When it came time to choose a brand-new email system, I really did not desire “adequate.” I required something better– something developed for development, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience on the whole. After nearly a decade helping others with email marketing (and 2 years running my own e-newsletter), I wasn’t looking for just a tool– I was hunting for a correct companion Top Beehiiv Newsletters.
And that’s exactly how Beehiiv entered the picture.
Currently, I understand what you’re believing: “Isn’t Beehiiv just another Substack option?” I thought that too at first. However after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually obtained a lot to state– both the victories and the strange traits. If you’re trying to determine whether Beehiiv is the right platform for you, clear up in. You will obtain the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be truthful– most email company (ESPs) are built like they’re still embeded 2013. I required a tool that might in fact help grow my listing and make some money while I went to it. My old ESP just had not been sufficing anymore.
So I began comparing options. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the common suspects. Each had its benefits, yet I was looking at this via the lens of somebody who takes email seriously– and who desired full control over my target market and web content.
The Substack Trouble: Looks Great Till You Look Closer
Substack was my very first stop. It’s polished. It’s easy. And yeah, it’s preferred.
But dig a little deeper, and splits begin revealing. The most significant one? You don’t actually have your fans.
That “comply with” button you see on Substack? It’s mostly smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack app or on their website. You can’t email them directly. Can’t export them. You’re primarily renting out an audience you can never ever totally reach.
It resembles carrying out on a stage where the lights just turn on if the venue chooses to allow the group see you. Does not really feel great.
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 earnings– gone. You would certainly think they were running a nightclub, not an email platform.
So yeah, Substack? A no for me.
Beehiiv Looked Promising, However Was It Also Great to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv stick out?
At first, it was the assurance of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter listing development tools, and absolutely no system fees (aside from the normal Stripe cut). However guarantees are simple. Execution? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the reviews were encouraging. The Reddit strings didn’t seem like bots or brand name plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the leap.
Getting Set Up on Beehiiv
Let me inform you– moving to a brand-new platform usually feels like drawing teeth. Yet Beehiiv? Remarkably pain-free.
Importing my checklist? Smooth. Setting up types? No meltdowns. Attaching my personalized domain? A couple of minor hiccups, yet nothing that needed swearing at the screen.
One thing I really valued was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv progressively introduces your domain name to inbox carriers, piggybacking off their own sending domain. Translation? Less spam folder problems.
Additionally, their assistance content– videos, aid docs, and walkthroughs– really really felt human. Like somebody sat down and claimed, “Let’s not irritate the hell out of our individuals today.” Refreshing.
Automation on Beehiiv: Top Beehiiv Newsletters
Currently here’s where points got a little … fascinating.
Beehiiv’s automation system is good, however don’t anticipate it to take on heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. For instance, each type can just be attached to a solitary automation. That makes it challenging to customize welcome series based upon exactly how someone joined.
I ended up going complete detective setting– playing with sectors, using different landing pages, reviewing unknown Reddit strings– just to develop a few tailored workflows.
Is it achievable? Absolutely. But if you’re used to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this could seem like stepping back a bit.
Email Builder: Mostly Fantastic, However Not Perfect
I have actually got a little bit of a love-hate connection with Beehiiv’s email builder.
Aesthetically? It’s glossy. Drag, drop, layout, sneak peek– it feels like it was created by somebody who’s in fact written an e-newsletter or 2.
However default templates took a couple of tweaks to get right. And here’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can get big. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb big.
That implies your beautifully crafted message might obtain chopped in half if you’re not careful. I discovered this by hand– then dropped a bunny hole of testing devices to enhance HTML dimension and prevent that dreaded clipping.
My best technique?
- Downloading and install examination emails from Gmail and inspecting dimension
- Running the HTML through Parcel.io’s e-mail customer
- Verifying with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little a manual process, however it works. I even reached out to Beehiiv regarding adding better size warnings. Fingers crossed.
Right Stuff That In Fact Steps the Needle
Alright, let’s get into the meat of it– what’s made a substantial difference since changing to Beehiiv?
Target market Growth
In just 3 months, I included over 160 new customers to a rather niche e-newsletter. That’s about 60% more than what I was seeing before– and I had not been even running paid advertisements.
Most of that growth came from Beehiiv’s built-in devices: the referral program, Boosts (think newsletter cross-promotions), and organic reach. You can actually track what’s working and where clients are originating from. Makes tweaking your approach a lot simpler.
Money Making That Doesn’t Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s talk money due to the fact that for the majority of creators, 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).
However there’s even more: their advertisement network is instinctive and passive. Within three months, I was currently fielding passion from marketers. Beehiiv’s partner network connects creators with brand names in a way that does not feel nasty or required. It’s integrated revenue capacity, plain and easy Top Beehiiv Newsletters.
And when I’m ready to release a premium membership? I understand exactly what cut I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Built-in Development Tools
What truly sets Beehiiv apart is that development isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You have actually got adjustable referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Several landing pages for tracking lead resources. You can turn your readers right into supporters without hanging awkward boodle or one-time gimmicks.
I’ll say this: Beehiiv seems like a platform that wants you to prosper. Not one that just desires an item of your pie.
Things I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No system is best, and Beehiiv’s obtained its quirks.
Support can be slow-moving when you struck a strange insect or require deep assistance.
Some automations still really feel too standard.
Email size surveillance needs far better in-app signals (please and thanks).
No built-in countdown timers (long face if you like FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Generally missing.
So if you’re selling physical items or desire deserted cart circulations, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best option.
Verdict
If you’re a designer who’s serious about newsletters– whether you’re monetizing, expanding a listing, or just tired of outdated platforms– Beehiiv’s a solid selection.
You’ll like it if:
You desire full possession of your target market
You’re looking to grow quickly without paying system tax
You desire something that really feels constructed by designers, for designers
Will it resolve every problem? No. But in 3 months, it’s helped me expand much faster, earn more, and tension much less concerning the little things.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you prepare to quit working out and really scale your newsletter with actual devices that appreciate your job and target market– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Take place. Provide it a spin. You just might fall in love like I did.