If you want to make money online, affiliate marketing can be a great way to do this if you do it correctly.
Two of the most popular courses that teach this to beginners are Authority Site System (TASS) and Wealthy Affiliate.
I’ve invested in both courses and have gone through all the training they have to offer, and I have been a member of both for several years.
I can tell you right away that both are legit and definitely at a higher level than any other affiliate marketing course I have tested.
But obviously, you cannot invest in both if you are just getting started, so you need to find the right option for YOU.
Now, this isn’t just about weighing pros and cons; it’s about getting you, especially if you’re a beginner, to the right starting blocks in the affiliate marketing world.
Based on my years of experience with affiliate marketing and both programs, I will help you get an overview by putting Authority Site System vs Wealthy Affiliate so you can find the right option for YOU.
Here’s first a comparison chart to give you a quick overview before diving deeper into all the details:
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Intro to Authority Site System (TASS) and Wealthy Affiliate
Both Authority Site System and Wealthy Affiliate are programs meant to help beginners make money online via affiliate marketing. And I have seen many people have great results with both systems.
One thing I really like about both courses is that the creators are honest and focus on quality. I have actually met both the two owners of TASS and the two owners of WA in person, and they are as honest and solid as they come.
In a space with countless ‘experts’ peddling shortcuts to success, this is a rare thing. These two platforms have carved out their legitimacy with integrity and hard work. They provide real value, and that’s what we’re drilling down into today.
In the following sections, I’m going to guide you through a detailed side-by-side look at both programs’ features, pricing, and the all-important context behind them.
You’re going to find out what makes each tick and why one might be a smarter bet than the other for those just setting foot in the arena of affiliate marketing.
Features & Pricing: Wealthy Affiliate vs. Authority Site System 3.0
Looking squarely at what you’re getting for your investment, let’s break down the features and pricing of both Wealthy Affiliate (WA) and The Authority Site System 3.0 (TASS).
Wealthy Affiliate features & pricing:
You’re getting a comprehensive training platform that’s set up to guide you from a newbie to a savvy affiliate marketer. Part of its charm is the free starter account, giving you a no-commitment taste of what’s on offer. From there, a premium membership starts at $49 per month, covering a range of tools and educational resources.
The platform recently introduced ‘Hubs’, which serve as idea generators and new AI-powered tools to streamline your business. You’ll have access to training that spans the spectrum of affiliate marketing experience levels, ensuring you can continue to learn and grow with your business. And unlike just consuming knowledge, you’re given platforms to apply these lessons directly to your website, which, by the way, you can build within Wealthy Affiliate’s system itself.
You also get state-of-the-art hosting services and website building tools. Wealthy Affiliate also gives you access to an integrated keyword research tool, so you can dig into what your audience is searching for without additional fees.
If you hit a snag or two, there’s a global community at your back, combined with coaching and 24/7 support to get you through any storm. And there is also advanced training available for when you’re ready to step up your digital marketing game, and new classes are added every week.
Also, the core training inside Wealthy Affiliate is updated every 6-8 weeks, so you are sure you will always get updated training.
The Authority Site System 3.0 features:
Now, in the other corner, we have The Authority Site System 3.0 by Authority Hacker, priced at $1499 (sometimes they offer a 60% discount).
It’s a significant one-time payment but offers a focused menu for building authoritative niche websites. Their step-by-step video training is great and can be an excellent resource for those committed to making their mark in the online world.
The training is regularly updated (not as often as WA’s training, though), and once you have paid the one-time fee, you will get access to all future updates.
As for support, you get access to a Facebook group where other members can help you if you have any questions, and the owners also regularly participate here.
Seeing as these two don’t operate on the ‘done for you’ mantra and they keep upsells at bay, they’re both refreshing in an industry that can sometimes feel like a carousel of hidden costs.
Features + pricing comparison conclusion:
This next part is crucial: despite their different approaches, both Wealthy Affiliate and The Authority Site System 3.0 are often seen as ‘one-stop shops’ for affiliate marketing training.
Still, it’s clear that price-wise, Wealthy Affiliate edges out with more inclusions and a platform designed for continuous learning and growth.
With a WA membership, you get access to not only training but also the tools you need to build a business from scratch. You do not need to invest in anything else.
With TASS, you get access to training, but you need to go out and invest further in several other tools like hosting, keyword tools, and a few other tools they recommend.
Critical Analysis: Value for Money and the Perils of ‘Done for You’ Promises
Now, let’s talk value for money and why shying away from ‘done for you’ systems is essential.
Both Wealthy Affiliate and Authority Site System 3.0 steer clear of unrealistic shortcuts to success. Instead, they focus on imparting actual knowledge and building skills that pay off over time.
Many courses in the market lure beginners with the promise of quick returns for minimal effort. They offer a low entry price but soon reveal a series of expensive upsells, which is seldom mentioned upfront. This isn’t about disdain for these programs but about the commitment to transparency and progressive learning.
In contrast, the foundations of both Wealthy Affiliate and TASS are built on the importance of niche selection and authentic effort. These two elements are non-negotiable in laying the groundwork for a profitable affiliate marketing venture.
Discouraging ‘done for you’ systems isn’t just about the hidden costs. It’s also about ensuring that you, as a learner, are hands-on in your business and understand the intricacies of affiliate marketing. You’re going to find out about the effort involved and the genuine work needed to build a website that truly ranks and attracts traffic.
Moreover, both courses encourage students to look for niches that align with their interests because that’s how you can sustain effort in the long run. They also guide you through essential tasks such as keyword research, which allows you to pinpoint what your potential audience is looking for.
A high-cost course could be tempting, often mistaken for a quality guarantee. Nevertheless, I’m here to help you understand that price should not be the sole determinant. There are no shortcuts in this business, and even the most expensive programs can lack substance if not backed by substantial training and support.
Therefore, it’s significant for beginners to consider trial periods or guarantees when opting for an affiliate marketing course. This way, you ensure that you’re not sinking costs into something that might not be a fit for you. It’s about finding that sweet spot where quality training meets reasonable investment.
Making the Right Choice for Beginners: A Personal Recommendation
I understand the excitement and the overwhelm that comes with starting out in affiliate marketing.
It’s natural to look for the best course that promises to lead you to success. Having paid for and completed both Wealthy Affiliate and The Authority Site System 3.0, I’ve seen firsthand what they have to offer.
In my opinion, when it comes to value for your investment and a gentle learning curve, Wealthy Affiliate wins the round for beginners. Its affordability is great for anyone just dipping their toes in the waters of affiliate marketing. Unlike many other platforms, Wealthy Affiliate doesn’t lure you with a low price only to introduce steep upsells down the line.
Your first attempt at building an affiliate business doesn’t need to appeal to perfection but to progress. With Wealthy Affiliate, progress is possible at a pace and price that won’t overwhelm you. From the get-go, you’re equipped with tools and support that many other platforms charge extra for. The freedom of starting with a zero-cost account is something you can’t overlook.
Authority Site System 3.0 also stands out with top-notch quality training. If you have the funds, it is undeniably a solid choice. However, as a beginner, you might find the high upfront cost daunting and certain aspects of the course more challenging right out of the gate as it is not as beginner-friendly as the Wealthy Affiliate training, in my opinion.
Personally, I feel TASS overwhelms you quite a bit already from the start when choosing your topic/niche to build your business around. They make this overly complicated and teach you an approach that can take weeks to go through. I am not saying it does not work, but it can be a turn-off for beginners.
On the contrary, WA teaches a very straightforward approach that will help you find a topic/niche very easily by using AI tools and simple techniques.
In conclusion, I’m advising a path that smoothens your entry into affiliate marketing. Wealthy Affiliate provides a more comfortable and less risky approach. It’s not just about the cost-effective training; it’s also about the comprehensive tools, constantly updated training, and support that come without extra charges.
For beginners eager to start without a heavy financial burden, Wealthy Affiliate is, in my book, the best option.
