This review has been helpful in my success in affiliate marketing. We have experience purchasing courses and can differentiate between scams and legitimate training, giving me some knowledge in this field.
Prepare yourself for the unfiltered truth, including:
- What differentiates The Authority Site System from other courses?
- There is a break in the line.
- Who would be interested in taking this course?
- What is the expected salary range?
- A line break was used in the sentence above.
- Is it common for people to find success with it?
- Is it worth it? Pros and cons.
Get ready for the ride of your life!
What is Authority Hacker?
Authority Hacker, a website that provides assistance for online business success, was established in 2014. The founders of Authority Hacker are Mark Webster and Gael Breton, who are prominent figures in the SEO industry.
If you have been researching ways to earn money through creating an affiliate site, you may have come across their blog posts or their Authority Hacker Podcast, which is highly recommended by SEO experts.
Prior to launching Authority Hacker, the founders operated a SEO agency that served clients and employed both white hat and gray hat SEO techniques.
After being penalized by Google during the Penguin update and feeling tired of building up other people’s businesses, they decided to start building their first authority site.
Based on their previous knowledge and experiences, they created Health Ambition, which gained over 150,000 monthly visitors from Google alone.
They successfully grew Health Ambition and other authority sites through SEO, implementing scalable systems. As a result, they decided to create their own blog about building authority sites.
That was a condensed version of their story.
AuthorityHacker.com offers courses and resources on building successful affiliate marketing sites known as “authority websites.” Their content and courses, The Authority Site System (TASS) and Authority Hacker Pro, provide guidance and strategies for achieving similar success.
This review will provide a thorough analysis of both The Authority Site System 3.0 and Authority Hacker Pro.
Authority Site System Review at a Glance
The following review of The Authority Site System is based on my personal experience as a student of the popular Authority Hacker course.
If you discovered this article through a Google search, it indicates that the course effectively fulfilled its purpose. However, it does not imply that the course is suitable for everyone.
Before starting, it is important to have an understanding of what to expect when enrolling in the Authority Site System 3.0 course and the time required to establish a successful authority blog.
Expectation vs. Reality
Embarking on an exhilarating quest to forge an authority site, we sought to unleash the boundless potential of a profitable online passive income empire, while reveling in the splendid spoils of my relentless devotion and ceaseless endeavors.
Some people have the misconception that “passive income” means earning money with minimal effort while relaxing on the beach. However, this is not true when you first begin.
The Authority Site System 3.0 course (aka TASS) assisted in the creation of a passive income affiliate site, although it required some time before results became apparent.
In my experience, it took approximately 2 years and 105 blog posts for my website to begin generating a monthly income in the mid 4-figure range on autopilot. Currently, the income is showing a faster rate of growth with each new publication.
The outcome of your journey may vary, and you may have different experiences. We hope that is the case for you.
On average, the return on investment for starting an authority blog with TASS can be expected within 6 months to one year. This is due to the nature of building authority sites that are ranked on Google.
If one has the patience and determination to achieve results, they can expect to see a return on investment of more than 10 times after implementing everything taught in TASS.
Authority Site vs. Affiliate Site
In this review of the Authority Site System, we will explore the course content and share my personal experience as a student. Additionally, we would like to briefly discuss the distinction between building an authority site and an affiliate site.
Both options have the potential to generate income, but one has the potential for significantly higher earnings. Therefore, it is important to determine which one you intend to develop.
Affiliate sites primarily consist of review sites that contain numerous supporting articles serving as presell pages. For instance, a website may provide comprehensive information about the dog breed, pit bulls.
Supporting articles often include links to review articles that promote products for pit bulls available on various online platforms like Amazon, Chewy, or other similar sites. For instance, in the case of Amazon, the blog owner who is an Amazon affiliate can earn money by writing product reviews.
On the other hand, authority sites cover a broader range of topics and are focused on building their brand. Websites like ‘Money and Finance’ sites establish authority through their branding and expert content.
Authority sites have the opportunity to diversify their income streams beyond affiliate product promotion. They often provide additional services such as in-house digital products, consulting, and mastermind groups.
Which is Better?
Based on my observations, affiliate niche sites have the potential to rank quickly on Google, but they tend to reach a limit in terms of income. Additionally, they can also lose popularity among their target niche audience quite rapidly.
For instance, niche affiliate sites that specialized in the crypto market experienced a decline in income when the crypto market experienced a downturn. This was particularly observed among affiliate bloggers who exclusively promoted crypto affiliate products.
Authority sites contain a variety of sub-topics within a larger niche and have long-lasting potential to generate significant income through multiple revenue streams.
The Authority Site System 3.0 is a program that teaches individuals to build stage 1 authority sites that generate income through affiliate programs. These sites can be further developed into highly profitable authority websites.
The intermediate and advanced level course, Authority Hacker Pro, teaches the process of building authority sites in stage 2 and 3. If you are interested, you can find a comprehensive review of AH Pro on my website.
Authority Site System 3.0 Review
The Authority Site System is regularly updated every two years, with minor updates made as necessary throughout the year. The current version is 3.0.
As a student, you will have access to all course updates for a lifetime, which was one of the key factors that excited me to purchase TASS.
What You Will Learn
- Build a professional website from scratch — This course will teach you how to create a professional website that meets industry standards, regardless of your current skill level.
- Create exceptional content —High-quality content is essential for any authoritative website. By completing this course, you will have the necessary tools to create exceptional content.
- Make Money! — The course provides the necessary information to start working towards achieving a job-replacing income through an online business.
Module 1 – Internet Marketing 101
The first module in TASS consists of 6 course lessons. It provides a detailed overview of what you will be building and how it will generate income.
This section provides information on building an online business and monetizing websites. It also explains the concept of search engine optimization (SEO) and its role in effectively ranking your site on Google.
Other things you will learn in Module 1:
- The potential for profit from selling an Authority Site is significant.
- This article discusses the three stages of an Authority Site and how they can generate income for you.
- Guidelines for selecting a name for your website, hosting, and domain.
- Sites with no tech experience can still be beautifully built.
- Both on-page and off-page SEO factors are important for optimizing a website.
- The importance of link building in determining the ranking of authority sites.
- Tracking and monitoring the progress of your website.
The detailed instructions for all the topics mentioned earlier will be provided in a later section of the course. This section primarily aims to provide you with the main content and build anticipation for what is yet to come.
Module 2 and 3 – Brainstorming Niches + Qualifying Niches
Modules 2 and 3 provide guidance on selecting a niche that has low competition, profit potential, and aligns with your interests. The lessons are structured to help you choose your niche methodically and also ensure long-term success.
This lesson provided clarity on what to avoid when selecting my niche. Before taking the course, we had recently sold my 13-year Amazon FBA ecommerce business. we could have chosen to create a comprehensive authority site on selling on Amazon and identifying profitable products.
However, we had become weary of ecommerce. It would not have been logical to begin an authority site on a topic that we had minimal interest in. Without a doubt, we would have abandoned my site long before it began generating revenue.
Other things you will learn in Modules 2 + 3:
- There are four niche categories, which include broad niches, community based niches, product based niches, and problem based niches.
- Uncover the hidden gems with our in-depth niche research and analysis criteria!
- Identifying commercial keywords with low competition.
- Looking for sources of affiliate programs and information products to promote?
- Analyzing CPC (Cost per click)
- The website contains affiliate disclaimers.
- There are opportunities for link building.
- A method for locating and acquiring expired niche domains to enhance Google rankings.
The modules provide comprehensive lessons on niche selection. They offer extensive instruction on the subject matter, including 13 lessons in module 2 and 16 lessons in module 3.
Module 4 – Planning Your Site
Module 4 consists of 9 lessons that explore the concept of “commercial keywords,” which are keywords that indicate the consumer is nearing a decision to purchase.
Creating content around commercial keywords that rank high on Google can be a lucrative strategy. However, it is important to note that commercial content pieces can be more difficult to rank. Therefore, it is essential to identify low-hanging keywords in order to start earning money with your website. This section will provide guidance on how to locate these keywords.
Other things you will learn in Module 4:
- A guide on conducting competitor research.
- Learn how to find low competition commercial keywords.
- Organize your site’s topics and subtopics efficiently.
- Analytical research can be conducted using the SEO tool Ahrefs.
- Identifying keywords for Skyscraper articles that generate backlinks.
- Creating a sitemap for your website.
You will also learn how to use competitor research and keywords to create the initial version of your authority blog sitemap. Sitemaps are useful for search engines to crawl and properly index your site, and they also assist readers in navigating your site.
Many websites, including some well-known ones, do not properly implement these strategies. This is why it is not uncommon to see lesser-known sites outranking even major players in the same industry.
Modules 5 and 6 – Setting Up Your Site + Branding Your Site
The next two modules contain a total of 22 lessons. If you’re not familiar with technology, the training in these sections will be very helpful. One of my concerns when starting an authority website was the technical aspects, such as setting up my blog correctly.
This course provides a comprehensive guide on setting up your domain with Siteground, installing WordPress and themes, and using Elementor as your page builder.
We selected WPX as my hosting provider over Siteground.
Based on the advice of other affiliate bloggers, it is recommended to upgrade to a premium hosting plan for faster website speeds once your site starts growing. To avoid having to switch later, WEmade the decision to start with a WPX hosting plan.
Other things you will learn in Modules 5 + 6:
- Instructions on how to choose a domain name.
- The process of setting up Siteground is as follows.
- The process of setting up and installing WordPress.
- The process of installing Elementor Pro.
- To install GeneratePress and GenerateBlocks.
- Setting up Google Search Console.
- Setting up Google Analytics 4.
- The speed of the website.
- The email setup process will be explained.
- Choosing colors and fonts to brand your website.
- Learn how to create your favicon and logo using Canva.
The modules contain a significant amount of technical information, and based on my experience, this part of the process might require more time to complete. However, if you are knowledgeable about technology, you will progress quickly through this section.
Modules 7 and 8 – Setting Up Posts and Pages + Preparing Info Content
Modules 7 and 8 provide the necessary tools to create the structure of your pages and posts using Elementor templates. This allows for quick and easy integration of new blog articles and categories. The training modules consist of a total of 27 lessons.
This section introduces the concepts of ‘hard silos’ and ‘soft silos.’ If you are unfamiliar with these terms, the course will provide an explanation and help you determine the best approach for building your site.
As mentioned in this Authority Site System review, there is a significant amount of information to absorb regarding building authority sites. It is important to acknowledge that lack of knowledge can hinder growth.
TASS provides coverage of a wide range of topics that we may not have discovered without taking the hacker site course.
Other things you will learn in Modules 7 + 8:
- Instructions for creating your hub page.
- The course includes lessons on building Page + Post templates with Elementor, as well as for those who prefer to use GeneratePress.
- The document includes Privacy Policies and Disclaimers.
- Page for contacting
- The process of generating content for internet users.
- Generating content for Google.
- There are various types of informational content available.
- Indulge in the irresistible allure of chocolate, as it captivates your heart with its delectable sweetness.
The course at Authority Hacker has recently been updated with advanced lessons on using GeneratePress to build out your site. These building blocks are specifically designed to improve site loading speed, though they may present more challenges for beginner bloggers.
Elementor page builder sites offer a user-friendly interface and efficient setup, making them suitable for creating profitable stage 1 authority sites. Users have the flexibility to choose either option for building their site.
Module 9 and 10 – Writing Content + Uploading and Optimizing Content
Modules 9 and 10 consist of a total of 27 lesson plans. During this section, you will begin to learn about the framework of a content piece, including the recommended length of an article and the proper utilization of H2 and H3 headlines.
Module 10 is important as it covers SEO related optimization topics including Meta tags, URL optimization, internal and external linking, and more.
The founders of Authority Hacker demonstrate creativity and expertise in conducting research for content pieces. They are highly skilled in teaching individuals how to effectively build niche authority sites in a clear and accessible manner.
Other things you will learn in Modules 9 + 10:
- Researching content using YouTube.
- Consider planning your article.
- An appreciation for chocolate is widely shared.
- Instructions on how to add Meta tags.
- Instructions on how to create WordPress categories for your content.
- The process of indexing your site is important.
- The FAQ Schema is a useful tool for organizing frequently asked questions.
At the start of the course, it is advised to deindex your site on Google to prevent it from being found. Once you have published your content, you can enable the indexing feature to ensure your articles can appear in Google search results.
Module 11 – Initial Link Building
Module 11 consists of 25 lessons that will guide you on how to perform link building to establish authority for your website. Some individuals emphasize the significance of link building, while others may consider it to be less important for ranking.
High authority blogs that link back to your site can help increase your affiliate blog traffic. However, it is uncertain how relevant this will remain in the future, considering Google’s algorithm is becoming more aware of the manipulation involved in link building.
Additional topics covered in Module 11 include:
- The anatomy of a link is a subject of study.
- Link Farms are websites that exist solely to host links to other websites, and there are certain ways to identify them.
- The practice of HARO prospecting and outreach is commonly used.
- Suggesting topics for guest posting.
- Exploring potential skyscraper locations.
- Templates for reaching out to skyscrapers.
Unlock the secret recipe to skyrocket your affiliate blog’s success: unleash the power of exceptional content and watch as the floodgates of coveted backlinks burst open, flowing towards you like a majestic river!
Module 12 – Affiliate Monetization Setup
Module 12 consists of 9 lessons and focuses on the topic of affiliate marketing for generating income. It provides guidance on how to monetize your stage 1 authority site by incorporating affiliate links.
TASS currently offers an Amazon affiliate marketing course for beginners. The course covers topics such as becoming an Amazon Associate and effectively adding and tagging affiliate links on your website.
Additional topics covered in Module 12 include:
- This is an explanation of how affiliate programs operate.
- The management of links is done through ThirstyAffiliates.
- Registering for Amazon Associates.
- These are the rules for affiliates.
- The website contains affiliate disclosures.
- Payment for affiliates.
As we already had experience with affiliate marketing on YouTube and short form reels, we decided to promote the same affiliate products on my blog. Additionally, since we was investing a significant amount of effort into building an affiliate site, it seemed more logical to focus on promoting higher ticket programs.
After becoming an Amazon Influencer, we started promoting Amazon products as an Associate. You have the freedom to choose what products to promote on your authority site, whether they are high ticket or low ticket.
Module 13 – Commercial Content
Module 13 consists of 14 lessons that provide various methods and formats for writing commercial content. These formats are commonly used in online articles to present information that helps readers make informed purchasing decisions.
We gained a better understanding of the creation process behind online content after completing the Authority Site System course.
Additional topics covered in Module 13 include:
- There are various forms of commercial content.
- This is an overview of each commercial content format.
- Instructions on creating “Buying Guides”
- Here are some commercial content intros and outros that can help improve conversions.
- The process of uploading and publishing commercial content.
- Goal: Write 40 commercial content posts.
Commercial content is the key to success when it comes to affiliate sites. Pay attention to this crucial section as you embark on your authority site building adventure.
Authority Site System Mastermind Group
Unlock the power of knowledge and get your burning questions answered by joining the exclusive and private course Facebook group as a member of the Authority Site System!
Over the past few years, We have asked questions and have consistently received responses from either group members or an administrator.
Even the founders of Authority Hacker, like Mark Webster, sometimes provide answers to member questions.
Given the workload of the Authority Hacker teachers, it is commendable to see their dedication to the success of their students.
Authority Hacker Course Technical Support
If you need assistance, you can contact TASS technical support via email at [email protected]. Their availability is Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm CET.
If you encounter any technical difficulties while building your site, the team at Authority Hacker will assist you in resolving them.
Authority Hacker TrustPilot Reviews
It is important to consider multiple sources of information when evaluating the Authority Hacker TrustPilot reviews, as there are currently only 2 reviews with an overall rating of 3.7.
A detailed Authority Hacker Site System review from an actual student can provide valuable insight on what to expect from the course.
Meet Your Instructors
Gael Breton
Gael Breton is a founder of Authority Hacker and is based in Budapest, Hungary according to his LinkedIn profile. He is highly regarded in the industry for his expertise in SEO marketing.
Gael has experience starting online companies and assisting with company growth through inbound marketing. You can watch him in a YouTube clip from his time at HigherClick, where he discusses inbound marketing strategies for Startups.
Mark Webster
Mark Webster is listed as the co-founder of Authority Hacker and is located in the United Kingdom, according to his LinkedIn profile. He previously co-founded Higher Click, where he collaborated with Gael on the business.
Mark is highly knowledgeable in online digital marketing strategies and is considered a leading expert in the field.
Authority Site System Pros and Cons
As a fan of the Authority Site System, we have experienced great success with my affiliate blog, which is steadily becoming an authority in its niche. Additionally, We are consistently earning affiliate income that continues to grow each month.
However, it is important to consider the pros and cons of taking the Authority Site System course in this review.
PROS:
- The instructors are experienced website owners who have successful niche websites of their own.
- This course offers a high potential for return on investment, with a low cost.
- The training modules offer comprehensive step-by-step instruction, making them suitable for beginners.
- You will have access to course updates for a lifetime.
- Join our exclusive Facebook group for course members and unlock a world of answers to all your burning questions!
CONS:
- It can be perceived as slightly boring due to its technical and in-depth nature.
- The full course is typically updated approximately every two years.
The Authority Site System review: Is it worth it?
You have to go all in.
By the end of the course, if you complete all the necessary steps, you will have developed an authority site with a minimum of 10 informational articles, 40 commercial articles, established links, and set up affiliate programs to generate earnings.
Mark and Gael provide instruction on the necessary skills, but achieving success ultimately depends on your efforts.
TASS provides you with the necessary tools to create an authoritative website that can potentially replace your full-time job.
The Authority Site System is for you if:
- If you’re interested in making money with websites but don’t know where to begin, this guide will help you.
- You have attempted to generate income through websites in the past, and are now seeking another opportunity.
- You have a strong passion for this business model and are able to remain committed during the initial stages of your website, even without generating income.
The Authority Site System is NOT for you if:
- You are seeking to earn money quickly.
- If you don’t have the time to dedicate to this project, you may need to consider investing in a team to work for you.
- If you’re looking for advanced affiliate marketing and monetization strategies, TASS can assist you in reaching a level of income that can replace your job. However, there is still more to learn when you’re ready to start scaling hardcore.
Is there an Authority Site System discount code?
Authority Hacker is currently offering a 50 percent discount on TASS for a limited time. You can access the offer through this affiliate link, which expires in 5 days.
Get ready to have your wanderlust ignited and your adventurous spirit empowered! And guess what? We have an exciting secret just for you!
Don’t let the countdown stop you! Even if the 5 days are up, you can still snag that discount by switching up your browser or using a VPN. Say goodbye to that sinking feeling of overpaying when you didn’t have to!
Customers are eligible for a 30-day refund period, allowing for easy cancellation if desired.
Additionally, it is recommended to participate in their free webinar as an initial step to assess their offerings before making a commitment.
Other affiliate marketing courses and Authority Hacker alternatives
We have taken numerous blogging and affiliate marketing courses, and based on my experience, we can confidently say that Authority Hacker is the most well-developed affiliate course we have come across.
When we say “polished,” we referring to the attention given to details, design, navigation, production quality of video lessons, customer support, and other aspects.
Additionally, it is considered to be the most suitable online course for individuals with no prior experience, as other alternatives tend to overlook the fundamental technical aspects.
However, it is important to consider other options besides Authority Hacker as they each have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The Affiliate Lab vs. Authority Hacker
TAL and TASS both provide similar monetization strategies, specifically focused on affiliate marketing. However, TASS is more beginner-friendly for those who are not tech-savvy and has better overall production quality.
The Affiliate Lab offers beginner lessons on basic website setup, as well as advanced monetization techniques and a valuable private community for its members.
For a detailed comparison, you can refer to my Affiliate Lab vs. Authority Hacker comparison post.
If you are interested, you can also read my comprehensive review of Affiliate Lab to gain insight into the course. Alternatively, you can use this link to receive a $200 discount.
Niche Site Profits vs. Authority Hacker
Niche Site Profits (also known as Fat Stacks) focuses primarily on monetizing through high organic traffic and display ads, with a module also included on building affiliate income.
Fat Stacks also has a private forum where successful online publishers share current strategies. It is checked daily, even after 5 years of website building.
Please take a look at my review of Niche Site Profits and their free course for more information.
Passive Income Geek vs. Authority Hacker
Passive Income Geek teaches a similar approach to Niche Site Profits, focusing primarily on display advertisement income and also incorporating affiliate income.
Passive Income Geek offers a more affordable option compared to others on the list, although it may not provide as comprehensive strategies and an active community. However, it is sufficient to help you get started if you are on a tight budget.
For a more comprehensive analysis of the course, please refer to my complete Passive Income Geek review.
Project 24 Income School vs. Authority Hacker
Income School is a well-known option, but we don’t have personal experience with the course, so we can’t speak to its quality.
Based on discussions in blogging forums, the Income School strategy is considered reliable, although it is less focused on technical aspects. Additionally, they offer lessons on creating a Youtube channel, which we believe will be beneficial in the future.
Get ready for some exciting news! I’ve got big plans to put Income School to the test in the near future. Stay tuned for all the juicy details!
Authority Hacker Pro vs. TASS
Authority Hacker Pro is a course designed for advanced marketers and is only available for enrollment a few times annually.
The program is not recommended for beginners and is most beneficial for those whose affiliate site is generating a monthly income in the thousands. If you fit this description, Authority Hacker Pro can assist you in reaching six-figure earnings and beyond.
If not, TASS would be a more suitable choice.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, preferred monetization strategy, and preferred teaching style.
