If you have ever wished you could build a profitable website that really brings in six figures a year, you might have stumbled across Authority Hacker’s courses. Authority Hacker Pro makes some big promises: they say you can learn to build authority sites that become valuable online assets, using proven SEO strategies and streamlined systems. But with the high price tag, almost $1,000 for beginners and well over $2,000 for advanced students, many people wonder whether these courses are actually worth the money or are just another shiny promise in the sea of online education.
Authority Hacker has a strong reputation in the SEO world, with plenty of loyal fans and a vocal student community. However, not everyone will benefit equally, and it is a real investment of both time and cash. In this review, I’ll give you a full breakdown of what’s included in The Authority Site System (TASS 3.0) and Authority Hacker Pro, who these programs are really written for, and whether they make sense for your personal situation, especially when you compare them to other options like Wealthy Affiliate or cheaper DIY learning paths.
Table of Contents
Authority Hacker Courses at a Glance
I’ve tested both Authority Hacker Pro and TASS 3.0 myself and spent years following their progress. Authority Hacker offers two main courses, each designed to meet different needs:
- TASS 3.0 (The Authority Site System): A detailed, user-friendly program that walks you step by step through building your first authority site. It’s all about following a blueprint, even if you’ve never built a website before.
- Authority Hacker Pro: A more advanced membership loaded with deep-dive strategies, full website systems, templates, and workshops for those who want to scale or systematise websites fast. Enrollment opens a few times a year, making it exclusive and a bit of a “club” for serious site builders.
Here’s a quick summary for comparison:
| Course | Skill Level | Main Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| TASS 3.0 (The Authority Site System) | Beginner | Step-by-step training, video modules, community, support | ~$997 (one-time) |
| Authority Hacker Pro | Intermediate/Advanced | Advanced systems, templates, webinars, case studies, support | ~$2,497 (one-time; limited enrollment) |
Both courses focus primarily on building long-term, SEO-powered authority sites and earning steady revenue from affiliate marketing and display ads.
Is Authority Hacker a Scam?
This is one of the first questions a lot of people type into Google. My personal experience and research say: No, Authority Hacker is not a scam. Gael Breton and Mark Webster, the founders, have real backgrounds in digital marketing and affiliate sites. Authority Hacker has been around since 2014, with thousands of students and tons of public case studies to back up their methods. The company is transparent about its founders, its methods, and is open about the time investment needed to actually get results.
However, not everyone will succeed, and some people walk away feeling disappointed. That’s usually because building a real authority site takes patience, money, and lots of focused effort. These aren’t overnight success courses. If you’re hoping to get rich in a month, Authority Hacker will feel slow and expensive. It’s set up for people ready to play the long game, who understand that results are based on actual work and real skills.
What Exactly Is Authority Hacker?
The Authority Hacker business model is pretty simple: they teach regular people how to build and grow high-value content-driven websites and earn a reliable income from them. These websites are sometimes called authority sites because they aim to become leaders in niches by publishing helpful, well-ranked content and gathering links from reputable sources. The most common monetisation methods recommended include affiliate marketing (promoting other people’s products for commission) and display advertising (earning money for page views or ad clicks).
What stands out to me is the strong focus on white hat SEO, so you’re not encouraged to use risky shortcuts or spammy tactics. Instead, everything is built on proven, Google-friendly strategies: keyword research, niche selection, site structure, content quality, link building, and optimising for conversions. Both courses are updated regularly to keep up with changes in search engine algorithms. This is super important since SEO evolves fast, and using outdated tactics can put your site at risk. I’ve noticed far too many online courses go stale, but Authority Hacker’s team stays on top of industry switches and refreshes content when major changes occur.
Who’s Behind Authority Hacker?
Authority Hacker is run by Gael Breton and Mark Webster, two marketers with real experience in building and scaling affiliate and authority websites. Before Authority Hacker, both Gael and Mark built and sold their own profitable sites, and they share plenty of war stories from the trenches in both their teaching and their Authority Hacker podcast.
The duo is respected among professional SEOs. Their podcast and blog attract other experienced marketers, and they regularly feature guest experts from across the digital marketing world. This helps build trust. Authority Hacker isn’t a faceless, fly-by-night operation. I value that Gael and Mark are often visible and answer questions directly in their community, making it easier for students to learn from people with real results.
How Does Authority Hacker Training Work?
Authority Hacker structures its courses in a practical, action-oriented way. Both TASS 3.0 and Authority Hacker Pro are broken up into video modules, checklists, downloadable templates, and tasks that guide you from idea to a live, moneymaking site.
Here’s how the system works, in plain language:
- Niche Research and Setting Up Your Site: Learn how to analyse industries, spot underserved audiences, and avoid zero-profit niches. TASS walks you through domain selection and builds out your first WordPress site step by step. Authority Hacker Pro assumes you’ve covered the basics and provides advanced frameworks for site portfolio planning.
- Keyword Research and Content Planning: You’ll learn how to research low-competition, high-value keywords, map out a content calendar, and figure out what Google actually wants for each search term. Authority Hacker gives you worksheets, video walkthroughs, and their own in-house templates for this stage.
- Content Creation and Outsourcing: You’ll get detailed instructions on writing or outsourcing the kind of content that Google prefers, long-form, detailed, and helpful. The courses offer advanced templates for review articles, info guides, and product roundups. If writing isn’t your thing, they teach you how to find, vet, and manage freelance writers.
- Link Building and Authority Growth: Authority Hacker puts a clear focus on white hat, outreach-based linkbuilding strategies, like guest posting, building real relationships, and earning links by creating genuinely helpful resources. Some Pro modules cover advanced link acquisition and scaling strategies for those ready to play in more competitive niches.
- Monetisation: You learn to sign up for the best affiliate programs, optimise your content for conversions, and add display ad networks like Mediavine or AdThrive once your site has enough traffic. Pro members get deeper lessons about creating info products, running email funnels, and split testing for higher revenue.
The main difference: TASS 3.0 offers a clear, linear beginner roadmap, which is great if you’d be overwhelmed by too many choices. Authority Hacker Pro gives you a toolbox of advanced tactics, ready-to-use systems, and deeper tutorials aimed at making you a more effective, independent operator.
Are People Actually Getting Results?
I spent a lot of time combing Authority Hacker’s own case studies, watching their webinars, and talking with real users. They consistently share examples of students growing real $1k–$10k/month websites, with some standout six-figure site flips and exits. These case studies usually show the whole story: initial niche choice, traffic numbers, expenses, earnings breakdown, and screenshots for proof. The private Facebook group and community areas also have genuine discussions about wins, struggles, penalties, and market changes. I see real people celebrating wins, but also talking about slow months and roadblocks, honestly.
But there’s a reality check here. Success takes time. Often, at least 12 to 24 months of regular content publishing, link building, and learning from mistakes. Many students buy the program and then never follow through, something Gael and Mark themselves call the “shelfware effect.” It’s easy to get excited, binge a few modules, then stall out as soon as other life priorities or unexpected challenges hit. Those who do stick with the whole process and apply the learning stand the best chance at hitting meaningful revenue milestones, but the path isn’t short or easy.
Who Should Consider Authority Hacker?
If you’re thinking about joining, here’s who usually benefits most:
- Intermediate Bloggers and Affiliate Marketers: You have some experience with websites or blogging and want to take things to the next level, either with a new project or revamping an existing site.
- People Who Want to Go Deep on SEO: You’re ready to get serious about keyword research, link building, and creating authority-style content that can reach page one for competitive topics. You enjoy testing, tweaking, and following processes.
- Solo Entrepreneurs with Time and a Budget: You can invest $1,000–$2,500 upfront, plus ongoing costs for content and tools, and are willing to work steadily for 12-24 months to see strong results. Authority Hacker works best if you treat it like a business, not a side hobby.
- Portfolio Builders and Agency Owners: If you already run one or more sites and want repeatable systems, Pro gives you templates and frameworks to scale up faster and avoid common bottlenecks.
Authority Hacker is usually not right for:
- Absolute beginners who have zero cash to spend or aren’t comfortable using WordPress.
- People who want fast wins or quick payouts. SEO takes time, effort, and patience before you’ll see real money.
- Anyone who prefers a low-pressure, slower-paced community with lots of general handholding (something like Wealthy Affiliate might be a better fit for that).
Compared to something like Wealthy Affiliate (WA), which is cheaper and ultra beginner-friendly, Authority Hacker goes much deeper into actual SEO tactics, white hat link building, and running authority sites as a real business. WA might get you started if you’ve never touched WordPress or content sites before, but AH takes you well beyond the basics and pushes you to compete for real affiliate dollars.
Breaking Down the Cost and Refund Policy
Pricing is one of the top reasons people hesitate to enrol. Here’s how it works as of early 2024:
- The Authority Site System (TASS 3.0): Around $997. This is a one-time payment for lifetime access. It’s open for enrolment year-round.
- Authority Hacker Pro: Around $2,497. This gets you full access for life but is only open for signups 1-2 times each year, usually for about one week at a time. No recurring payments once you’re in, but you’ll need to wait if enrolment is closed.
- Refunds: Both courses come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you jump in but realise it’s not what you expected, you can get a refund within the window by emailing their support. Keep in mind that once the 30 days are over, there is no partial refund even if you decide the course is not for you later on.
Compared to platforms like Wealthy Affiliate (which costs $49/month or $497/year for premium access, and offers a free beginner level), Authority Hacker is way more expensive up front. But the material is deeper, more specialised, and designed for people who want to treat their site like a real business from day one. The cost can be justified if you follow through, but it is a bigger leap than most beginner programs.
Authority Hacker Review - Pros and Cons
I want to highlight some of the main strengths and drawbacks that I’ve found using Authority Hacker’s programs, both from my own tests and wider community feedback:
Pros:
- Founders have real-world authority site success, not just theory
- Training is clear, updated, and detailed, with no fluff or outdated advice
- Systems are actionable, offering processes that make sense and save you from rookie mistakes
- Community is smart and active, including direct support from Mark and Gael
- Lots of real case studies, so you see the process and results from real people
Cons:
- High upfront cost, especially for beginners or those unsure if they’ll stick it out
- You need to invest more in tools, content, and sometimes freelance help, which adds up
- SEO focus means you need to wait months for results, with no instant rewards
- Learning curve feels steep if you’re brand new to WordPress or serious keyword research
- Authority Hacker Pro is only available during open windows, which means you might need to wait months to enrol
Deep Dive: What Do You Actually Get in TASS 3.0 and AH Pro?
It helps to see exactly what you’re paying for, so here’s a more detailed breakdown of what’s inside each package (as of June 2024):
TASS 3.0 – The Authority Site System
- 13+ core modules, each broken down into short, easy-to-watch videos with clear action steps
- Lessons cover: niche research, domain registration, site setup, keyword selection, content frameworks, writing or outsourcing articles, technical SEO, outreach and link building, monetisation options, traffic analytics, and next steps
- Practical checklists and swipe files at every step, so you never feel lost
- Instead of theoretical lectures, almost every lesson focuses on “do this now, here’s how”
- Access to the exclusive Facebook group and private community, where you can post questions and often get answers from trainers and peers within the day
- Bonus recordings (case studies, AMA sessions, guest expert interviews, and walkthroughs of live projects)
Authority Hacker Pro
- Full library of Advanced Blueprints, over 20 detailed systems for advanced link building, content scaling, sales funnels, email marketing, building info products, and more
- Advanced templates and SOPs for every major website process. You don’t have to guess what to do next, just copy and customise for your site
- Monthly live webinars and Q&A with Mark, Gael, and guest industry experts
- Deeper technical and conversion-focused content (like advanced on-page SEO tweaks, split testing, hiring/managing teams, advanced site audits, and content updating strategies)
- A private area for peer networking and accountability. I’ve used the group for brainstorming and getting honest feedback
Both products get regular content updates and sometimes totally new systems as Authority Hacker tests new strategies in their own real-world projects.
Student Results: Success Stories, Challenges, and Shelfware
Authority Hacker has produced plenty of successful students, and they are not shy about sharing those stories. You’ll see examples of students showing:
- Sites that went from zero to $1k, $5k, or even $10k+ per month after 18-30 months
- Stories of site sales and flips, where students pocketed six-figure exits
- People launching small content sites that turn into passive $500-$2,000/month income streams on the side
These results don’t come easy. Some students hit their goals, but many others end up buying the course and never fully finishing or even starting. Life happens, motivation drops, or things feel overwhelming once the excitement of signing up fades. Gael and Mark regularly remind students that building authority sites is a marathon, not a sprint. That honesty is refreshing, but it does mean you need to be extremely self-driven to make the most of your investment.
Is Authority Hacker the Best Fit for You?
After spending so much time inside these programs, the biggest question remains: who is actually the target audience?
If you want to get as deep as possible into the world of authority site building, make use of high-level SEO, and treat your site as a real business, I think Authority Hacker is one of the most detailed resources out there. It helps if you already have a small website running, or have tried content publishing and want to professionalise your approach. Experienced solopreneurs, SEO agency operators, and freelance marketers looking to build agencies or flip sites can all take things up a notch here.
If, on the other hand, you’re just dipping your toes into online business, have little or no capital to invest, or worry about staying motivated for months, the big price tag makes Authority Hacker a risky entry point. For a more forgiving starting ground, Wealthy Affiliate or a free/cheap intro course could help you build confidence and basic skills first. Once you have a couple of months’ experience under your belt, moving into Authority Hacker can make a bigger impact.
Comparing Authority Hacker to Wealthy Affiliate
This is a question I get almost every week: Why pay so much for Authority Hacker instead of just signing up for Wealthy Affiliate (WA)?
I see WA as a great starting place for total beginners. It offers more general handholding, covers everything from scratch, and has a huge community and lots of support. You can even start for free, which removes the money worry in the early days. The lessons in WA cover the foundations of internet marketing, WordPress, niche selection, and building basic affiliate websites.
But once you want to get into advanced keyword research, top-tier link building, building genuinely competitive sites, or scaling into multiple six-figure assets, Authority Hacker covers way more ground. It’s more technical, more current, and far more focused on getting you competing at a higher level in SEO driven affiliate markets. For many successful affiliate marketers, the smart combo is to start with Wealthy Affiliate so you can learn the ropes on a budget, then graduate to Authority Hacker once you know you’re all in for the long run.
Authority Hacker Community & Support
I’ve found the Authority Hacker community is particularly strong, especially in the Pro group. Active Facebook groups, regular webinars, peer accountability threads, and expert Q&As provide genuinely useful feedback and troubleshooting. This community aspect becomes even more important as you get deeper into advanced site building, since troubleshooting technical SEO, algorithm updates, or monetisation tweaks can get lonely without knowledgeable peers.
If you value learning alongside driven, technically minded peers and getting direct answers instead of generic support, Authority Hacker’s community is a big selling point.
Ongoing Updates: Staying Ahead in SEO
SEO changes constantly, and something that worked last year might be risky or useless this year. One thing I always watch for in any course is whether the creators update their material. In my experience, Authority Hacker has one of the best track records for updating their content, especially after major Google algorithm changes or when new tactics prove themselves out in the wild. This is especially important for link building, on-page SEO, and even monetisation options as networks change their rules.
The team is proactive about recording new modules, issuing course updates, or even warning students away from anything that’s started to put sites at risk. That’s a strong signal you’re not getting advice that’s past its use-by date.
What You Need to Succeed with Authority Hacker
From my own experience and by reviewing scores of student reviews and forum posts, here are the keys to making the most of Authority Hacker’s courses:
- You need to commit serious time each week (6–10 hours minimum, ideally more)
- You’ll need a content budget. Even if you write everything yourself, you’ll eventually need money for hosting, tools, and some outsourced content or outreach
- It helps if you enjoy researching, writing, and thinking strategically
- Patience is super important. Expect to work 6–12 months before seeing meaningful returns
- If you’re not technical or hate WordPress, there will be a learning curve
- Being comfortable learning independently and taking action on unclear instructions will help a lot
Is Authority Hacker Worth the Money?
For some people, Authority Hacker will absolutely be worth the money. If you’re clear about your goals, ready to get deep, and peace of mind is worth more than months or years wasted chasing tactics that don’t work, Authority Hacker gives you an organised roadmap from beginner to advanced SEO earner.
On the other hand, it can feel expensive or even overwhelming if you’re not ready to put in consistent effort. It’s not the place for dabblers or anyone hoping for fast money. If you don’t follow through, you risk buying another “shelfware” program that sits untouched. Your own follow-through, budget, and patience are the most important factors.
My Final Thoughts
Authority Hacker Pro and TASS 3.0 deliver real, high-quality training for building authority sites that can earn life-changing income in the right hands. The founders have plenty of experience, the strategies are updated, and the student community provides strong support and accountability. Most importantly, you’re not buying outdated or fluffy info. Everything provided aims to get you real results, as long as you do the work.
If you’re serious about SEO driven authority sites, already have some experience, and are ready to invest both time and money, Authority Hacker is likely one of the best value-for-money programs out there. For absolute beginners, or anyone on a strict budget, I personally suggest starting with Wealthy Affiliate, which lets you dip your toes in for free and covers the absolute basics. That way, you can see if this world excites you, and you can always step things up to Authority Hacker as your confidence and ambition grow.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are brand new to affiliate marketing and want the option to start risk-free, I recommend giving Wealthy Affiliate a try first. It’s free to join, super user-friendly, and gives you a complete walkthrough from niche selection all the way to your first site and first commission. If you fall in love with the business model and want to dig deeper, Authority Hacker will be waiting for you when you’re ready for bigger challenges.
🚀 Ready to Start Without Risk?
If you’re brand new to affiliate marketing, Wealthy Affiliate is the best place to begin. It’s free to join, beginner-friendly, and gives you everything you need to launch your first site.
Start for Free with Wealthy Affiliate Today
