folder headaches.
Likewise, their support material– videos, aid docs, and walkthroughs– really felt human. Like somebody sat down and claimed, “Let’s not frustrate the hell out of our users today.” Rejuvenating.
Automation on Beehiiv: Equal Opportunity Beehiiv
Now right here’s where points got a little … interesting.
Beehiiv’s automation system is decent, however don’t expect it to take on heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For instance, each form can just be connected to a single automation. That makes it complicated to customize welcome series based on how a person subscribed.
I ended up going full investigative setting– tinkering with segments, making use of separate landing pages, reviewing unknown Reddit strings– simply to construct a couple of tailored workflows.
Is it achievable? Absolutely. However if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this could feel like stepping back a little bit.
Email Builder: Mainly Fantastic, Yet Not Perfect
I’ve got a bit of a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Visually? It’s slick. Drag, drop, layout, preview– it feels like it was designed by somebody who’s in fact created an e-newsletter or more.
Yet default templates took a couple of tweaks to solve. And below’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can get huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb huge.
That indicates your wonderfully crafted message might get cut in half if you’re not careful. I discovered this the hard way– after that decreased a bunny opening of screening tools to optimize HTML size and prevent that dreaded clipping.
My best technique?
- Downloading examination emails from Gmail and checking size
- Running the HTML via Parcel.io’s email audience
- Verifying with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little a hand-operated process, but it works. I also connected to Beehiiv regarding adding far better size cautions. Fingers crossed.
The Stuff That Actually Relocations the Needle
Alright, let’s enter into the meat of it– what’s made a tangible distinction because changing to Beehiiv?
Target market Growth
In just 3 months, I included over 160 new customers to a rather particular niche newsletter. That has to do with 60% greater than what I was seeing previously– and I had not been even running paid ads.
The majority of that development came from Beehiiv’s integrated devices: the referral program, Boosts (think e-newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can actually track what’s working and where clients are coming from. Makes tweaking your approach a great deal much easier.
Money Making That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s talk money because for the majority of creators, 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 (essentially).
However there’s even more: their advertisement network is user-friendly and passive. Within 3 months, I was currently fielding rate of interest from marketers. Beehiiv’s companion network links developers with brand names in a manner that doesn’t feel disgusting or required. It’s integrated income possibility, ordinary and simple Equal Opportunity Beehiiv.
And when I prepare to release a costs membership? I recognize exactly what cut I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Development Devices
What actually establishes Beehiiv apart is that development 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 turn your readers right into advocates without hanging uncomfortable boodle or single gimmicks.
I’ll say this: Beehiiv feels like a system that wants you to do well. Not one that simply desires a piece of your pie.
Things I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No platform is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained its peculiarities.
Assistance can be slow-moving when you struck an unusual bug or need deep assistance.
Some automations still really feel too standard.
Email size surveillance needs better in-app notifies (please and thank you).
No integrated countdown timers (sad face if you love FOMO emails).
Ecommerce integrations? Primarily missing.
So if you’re selling physical products or want deserted cart circulations, Beehiiv possibly isn’t your best choice.
Final Thought
If you’re a designer who’s serious about newsletters– whether you’re generating income from, expanding a listing, or simply tired of obsolete platforms– Beehiiv’s a strong choice.
You’ll like it if:
You desire complete possession of your target market
You’re looking to grow quick without paying system tax
You desire something that really feels developed by developers, for developers
Will it resolve every trouble? No. However in three months, it’s assisted me grow faster, earn extra, and anxiety less regarding the little points.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to stop resolving and actually range your newsletter with genuine devices that respect your work and audience– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Take place. Provide it a spin. You just may fall in love like I did.