When it came time to choose a new e-mail platform, I really did not desire “good enough.” I required something better– something constructed for growth, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience in general. After nearly a years assisting others with e-mail marketing (and two years running my own e-newsletter), I wasn’t searching for just a device– I was searching for a correct companion Kristi Digital Beehiiv.
Which’s exactly how Beehiiv got in the picture.
Now, I understand what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv just another Substack option?” I assumed that as well at first. However after 3 months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually got a lot to state– both the wins and the strange quirks. If you’re attempting to choose whether Beehiiv is the ideal platform for you, clear up in. You will obtain the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Tool Behind
Let’s be sincere– most email provider (ESPs) are built like they’re still embeded 2013. I needed a device that can in fact help grow my listing and make some money while I went to it. My old ESP simply had not been sufficing anymore.
So I began comparing alternatives. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the common suspects. Each had its rewards, yet I was checking out this through the lens of a person who takes e-mail seriously– and who wanted complete control over my target market and material.
The Substack Problem: Looks Good Until You Look Closer
Substack was my initial quit. It’s brightened. It’s straightforward. And yeah, it’s popular.
However dig a little much deeper, and fractures start showing. The biggest one? You do not really possess your fans.
That “adhere to” switch you see on Substack? It’s mostly smoke and mirrors. Those fans live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack application or on their website. You can’t email them straight. Can’t export them. You’re generally leasing an audience you can never fully reach.
It’s like performing on a stage where the lights only activate if the place chooses to allow the group see you. Doesn’t feel wonderful.
And after that there’s the money side. Substack takes 10% off your paid registrations. Stripe takes one more 3%. That’s 13% of your earnings– gone. You ‘d assume they were running a nightclub, not an email system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It Too Good to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv attract attention?
In the beginning, it was the promise of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter listing growth devices, and absolutely no platform charges (in addition to the usual Stripe cut). But guarantees are very easy. Implementation? That’s where it obtains real.
Still, the testimonials were encouraging. The Reddit strings really did not seem like robots 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– migrating to a new system typically feels like drawing teeth. However Beehiiv? Remarkably pain-free.
Importing my listing? Smooth. Establishing forms? No crises. Connecting my custom-made domain? A few small hiccups, but absolutely nothing that required swearing at the display.
Something I truly appreciated was the “domain name warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain name to inbox companies, piggybacking off their very own sending domain name. Translation? Less spam folder headaches.
Additionally, their assistance material– video clips, aid docs, and walkthroughs– really really felt human. Like someone took a seat and claimed, “Let’s not discourage the hell out of our individuals today.” Revitalizing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Kristi Digital Beehiiv
Now below’s where things obtained a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is suitable, but don’t anticipate it to compete with heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For instance, each form can just be connected to a solitary automation. That makes it complicated to individualize welcome series based on just how a person signed up.
I wound up going full investigative mode– playing with segments, using separate landing pages, reviewing unknown Reddit threads– simply to build a few tailored workflows.
Is it doable? Absolutely. However if you’re made use of to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this could seem like going back a little bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Fantastic, Yet Not Perfect
I have actually obtained a bit of a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Aesthetically? It’s glossy. Drag, go down, format, preview– it seems like it was designed by someone who’s actually composed a newsletter or more.
But default templates took a few tweaks to solve. And below’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can get large. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb big.
That indicates your perfectly crafted message might get cut in half if you’re not mindful. I learned this the hard way– then dropped a bunny opening of testing tools to optimize HTML dimension and stay clear of that feared clipping.
My best approach?
- Downloading examination emails from Gmail and examining dimension
- Running the HTML via Parcel.io’s e-mail customer
- Confirming with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and framework
Bit of a hands-on process, but it works. I also reached out to Beehiiv concerning adding much better size warnings. Fingers crossed.
Right Stuff That Actually Moves the Needle
Alright, let’s get into the meat of it– what’s made a substantial distinction since switching to Beehiiv?
Audience Growth
In simply 3 months, I included over 160 new clients to a rather specific niche e-newsletter. That’s about 60% more than what I was seeing previously– and I had not been also running paid ads.
Most of that development originated from Beehiiv’s integrated tools: the referral program, Boosts (assume newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can actually track what’s working and where clients are originating from. Makes tweaking your technique a lot simpler.
Monetization That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s chat cash because for many makers, it matters.
Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut from your paid subscriptions. Simply Stripe’s fee. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% far better than Substack (actually).
However there’s even more: their ad network is instinctive and passive. Within three months, I was already fielding passion from advertisers. Beehiiv’s companion network links makers with brand names in such a way that does not feel nasty or compelled. It’s built-in income potential, plain and straightforward Kristi Digital Beehiiv.
And when I’m ready to release a premium subscription? I understand precisely what cut I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Growth Devices
What truly establishes Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve obtained customizable referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Several landing pages for tracking lead sources. You can transform your visitors right into advocates without hanging uncomfortable swag or one-time gimmicks.
I’ll state this: Beehiiv seems like a system that desires you to be successful. Not one that just wants an item of your pie.
Points I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No platform is ideal, and Beehiiv’s obtained its peculiarities.
Assistance can be slow-moving when you struck a strange pest or need deep assistance.
Some automations still feel also standard.
Email dimension tracking needs much better in-app alerts (please and thanks).
No integrated countdown timers (long face if you enjoy FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Essentially missing.
So if you’re selling physical products 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 generating income from, expanding a list, or just tired of outdated platforms– Beehiiv’s a strong choice.
You’ll like it if:
You want complete ownership of your audience
You’re aiming to grow quick without paying platform tax
You want something that feels developed by developers, for designers
Will it fix every problem? No. But in three months, it’s assisted me expand much faster, earn a lot more, and stress and anxiety much less about the little things.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to quit clearing up and in fact range your e-newsletter with genuine devices that value your work and audience– yeah, I think it’s time.
Go on. Give it a spin. You simply could fall in love like I did.