When it came time to select a brand-new email system, I really did not desire “sufficient.” I needed something much better– something developed for growth, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience in general. After almost a years aiding others with email marketing (and 2 years running my own newsletter), I wasn’t seeking simply a device– I was hunting for a proper companion Tinker Solution Beehiiv.
Which’s exactly how Beehiiv entered the picture.
Now, I understand what you’re assuming: “Isn’t Beehiiv simply one more Substack option?” I assumed that as well in the beginning. But after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually got a whole lot to claim– both the wins and the odd quirks. If you’re attempting to choose whether Beehiiv is the appropriate system for you, work out in. You will get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be straightforward– most email service providers (ESPs) are developed like they’re still stuck in 2013. I needed a device that can in fact help expand my listing and make some cash while I was at it. My old ESP just had not been sufficing any longer.
So I began contrasting choices. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the usual suspects. Each had its rewards, but I was taking a look at this through the lens of a person who takes e-mail seriously– and who desired complete control over my target market and web content.
The Substack Problem: Looks Excellent Till You Look Closer
Substack was my first quit. It’s polished. It’s basic. And yeah, it’s preferred.
However dig a little much deeper, and fractures begin showing. The greatest one? You do not in fact own your followers.
That “follow” button you see on Substack? It’s primarily smoke and mirrors. Those fans live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack application or on their site. You can’t email them directly. Can not export them. You’re generally renting an audience you can never totally get to.
It resembles carrying out on a stage where the lights just switch on if the venue decides to let the crowd see you. Doesn’t feel terrific.
And afterwards there’s the cash side. Substack takes 10% off your paid subscriptions. Stripe takes one more 3%. That’s 13% of your income– gone. You would certainly assume they were running a club, not an email system.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, But Was It As well Great to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv attract attention?
At first, it was the pledge of creator-first features– like better money making, smarter list development devices, and no system costs (besides the common Stripe cut). But pledges are simple. Implementation? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the evaluations were motivating. The Reddit threads really did not sound like robots 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 brand-new system normally seems like pulling teeth. But Beehiiv? Surprisingly pain-free.
Importing my list? Smooth. Setting up forms? No meltdowns. Connecting my personalized domain name? A couple of minor missteps, however nothing that needed swearing at the screen.
One point I truly appreciated was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv slowly introduces your domain to inbox suppliers, piggybacking off their own sending out domain name. Translation? Less spam folder problems.
Additionally, their support content– video clips, help docs, and walkthroughs– actually felt human. Like somebody sat down and stated, “Let’s not irritate the heck out of our customers today.” Revitalizing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Tinker Solution Beehiiv
Now right here’s where points obtained a little … intriguing.
Beehiiv’s automation system is suitable, but don’t expect it to take on heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For example, each type can only be attached to a single automation. That makes it complicated to individualize welcome sequences based upon just how someone signed up.
I ended up going full investigative mode– tinkering with sectors, using separate landing pages, reading obscure Reddit threads– just to build a couple of customized workflows.
Is it achievable? Definitely. However if you’re utilized to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this might seem like stepping back a little bit.
Email Builder: Mainly Great, However Not Perfect
I’ve got a little a love-hate relationship with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Aesthetically? It’s slick. Drag, go down, format, sneak peek– it feels like it was made by someone who’s actually composed an e-newsletter or two.
But default templates took a couple of tweaks to get right. And below’s a curveball: Beehiiv emails can obtain huge. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb big.
That implies your beautifully crafted message might obtain sliced in half if you’re not cautious. I discovered this the hard way– after that went down a bunny opening of testing tools to optimize HTML size and stay clear of that dreadful clipping.
My best strategy?
- Downloading and install test e-mails from Gmail and examining dimension
- Running the HTML with Parcel.io’s e-mail audience
- Confirming with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little bit of a manual procedure, however it works. I also reached out to Beehiiv concerning including far better size cautions. Fingers crossed.
The Stuff That Really Steps the Needle
Alright, let’s enter the meat of it– what’s made a tangible distinction considering that switching to Beehiiv?
Target market Development
In simply three months, I included over 160 brand-new clients to a rather niche newsletter. That has to do with 60% greater than what I was seeing in the past– and I wasn’t even running paid advertisements.
Most of that development originated from Beehiiv’s integrated devices: the referral program, Boosts (believe e-newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can actually track what’s working and where subscribers are originating from. Makes tweaking your method a lot less complicated.
Money Making That Does Not Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s chat cash since for the majority of designers, it matters.
Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut from your paid memberships. Simply Stripe’s cost. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% much better than Substack (actually).
But there’s more: their ad network is intuitive and passive. Within three months, I was already fielding passion from advertisers. Beehiiv’s partner network connects designers with brand names in a way that doesn’t feel nasty or compelled. It’s built-in income possibility, ordinary and straightforward Tinker Solution Beehiiv.
And when I’m ready to release a premium membership? I know precisely what cut I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Growth Devices
What truly establishes Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually got personalized referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Numerous landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can turn your visitors right into supporters without hanging unpleasant swag or single gimmicks.
I’ll claim this: Beehiiv feels like a platform that wants you to succeed. Not one that just desires an item of your pie.
Things I ‘d Still Like to See Improve
No system is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained its quirks.
Assistance can be slow when you hit a strange bug or need deep aid.
Some automations still really feel also basic.
Email size surveillance requires much better in-app alerts (please and thank you).
No integrated countdown timers (sad face if you enjoy FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Essentially missing.
So if you’re offering physical items or desire deserted cart circulations, Beehiiv possibly isn’t your best bet.
Conclusion
If you’re a maker who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, growing a list, or simply tired of obsolete systems– Beehiiv’s a strong choice.
You’ll like it if:
You desire full ownership of your target market
You’re seeking to expand fast without paying system tax obligation
You desire something that feels developed by makers, for developers
Will it address every problem? No. But in three months, it’s aided me expand faster, earn much more, and stress less about the little things.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you’re ready to quit clearing up and really range your e-newsletter with genuine devices that appreciate your job and audience– yeah, I think it’s time.
Take place. Offer it a spin. You just might fall in love like I did.