When it came time to choose a brand-new email system, I really did not want “good enough.” I required something better– something constructed for growth, smarter monetization, and a smoother experience overall. After nearly a decade aiding others with email marketing (and two years running my very own e-newsletter), I wasn’t seeking just a device– I was hunting for a correct partner Twister Hub AI Beehiiv.
Which’s just how Beehiiv got in the picture.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Beehiiv just an additional Substack choice?” I thought that as well at first. But after three months of kicking the tires and diving deep, I have actually got a whole lot to say– both the victories and the odd peculiarities. If you’re attempting to decide whether Beehiiv is the right system for you, work out in. You’re about to get the whole story.
Why I Left My Old Email Device Behind
Let’s be truthful– most email company (ESPs) are constructed like they’re still embeded 2013. I required a device that might actually assist expand my list and make some cash while I was at it. My old ESP just had not been cutting it any longer.
So I began comparing alternatives. Beehiiv, Substack, Kit … the common suspects. Each had its benefits, but I was taking a look at this through the lens of a person who takes email seriously– and who wanted complete control over my target market and content.
The Substack Issue: Looks Excellent Till You Look Closer
Substack was my initial quit. It’s polished. It’s straightforward. And yeah, it’s popular.
But dig a little deeper, and splits begin showing. The largest one? You do not actually own your followers.
That “adhere to” switch you see on Substack? It’s primarily smoke and mirrors. Those followers live behind a wall surface– inside the Substack app or on their website. You can not email them straight. Can not export them. You’re essentially leasing an audience you can never ever completely reach.
It resembles performing on a phase where the lights just turn on if the venue determines to let the group see you. Does not feel terrific.
And then there’s the money side. Substack takes 10% off your paid subscriptions. Stripe takes an additional 3%. That’s 13% of your income– gone. You ‘d 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 Good to Be True?
So what made Beehiiv stand apart?
In the beginning, it was the pledge of creator-first features– like better monetization, smarter listing growth tools, and no system charges (other than the usual Stripe cut). However guarantees are easy. Execution? That’s where it gets real.
Still, the evaluations were encouraging. The Reddit threads really did not seem like bots or brand plants. And the onboarding? Remarkably smooth.
I figured, “Why not?” and took the jump.
Readying Up on Beehiiv
Let me inform you– moving to a brand-new platform typically feels like drawing teeth. Yet Beehiiv? Surprisingly pain-free.
Importing my checklist? Smooth. Establishing types? No disasters. Linking my customized domain? A few small hiccups, however absolutely nothing that needed swearing at the screen.
One thing I really valued was the “domain warming” feature. Beehiiv gradually introduces your domain to inbox carriers, piggybacking off their very own sending out domain. Translation? Fewer spam folder headaches.
Likewise, their assistance material– video clips, assistance docs, and walkthroughs– in fact really felt human. Like somebody took a seat and stated, “Let’s not frustrate the heck out of our customers today.” Rejuvenating.
Automation on Beehiiv: Twister Hub AI Beehiiv
Currently here’s where things got a little … interesting.
Beehiiv’s automation system is good, but don’t anticipate it to compete with heavyweight systems like ActiveCampaign or ConvertKit. As an example, each type can only be connected to a single automation. That makes it complicated to personalize welcome sequences based upon how somebody registered.
I wound up going full detective mode– tinkering with sections, making use of different landing pages, reading unknown Reddit threads– just to develop a few tailored workflows.
Is it manageable? Absolutely. But if you’re utilized to drag-and-drop flowcharts with conditional reasoning, this could feel like going back a bit.
Email Builder: Primarily Terrific, Yet Not Perfect
I have actually obtained a little a love-hate relationship with Beehiiv’s e-mail builder.
Visually? It’s glossy. Drag, drop, style, sneak peek– it feels like it was designed by somebody who’s actually written a newsletter or two.
Yet default templates took a few tweaks to solve. And below’s a curveball: Beehiiv e-mails can obtain large. Like, Gmail-clipping-at-102kb huge.
That means your magnificently crafted message might get sliced in half if you’re not mindful. I learned this by hand– after that dropped a rabbit opening of testing devices to maximize HTML size and stay clear of that dreadful clipping.
My go-to approach?
- Downloading and install test e-mails from Gmail and examining size
- Running the HTML through Parcel.io’s email visitor
- Double-checking with Aboutmy.email for deliverability and structure
Little a manual process, however it works. I also connected to Beehiiv regarding adding far better size warnings. Fingers crossed.
Right Stuff That In Fact Actions the Needle
Alright, let’s enter into the meat of it– what’s made a substantial distinction because switching to Beehiiv?
Audience Growth
In just three months, I included over 160 new subscribers to a pretty particular niche newsletter. That has to do with 60% greater than what I was seeing in the past– and I had not been even running paid advertisements.
The majority of that development came from Beehiiv’s integrated tools: the referral program, Boosts (think e-newsletter cross-promotions), and natural reach. You can in fact track what’s functioning and where subscribers are coming from. Makes tweaking your method a lot easier.
Monetization That Doesn’t Nickel-and-Dime You
Let’s chat cash since for a lot of developers, it matters.
Beehiiv doesn’t take a cut from your paid memberships. Just Stripe’s fee. That’s it. That alone makes it 10% better than Substack (literally).
However there’s more: their ad network is user-friendly and passive. Within 3 months, I was currently fielding rate of interest from advertisers. Beehiiv’s partner network connects creators with brands in a way that does not feel icky or compelled. It’s integrated income possibility, ordinary and easy Twister Hub AI Beehiiv.
And when I prepare to introduce a premium membership? I understand exactly what cut I’ll get: all of it (minus Stripe).
Integrated Growth Devices
What truly sets Beehiiv apart is that growth isn’t an afterthought– it’s baked in.
You’ve obtained personalized referral programs. Boosts for newsletter cross-promotion. Several landing pages for tracking lead sources. You can turn your viewers into advocates without hanging uncomfortable boodle or single gimmicks.
I’ll claim this: Beehiiv feels like a system that desires you to prosper. Not one that just wants a piece of your pie.
Points I would certainly Still Like to See Improve
No platform is excellent, and Beehiiv’s obtained its quirks.
Support can be slow-moving when you struck an odd insect or need deep aid.
Some automations still really feel also fundamental.
Email dimension tracking requires better in-app informs (please and thanks).
No integrated countdown timers (sad face if you like FOMO e-mails).
Ecommerce integrations? Basically nonexistent.
So if you’re marketing physical items or desire deserted cart flows, Beehiiv most likely isn’t your best choice.
Verdict
If you’re a developer who’s serious about e-newsletters– whether you’re generating income from, expanding a listing, or simply tired of outdated systems– Beehiiv’s a strong selection.
You’ll like it if:
You desire complete possession of your target market
You’re wanting to grow fast without paying platform tax
You want something that feels developed by creators, for makers
Will it resolve every problem? No. Yet in 3 months, it’s assisted me expand much faster, earn extra, and stress and anxiety less about the little things.
So, should you attempt Beehiiv?
If you prepare to stop clearing up and really scale your newsletter with genuine devices that value your job and audience– yeah, I believe it’s time.
Take place. Provide it a spin. You just could fall in love like I did.