Expert Secrets Book Review for Beginners – Is It Really Worth It in 2026? 

If you’ve ever thought, “I have skills… but how do I turn this into real income online?” then Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson might be a book worth your time.

In this review, I’ll share what this book is really about, what I personally found useful, and who I think should (and shouldn’t) read it. This is not just a summary — it’s an honest look at whether Expert Secrets is still relevant in 2026, especially for beginners.

This book isn’t about fancy tools or complicated tech. It’s mostly about how to communicate better, earn trust, and sell without feeling like a pushy marketer. If that sounds like something you want, let’s dive in.

Expert Secrets Book Review - Quick Overview

Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson is a beginner-friendly guide that shows how to turn your knowledge or skills into an online business. Instead of focusing on tools or tech, it focuses on building trust, telling your story, and selling in a more human way. 

• Author: Russell Brunson

• Book Name: Expert Secrets (2nd Edition) Launched in 2017 (the 2nd Edition released May 2020)

• Official Page: Expertsecrets.com

• Price: Free + Shipping ($9.95 in the United States or $19.95 international anywhere in the world)

• Bonuses: Yes! Huge Bonuses 🎁

• Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-68350-458-0

• eBook ISBN: 978-1-68350-459-7

• Number of Pages: 359

• Language: English 🌐

What Is the Expert Secrets Book All About? 🤔

Expert Secrets is a powerful guide written by Russell Brunson, a well-known online entrepreneur and the co-founder of ClickFunnels. This isn’t just another business book—it’s a step-by-step playbook that shows you how to turn your knowledge, skills, or experience into a successful online business.

First published in 2017 (with an updated version released in May 2020), the book is packed with practical tips to help you share your message, grow an audience, and make money doing what you love. Brunson uses real lessons from his own journey to teach you how to build trust with your audience, create offers they want, and communicate in a way that inspires action.

Inside Expert Secrets, you’ll find easy-to-follow sections on how to:

• Build a loyal community around your message 🙌

• Help people believe in what you’re offering 💡

• Sell your products or services without being pushy 🛒

• Become a trusted guide your audience can follow 🧭

• Set up sales funnels that convert visitors into customers 🔄

What makes this book different is how hands-on and real it is. Instead of theory, you’ll get proven strategies you can actually use. Expert Secrets is part of a three-book series along with Dotcom Secrets and Traffic Secrets, and together they form a complete guide to building and growing a thriving online business.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow faster, this book can help you take the next big step. 🚀

A Closer Look at Expert Secrets 📘

Who Is Russell Brunson & Why You Should Listen to Him

Russell Brunson isn’t just another marketing “guru” — he’s someone who actually built what he teaches.

He is the co-founder of ClickFunnels, a platform used by millions of entrepreneurs worldwide to sell products, courses, and services online. But what makes him relatable is that he didn’t start as a big name. He began as a regular guy trying to figure out how to sell his ideas online, just like most of us.

In Expert Secrets, he shares the same strategies he personally used to grow his audience, sell online, and build multiple 7-figure businesses — without pretending you need to be famous, rich, or tech-savvy to start.

If you’re learning from him, you’re learning from someone who has tested these methods in the real world, not just in theory.

What’s Inside the Book (And Why It’s Worth Your Time)

This isn’t the kind of book you read once and forget.

Across 359 pages, Expert Secrets walks you through practical, real-world strategies for turning your knowledge, skills, or experience into something people are willing to pay for. You’ll find:

• Clear frameworks you can actually apply

• Simple explanations (no complicated jargon)

• Real examples from Russell’s own business journey

You can get it in hardcover, ebook, or audio format. And yes — the book itself is free, you only pay for shipping ($9.95 in the U.S. or $19.95 internationally), which makes it one of the lowest-risk ways to learn serious online business strategies.

If you’re serious about building something online, this book isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s genuinely useful.

What You’ll Actually Learn From Expert Secrets (In Real Life) 📖

Rather than feeling like a textbook, Expert Secrets feels more like a mentor walking you through how online business really works. Here are the main ideas you’ll take away — explained in plain English:

How to Build a Loyal Audience (Not Just Get Followers)

Russell doesn’t teach you how to “go viral.” He teaches you how to attract the right people — those who genuinely care about what you offer. The focus is on creating a community that trusts you, not just a crowd that scrolls past your content.

How to Earn Trust Before You Ever Sell

One of the strongest lessons in the book is this: people don’t buy because of features — they buy because they believe in you.
You’ll learn how to tell your story in a way that builds connection, breaks doubts, and makes people feel confident choosing your offer.

How to Sell Without Feeling Salesy

If selling makes you uncomfortable, this part alone makes the book worth reading. Russell shows how to present offers in a natural way that feels helpful instead of pushy — especially using storytelling and simple persuasion techniques.

How to Become the “Guide” in Your Niche

The book teaches you how to position yourself as someone people want to follow — not because you’re perfect, but because you’re one step ahead and willing to lead. This is powerful for coaches, creators, and service providers.

How Funnels Actually Work (In Simple Terms)

Funnels sound technical, but Russell explains them in a very beginner-friendly way. You’ll understand how people move from discovering you → trusting you → buying from you — without complicated jargon.

How to Get the Right People Into Your World

Even the best offer fails without traffic. Expert Secrets introduces simple ways to get in front of existing audiences and attract people who are already interested in what you do.

The Price and Extra Offers of Expert Secrets – Made Simple 💡

Let’s break down the cost and extra offers (also called “upsells”) that come with Expert Secrets so you know exactly what to expect.

🎯 The Main Offer: Just Pay Shipping

The Expert Secrets book itself is completely free — you just cover the shipping fee, which is:

• $9.95 for orders in the U.S.

• $19.95 for international orders.

Even though the book is free, the value it provides is massive. You’ll learn how to turn your knowledge into a business, build an audience, and create offers that sell. 💼📚

🔥 Optional Extras You Can Add (Upsells)

After you order the book, you'll see a few optional offers that can help you get even more out of the training. These are not required, but they can speed up your progress and go deeper into the strategies Russell Brunson teaches.

🎧 Expert Secrets Audiobook – $37

Prefer to listen instead of reading? You can upgrade to get the audiobook version of Expert Secrets for $37. It also comes with bonus content and insights shared by Russell and other experts. This is perfect if you want to learn on the go.

🎥 Expert Secrets Live Presentation – $97

This offer gives you access to video recordings of a live presentation by Russell Brunson, where he walks through the exact strategies taught in the book. You’ll see real examples and how these techniques are applied in real businesses.

Here is bonuses you will receive today!

🎁 Special Bonus: The Secrets Trilogy Box Set – $97

Want the full collection? For $97, you can grab the Secrets Trilogy Box Set, which includes:

• Dotcom Secrets – Learn how to build your online sales funnels.

• Expert Secrets – Learn how to turn your knowledge into a business.

• Traffic Secrets – Learn how to bring more people to your funnels.

• Unlock Secrets – A bonus workbook to help you apply everything.

If you're serious about growing an online business, this bundle gives you all the tools and strategies in one package. Think of it as your personal playbook for long-term success. 📦📈

There are also advanced tools offered after purchase, but beginners don’t need them to benefit from the book. 

What I Liked and Didn’t Like About Expert Secrets (Honest Pros & Cons)

No book is perfect, and Expert Secrets is no different. Here’s what I genuinely liked about it — and a few things that might not work for everyone.

👍 What I Really Liked About Expert Secrets

• It’s easy to understand, even if you're new: One thing I appreciated is how simply Russell explains things. You don’t need a marketing background to follow along. If you're just starting out, this book won’t overwhelm you.

• It makes you think differently about selling: Instead of “how to convince people,” it teaches “how to connect with people.” That shift alone can change the way you approach your business.

• Great for people selling knowledge or services: If you’re a coach, freelancer, consultant, or content creator, this book feels like it was written for you. It’s more about you and your message than about complicated systems.

• The storytelling part is powerful: I found the sections about storytelling and belief really eye-opening. It helped me realize why some people sell easily while others struggle — even with similar products.

• It builds confidence: You don’t need to be famous or an expert with 20 years of experience. The book shows how to position what you already know in a valuable way.

👎 What I Didn’t Like (And You Should Know)

• It’s not very technical: If you’re expecting step-by-step tutorials on ads, websites, or advanced funnels, this isn’t that kind of book. It focuses more on mindset and messaging.

• A lot of examples revolve around ClickFunnels: That makes sense since Russell is behind ClickFunnels, but if you use other platforms, you’ll need to mentally translate some examples.

• Not for people looking for quick money: If someone is hoping for “read this and get rich fast,” this book will probably disappoint them. It’s about building something real, not shortcuts.

• Advanced marketers may find parts basic: If you already run big campaigns or complex funnels, some chapters might feel repetitive or too simple.

Expert Secrets is best for beginners and early-stage entrepreneurs who want to build authority, sell with confidence, and connect better with their audience.

It’s not a technical guide or a magic formula — but it is a solid foundation for anyone serious about building an online business around their knowledge.

Who Is Expert Secrets Really For? 🤔

This book is a perfect fit for:

• ✅ People who want to grow an online business – Whether you’re starting from scratch or already running something small, this book gives you the tools and roadmap to scale your business and start making real money online.

• ✅ Anyone curious about digital marketing – If you've been trying to understand how online sales, funnels, or marketing strategies work, this book explains it all in plain language. It's like getting a crash course from someone who's done it successfully.

• ✅ Beginners who need help selling their ideas – If you're new to business or don’t know how to turn your idea into a compelling offer, Expert Secrets gives you the exact scripts and storytelling techniques to connect with people and turn them into buyers.

• ✅ Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to earn online – Maybe you're tired of your 9-to-5 and want to build your own income stream. This book shows you how to turn your passion or knowledge into a business, even if you don’t have a product yet.

• ✅ Coaches, consultants, and creatives with a message – If you have a skill, talent, or message that can help others, this book helps you package and present it in a way that sells—while making a real impact in people's lives.

Who Might Not Be a Good Fit for This Book? ❌

While Expert Secrets has helped thousands, it’s not for everyone. Here's who should probably skip it:

• 🚫 People looking for fast, easy money – This book won’t teach you overnight tricks to get rich. It’s about building something real, which takes time and effort.

• 🚫 Anyone not willing to take action – If you're just reading for entertainment but don't plan to actually do the work, the book won’t help much. Success comes from applying the strategies.

• 🚫 Opportunity jumpers – If you constantly bounce between business ideas without committing to one, this book may just be another distraction.

• 🚫 People who can’t cover the small shipping cost – The book itself is free, but you do have to pay a small fee for shipping ($9.95 in the U.S. or $19.95 international). If that's an issue, this may not be the right time to invest in your business growth.

• 🚫 Anyone without a Visa or Mastercard – Since you’ll need one of these to cover the shipping, this might not be doable if you don’t have a card.

What Do I Think After Reading Expert Secrets?

Reading Expert Secrets really opened my eyes. I used to think you had to be super famous or have a huge following to build a business online—but this book proved that’s not true.

Russell shows you how to take what you already know and turn it into a message people actually want to hear. He breaks down how to tell your story, connect with people, and build a real following that trusts you.

What stood out to me most is the idea that people don’t buy products—they buy belief. I actually noticed this in my own content too — once I focused more on explaining why something matters instead of just what it is, people started engaging more naturally. Once I got that, everything started to make sense. I realized I don’t need to know everything—I just need to lead people with what I’ve already learned.

If you’ve been stuck or unsure how to start helping others with your knowledge, this book gives you the steps. I walked away feeling clear, focused, and ready to take action.

No-Risk Guarantee 💸

Worried it might not be what you’re looking for? No problem. Expert Secrets comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, even covering the shipping cost. So if you’re not happy with it for any reason, just request a refund—no questions asked. That means there's absolutely zero risk in giving it a try.

If you’re ready to build something meaningful and are willing to put in the work, Expert Secrets could be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for. 💡

Expert Secrets vs Dotcom Secrets vs Traffic Secrets – Which One Is Right for You?

Here is a simple comparison to help you choose the right book based on your goals:

👉 Quick Tip:

• Start with Expert Secrets if you want to build authority

• Add Dotcom Secrets to build funnels

• Use Traffic Secrets when you're ready to scale

Expert Secrets – Real Questions People Ask (FAQs)

Is Expert Secrets actually legit, or just hype?

Yes, it’s legit. The book is written by Russell Brunson, who co-founded ClickFunnels and has built multiple successful businesses. That said, like any marketing book, it works only if you apply what you learn — it’s not magic, but it’s definitely not a scam.

Is Expert Secrets good for beginners?

Yes, and that’s actually where it shines most. If you’re new to online business or digital marketing, this book explains things in a way that doesn’t make you feel stupid or lost. It’s simple, practical, and easy to follow.

Can I really make money using what’s in this book?

You can, but only if you do the work. The book gives you frameworks and ways of thinking — not guaranteed income. People who take action on the ideas usually see results, but reading alone won’t change anything.

Is Expert Secrets better than Dotcom Secrets?

They’re different, not better or worse. Expert Secrets is more about you — your story, authority, and message. Dotcom Secrets is more about systems — funnels, pages, and conversions. If you’re building a personal brand or selling knowledge, Expert Secrets should come first.

Is Expert Secrets still worth reading in 2026?

Yes, because it teaches things that don’t really expire — like how people think, why they buy, and how trust is built.
Tools change, but human psychology doesn’t, and that’s where this book focuses.

Do I need ClickFunnels to use what I learn from Expert Secrets?

No, not at all. Even though Russell often mentions ClickFunnels, the ideas can be used with any website builder, email tool, or platform. Just apply the thinking — not the software.

Who should probably skip this book?

If you’re looking for technical tutorials, coding lessons, or “get rich fast” tricks, this probably isn’t the book for you. It’s better suited for people who want to build something real and long-term.

Expert Secrets Book Review: The Final Verdict

For me, Expert Secrets isn’t about learning tricks — it’s about learning how to present yourself better and communicate your value clearly.

The biggest lesson I took from it is this: People don’t buy because of features. They buy because they believe in you and your message.

If you’re trying to build something real online — whether that’s coaching, freelancing, selling courses, or even blogging — this book can help you think the right way from the start.

And since the book itself is free (you only pay for shipping), there’s really very little risk in giving it a try.

👉 If your goal is to grow an online business by sharing what you know, I’d say Expert Secrets is absolutely worth reading. 

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this Expert Secrets Book Review post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I personally use or truly believe will add value to you.