Authority Hacker Review: Scam or Legit?

As an affiliate marketer who has been fortunate enough to earn a six-figure income online for over five years, I've had the opportunity to explore a wide range of strategies and tools designed to help entrepreneurs succeed in this competitive space. Among the numerous resources I've encountered, Authority Hacker stands out as a particularly compelling platform. Founded by Gael Breton and Mark Webster, Authority Hacker offers comprehensive training and insights into building profitable authority websites that not only resonate with audiences but also align with Google's evolving standards.

In this review, I'll share my personal experience and insights into Authority Hacker's offerings, including their flagship courses like The Authority Site System (TASS) and Authority Hacker Pro. I'll delve into what works, what doesn't, and whether their approach can genuinely help you build a sustainable online business. With my background in affiliate marketing, I'm excited to provide a candid assessment of Authority Hacker's potential to transform your online ventures.

About The Author

What is Authority Hacker?

Authority Hacker is a comprehensive platform designed to teach individuals how to build and monetize authority websites. The core focus is on creating websites that are not only trusted by audiences but also favored by search engines, leveraging high E-E-A-T scores as outlined in Google's guidelines. Authority Hacker offers two main courses: The Authority Site System (TASS) and Authority Hacker Pro.

TASS is geared towards beginners and intermediate learners, aiming to help them build "Stage 1" authority sites that can generate between $1,000 to $5,000 per month. This course provides a step-by-step guide on how to design, build, and monetize an affiliate website, covering essential skills such as finding affiliates, setting up affiliate accounts, managing links, and optimizing content for platforms like Amazon.

Authority Hacker Pro, on the other hand, is designed for more advanced marketers looking to scale their websites to "Stage 2" and "Stage 3," which can earn from $5,000 to over $100,000 per month. This course includes advanced strategies for scaling traffic, conversions, and revenue, along with tools and blueprints to enhance website performance.

Who Created Authority Hacker?

Authority Hacker was founded by Gael Breton and Mark Webster, both seasoned professionals in the internet marketing space. Gael, originally from France, serves as the editor-in-chief and is responsible for content creation, market research, and strategic planning. Mark, from Scotland, oversees the business side of Authority Hacker, leveraging his expertise in systems and operations.

Before launching Authority Hacker, Gael and Mark ran a client-facing SEO agency, where they gained experience with both white-hat and gray-hat SEO strategies. However, after facing setbacks due to Google's Penguin update, they shifted their focus to building authority sites using ethical methods. Their success with sites like Health Ambition, which attracted significant organic traffic, laid the groundwork for Authority Hacker's courses.

Gael and Mark's reputation is built on their commitment to white-hat strategies and their ability to create successful authority sites. Their personal experience and expertise in navigating the challenges of SEO have positioned them as trusted authorities in the field of affiliate marketing and website building.

Who is Authority Hacker For?

Authority Hacker is designed for individuals at different stages of their online marketing journey. The Authority Site System (TASS) is ideal for beginners who are new to affiliate marketing or website building. It provides a foundational understanding of how to create a profitable authority site from scratch, making it perfect for those looking to establish a "Stage 1" site.

Authority Hacker Pro, on the other hand, is geared towards more experienced marketers who are already generating income from their websites and want to scale their operations. This course is suitable for those aiming to build "Stage 2" and "Stage 3" authority sites, which require advanced strategies for growth and optimization.

In essence, Authority Hacker is for anyone interested in building sustainable online businesses through ethical and effective methods, whether they are just starting out or looking to expand their existing ventures.

How is Authority Hacker Structured?

Authority Hacker's courses are structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience, with a focus on practical application. The Authority Site System (TASS) is the foundational course, designed for beginners and intermediate learners. It consists of 15 modules with over 190 lessons, covering essential topics such as niche selection, website setup, content creation, link building, and affiliate monetization strategies.

TASS includes detailed modules like "Preparing Info Content," "Writing Content," and "Initial Link Building," which guide users through the process of creating high-quality content and building links to their site. The course also features a "Project Manager" tool that helps students build their site from scratch, using real-life case studies like "Dog Food Heaven" to demonstrate the process.

Authority Hacker Pro, on the other hand, is geared towards advanced marketers and includes 17 blueprints across categories like content creation, conversion optimization, engagement, link building, and site speed. These blueprints are modular, allowing students to focus on specific areas of improvement for their authority sites.

Are Authority Hacker Students Getting Results?

Many students of Authority Hacker have reported significant success with their courses. For instance, Baber Siddiqui sold his 17-month-old site for over $190,000 after following the strategies outlined in The Authority Site System. Gunnar Clausen's site generates between $30,000 to $40,000 per month, demonstrating the potential for substantial income growth.

Lynette Kotze, who started her site in a challenging niche, was able to increase her income to over $1,000 per month by applying the course strategies. Clive Harris achieved remarkable growth, going from zero to $20,000 per month in just three years by focusing on link building and content optimization.

Sumit Bansal credits Authority Hacker courses for helping him scale his income from four figures to mid-five figures per month. He attributes his success to the detailed guidance and community support provided by Authority Hacker.

These testimonials highlight the effectiveness of Authority Hacker's approach in helping students achieve tangible results in building and monetizing authority sites.

How Much Does Authority Hacker Cost?

The cost of Authority Hacker's courses varies depending on the package. The Authority Site System (TASS) is typically priced at $1,499 but is often available for $599 with a limited-time discount. There is also an option to pay in six monthly installments of $135 each, totaling $810.

Authority Hacker Pro, which includes advanced strategies for scaling authority sites, is priced higher, typically ranging from $1,797 to $2,497 depending on the package.

Both courses come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing students to try the course risk-free. If unsatisfied, a full refund can be requested by contacting the support team via email. This refund policy provides peace of mind for those considering investing in Authority Hacker's training.

Praises For Authority Hacker

Authority Hacker has earned numerous praises from its users and the broader online marketing community. Here are some key points that highlight its strengths:

1. Comprehensive Training

Authority Hacker's courses, particularly The Authority Site System (TASS), provide a thorough and structured approach to building authority sites. The step-by-step guidance ensures that beginners can follow along easily, while experienced marketers can refine their strategies.

The course covers essential topics like niche selection, content creation, SEO optimization, and affiliate marketing, making it a one-stop resource for those looking to establish a profitable online presence.

2. Practical and Actionable Advice

Gael and Mark's hands-on experience in building successful authority sites means they offer practical advice that is tested in real-world scenarios. This makes their teachings highly relevant and actionable for students.

The emphasis on white-hat strategies ensures that students learn sustainable methods for long-term success, avoiding the risks associated with gray-hat or black-hat SEO tactics.

3. Community Support

Authority Hacker provides access to a private Facebook group where students can connect with other learners, share experiences, and get support from the community. This networking opportunity is invaluable for staying motivated and overcoming challenges.

The community is active and supportive, with many members sharing their success stories and offering advice based on their own experiences.

4. Continuous Updates and Support

The courses are regularly updated to reflect changes in SEO and affiliate marketing landscapes. This ensures that students receive the most current strategies and insights.

Authority Hacker also offers ongoing support through blog posts, YouTube videos, and podcast episodes, keeping students informed about the latest industry trends.

5. Success Stories and Testimonials

Many students have reported significant success after applying the strategies taught by Authority Hacker. Success stories like Baber Siddiqui selling his site for over $190,000 and Gunnar Clausen earning $30,000 to $40,000 per month demonstrate the potential for substantial income growth.

Criticisms For Authority Hacker

While Authority Hacker has received widespread acclaim, there are also some criticisms worth noting:

1. Cost

The courses, especially Authority Hacker Pro, are priced relatively high compared to other affiliate marketing courses. This can be a barrier for some potential students who are on a tight budget.

However, the comprehensive nature of the courses and the potential for long-term financial gains can justify the investment for many users.

2. SEO Risks

As with any SEO-focused strategy, there is always a risk associated with Google algorithm updates. These updates can impact website traffic and earnings, as seen with the decline of Healthambition.com.

While Authority Hacker emphasizes sustainable practices, no strategy is completely immune to these risks.

3. Time Commitment

Building a successful authority site requires a significant time commitment. Students need to be prepared to invest several months or even years into creating high-quality content, building links, and optimizing their site.

This can be challenging for those expecting quick results or who have limited time to dedicate to their online business.

4. Limited Focus on Other Income Streams:

Authority Hacker primarily focuses on affiliate marketing and SEO-driven income streams. While these are effective strategies, they might not cover other potential revenue streams like digital products or services.

Students looking to diversify their income streams beyond affiliate marketing might need to supplement their learning with additional resources.

5. Negative Reviews and Experiences

Some users have reported negative experiences, such as the decline of Healthambition.com, which highlights the potential risks and challenges in the affiliate marketing business model.

It's essential for potential students to consider these examples and understand that success is not guaranteed and requires consistent effort and adaptation.

Should You Join Authority Hacker?

As someone who has explored various affiliate marketing strategies, I believe Authority Hacker can be a valuable resource for those committed to building sustainable authority sites. If you're a beginner looking for a structured approach to affiliate marketing or an experienced marketer seeking to scale your operations, Authority Hacker's courses offer comprehensive guidance.

However, it's crucial to consider your budget and the time commitment required. Authority Hacker's courses are an investment, and while they provide valuable insights, they might not be suitable for everyone, especially those on a tight budget or expecting quick results.

If you're willing to invest time and money into building a long-term online business using ethical SEO strategies, then Authority Hacker could be a good fit. But if you're looking for a more affordable option or a platform that offers a broader range of income streams, you might want to explore alternatives.

Authority Hacker Alternative

For those seeking an alternative to Authority Hacker, I highly recommend Wealthy Affiliate. Wealthy Affiliate is a well-established online platform that offers comprehensive training in affiliate marketing, SEO, and website building. It provides a robust suite of tools and resources, including website hosting, keyword research tools, and a supportive community.

Key Features of Wealthy Affiliate:

• Cost-Effective: Wealthy Affiliate offers a free starter membership and a premium membership at $49 per month, making it more accessible than Authority Hacker for many users.

• Comprehensive Training: Wealthy Affiliate provides extensive training modules covering affiliate marketing, SEO, and website creation, with a focus on sustainable, long-term strategies.

• Community Support: The platform boasts a large and active community with millions of members, offering support, feedback, and networking opportunities.

• Tools and Resources: Wealthy Affiliate includes essential tools like website builders, hosting, and keyword research tools, making it a one-stop-shop for building and managing affiliate websites.

Overall, Wealthy Affiliate is an excellent choice for anyone looking to start or grow an affiliate marketing business without breaking the bank. Its affordability, comprehensive training, and supportive community make it a compelling alternative to Authority Hacker for those seeking a more budget-friendly option.