If you want the low-down on Wealthy Affiliate and whether it’s worth your time and effort, you have come to the right place! I started my Wealthy Affiliate adventure eight years ago, searching for a real way to build an online business with zero upfront costs and plenty of practical support.
FULLY UPDATED TO REFLECT THE RECENT CHANGES IN WEALTHY AFFILIATE
Looking back now, as someone who has grown three successful online businesses through this platform, I’ve seen Wealthy Affiliate change into one of the strongest choices for starting an internet business from scratch that there is. And it’s still growing and developing to meet the needs of its members.
In this Wealthy Affiliate review, I’m sharing my personal experience, the key updates for 2025-26, and everything you should know before joining.
This review contains some affiliate links. If you join Wealthy Affiliate through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps me keep this site running — thank you for your support!
Quick Facts
- Platform Name: Wealthy Affiliate
- URL: WealthyAffiliate.com
- Starter Plan: $0 Free
- Premium Plus: $99/month or $497 per year (saving $691 annually) – Black Friday offers available
- Community: Over 2.9 million active members
- Best For: Beginners, bloggers, affiliate marketers, online entrepreneurs
- Trustpilot rating: 4.7/5
- My Rating: 4.9/5
Free Trial Available: Yes, start with a free membership and $10 in free AI credits (no credit card needed)
What Wealthy Affiliate Offers in 2025-26
Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one training and website platform for people who want to build a business online.
It teaches you how to:
- Find your niche
- Build your own website
- Create helpful content
- Attract visitors through SEO
- Earn money through affiliate marketing and other income streams
And it gives you the tools to actually do it — inside the same place you’re learning. You don’t have to juggle multiple subscriptions or confusing tech setups.
This is one of the things I love most because everything I need to launch and grow a business is right inside the WA dashboard.
You can join for free, but if you decide to become a full member (Premium Plus), you get:
- Step-by-step and up-to-date training covering affiliate marketing, blogging, local SEO, ecommerce, and more
- Website hosting for WordPress sites (with advanced security and speed optimisation)
- Live and replay classes from experts (over 400 per year)
- A research suite for finding profitable keywords and niches (Jaaxy)
- Business ‘Hub’ builder with templates and AI-powered writing assistants
- DesignPop – a powerful AI tool for creating impressive logos
- Image Studio (Coming soon) to create the images you need
- 24/7 support and a responsive community forum
- Tools for managing and tracking affiliate programmes
- Their own affiliate programme
The Founders and Mission of Wealthy Affiliate
Wealthy Affiliate was created by Kyle Loudoun and Carson Lim in 2005 with a focus on teaching real people how to make money online, not just selling courses. Their backgrounds are in computer science and affiliate marketing, and their approach is genuinely hands-on. Most days, you’ll see them active inside the site, responding to community questions and rolling out updates.
This kind of leadership really stands out to me. Over eight years, I’ve watched them change the platform based on member feedback, keeping training fresh and tools modern, without unnecessary upsells. The core principle is giving people what they actually need, rather than locking features behind endless upgrades.
If you ever want to ask them questions or suggest a feature, you can reach Kyle and Carson from within the site itself, and they respond personally. They remain approachable and always involved at the grassroots level in moving the community forward, which is not something you can say for many CEOs today.
Here’s why I think this works:
- Kyle and Carson genuinely care about their members
- The training and tools are practical and easy to use, especially with the advent of AI
- The pricing is easy and transparent, and you get a lot of value for your money
- They ask the membership for feedback and evolve their products and services based on what the community wants
Maybe this is why they have just celebrated 20 years in the business!
So what do you get for FREE?
Some people say that ‘nothing is free’ but you can genuinely join as a starter member with just your name and email address. Then you have access to:
The Core Training: From Complete Beginner to Business Owner
You don’t need a credit card to join as a starter member, but when you do, you get access to much of the platform, so you get to see for yourself what it’s about. Here you can start straight away with the first phase of WA’s Core Training, “Phase 1: Getting Started” (included with Starter).
There are video and text lessons and it gently walks you through choosing your niche, building your first website, setting up your brand and writing your very first piece of content using WA’s modern AI tools. And you can achieve all of that within the first six lessons.
You can see the environment from the screenshot below and the first 6 lessons in the box on the right.
You also get access to the WA community, which, in my book, is second to none. Here you can interact with other members, read their blogs and trainings, and use the tools such as DesignPop and Jaaxy. I have always found it to be a very positive and uplifting experience.
Major benefits I’ve found from the core training include:
- Actionable steps from day one (I launched my first website in less than an hour)
- Clear explanations with regular updates
- Direct links to the tools and features you’ll need for each lesson
- Accessible support and feedback at every step
Upgrading to Full Premium Plus Membership
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, there are three more phases (Premium Plus membership required) that guide you step by step as you build and grow your online business:
- Phase 2: Your Brand & Content (Premium)
- Phase 3: Growth & Momentum (Premium)
- Phase 4: Making Money & Scaling (Premium)
So even if you’re brand new to all of this, you’re not thrown into the deep end. The training takes you from choosing a topic you care about to launching a website you’re proud of, and publishing helpful content that can attract real visitors.
A great new addition is the ‘Business Hub‘ system, which gives you a structured workspace to organise your ideas, build content, and connect research as you develop your business. All this happens within your site dashboard. For me, this made a massive difference in staying focused and measuring progress.
Here’s a screenshot from within one of my own hubs, and you can see that there are suggestions for research, blog topics and ideas. These all link through to the AI-content writer to help you write articles even if you have no experience at all.
The platform teaches the fundamentals of affiliate marketing, such as:
- How to write helpful content
- How to improve SEO
- Building a brand
- Suggesting affiliate products to promote
- How to find appropriate keywords
If you’re totally new, you never feel lost. If you’re more experienced like I am now, there are advanced techniques, case studies, and technical modules on things like schema, site speed, or using AI for content generation.
Other Tools You Get
One of the best things about WA, as I’ve said, is the array of tools you can use, which include:
Expert video classes, ongoing learning and 12 specific communities: Everything from SEO to Pinterest and YouTube – expert lessons, case studies and practical advice from people actually doing it
Keyword and Market Research Tools: Access to a powerful keyword research tool for suggesting and analysing keywords and niche ideas.
AI Article Design & Author platform: You get a choice of AI authors to help outline, draft, and improve your writing, and it includes image generation
Website Hosting and Security: Core Web Vitals friendly with automatic SSL, daily backups, virus scanning, and a strong firewall protecting your sites with 24/7 site support. With the Starter plan, you get hosting for one free site. Premium Plus allows up to 10 domains. However, the best advice is to concentrate on one site at a time
DesignPop: Impressive AI logo creation in a few minutes based on your inputs
Image Studio: (Coming soon) Image generation using the latest AI models
The WA Community: This is worth the membership price on its own!
A Word About The WA Community
I have to write about the amazing Wealthy Affiliate community separately, as it is one of the most valuable parts of the experience. I wouldn’t call it a forum because they can just feel impersonal. At WA, you get live chat, direct messaging, webinars, mentoring requests, and even private coaching from your sponsor. I’ve connected with other members at every stage, from absolute beginners to six-figure earners. The atmosphere is very friendly and supportive, with no spammy promotions or intimidation.
You can also earn credits to use in WA (or you can cash out) by contributing within the community. So you can start subsidising your monthly membership from day one by being an active member of the community. Many members I know subsidise or totally pay for their membership on a monthly basis by helping others in this way.
Any time I’ve had a problem or question, someone has responded within minutes. Whether you’re stuck with technical issues, SEO queries, niche ideas, or just need motivation, you’ll find real help from people who’ve been through exactly what you’re facing. The culture is about sharing wins, failures, and advice honestly and openly.
I love blogging at WA and have shared my Business Mindset Matters course there.
I have also made many wonderful friends from all over the world.
The Different Membership Levels Explained
WA is very transparent, and there are no hidden upsells or teaser add-ons – pricing is clearly laid out. You can be a starter member or upgrade to Premium Plus Membership.
Starter Membership
This is completely free, forever. No credit card required. You get hosting for one site on a .siterubix.com domain, access to essential beginner training, live chat, and direct help. It’s ideal for trying out the platform and building your first website from the ground up.
Premium Plus Membership
This is a simple $99 per month if you upgrade monthly, but you can save $691 by going with the annual upgrade at $497 per year. This is designed to give people access to many more tools once they understand the platform and they are serious about starting and running their online businesses. Premium Plus members can host 10 sites. Prices are shown in USD because it’s a global programme, but you can pay in GBP (or a few other currencies) and the price adjusts automatically.
AI Credits
As a Premium member, you get 60,000 AI credits each month to use with the tools, and I have never run out of credits yet. A typical AI article may cost 1250 credits and a DesignPop logo, about 400 credits. There are also weekly competitions to win additional credits, and these have been a great help too. And you can earn credits by participating in the community.
So… is Wealthy Affiliate worth it? My answer to this question is an unequivocal YES!
My 8-Year Wealthy Affiliate Story
When I joined back in 2017, my main goal was to earn my first commission online. I didn’t have a technical background or much to invest, so I started with the free account. I built my very first blog using their site builder, followed the beginner training, and published my first post within a week. It took a few months to get traffic. After seeing my website get its first visitors and my first sale, I knew the system worked.
Since then, I’ve launched two more sites in different niches. Each business has grown, with my knowledge and income expanding along the way. For me, the real value comes from the community support and having all the latest strategies and tools in one place.
My own membership has been self-sustaining since the first year, with earnings from my websites and affiliate work easily covering the recurring fee. I know first-hand what it’s like to go from a total beginner to building a business that supports itself. I’m happy to share how this community and its resources have worked for me, and how the platform has truly given my business a boost year after year. And I intend to stay here for many years more.
Who Wealthy Affiliate Is Best For
In my experience, Wealthy Affiliate works best for:
- Total beginners who want a step-by-step system they can actually follow
- Bloggers and website owners interested in affiliate income or expanding their content and skills
- Side hustlers and freelancers wanting to build niche authority sites with low upfront costs
- Coaches, consultants, or bricks-and-mortar businesses wanting a web presence
- Anyone frustrated with piecing together conflicting advice, expensive courses, or unreliable hosting
If you have some technical knowledge or existing website experience, you’ll still find value in the latest research, advanced tools, and the active network of business builders. For complete newcomers, the clear steps and fast support really give you a boost in confidence.
Some people could possibly be overwhelmed by the sheer amount you can learn, but my advice is to follow through the steps in order and do the tasks set out in the training, one at a time. That way, you can stay focused and build your business from the ground up, the right way.
What Wealthy Affiliate Does NOT Do
I want to be transparent about what is not included or what you should not expect:
- No “overnight riches” promises. The platform delivers real skills and results only if you take consistent action – but that’s like any business, isn’t it?
- It’s not a done-for-you business. You’ll need to put in effort, write content, and follow the provided guidance, although with the advent of AI, this gets easier and easier
- It is not a get-rich-quick scheme or high-pressure selling system with costly add-ons
- You still need to invest time to see results, typically 3 to 12 months for your first notable earnings, sometimes longer depending on niche and work rate, but patience and perseverance pay off in the end
So, if you’re looking to make a ‘quick buck’ or are not really willing to invest your own time or money into your business, I guess this will not work for you.
Member Success Stories and Community Results
Thousands of other members share their stories inside the platform every day. Some have replaced full-time incomes, others have sold their sites for life-changing sums, and others use their projects as a steady side income. I find the member blogs inspiring, as they share monthly stats, wins, failures, and advice without showing off or pushing products.
I personally know members who have gone from never building a website to creating multiple income streams in less than two years. The level of practical support and encouragement is one of the reasons so many people stay active here year after year.
Getting Started: My Best Tips for Success
If you’re on the fence about joining, my advice is to start with the free account and go through the first few training tasks. Here’s what I recommend to make the most of your progress from day one:
- Choose a niche you’re genuinely interested in, even if it’s not super popular
- Follow the training step by step, resisting the urge to skip ahead
- Interact with the community, ask questions, and read member blogs
- Set simple, daily goals: writing one article, modifying your site, or joining a webinar
- Stick with it for at least 30 days before making a judgment. You’ll be surprised by your progress
Building an online business takes time and learning, but Wealthy Affiliate gives you the best possible support along the way. If I can do it from a standing start, you can too.
How Wealthy Affiliate Ensures Trust and Quality
I know how hard it can be to find honest guidance online. After eight years inside the Wealthy Affiliate community, I can personally stand up for the platform’s security, commitment to user privacy, and high standards of ethics. No one pressures you to upgrade, and spam or fake success stories are removed quickly by moderators.
And I genuinely love what the founders are trying to do – they have their members in mind, always.
WA is my No. 1 Personal Recommendation
If you’re looking to start a real, sustainable online business in 2025-26, Wealthy Affiliate continues to provide everything you will need: up-to-date, practical training, robust hosting, effective keyword and market tools, and genuine support.
My eight-year adventure has been full of learning curves, but I wouldn’t have built three successful businesses or had my membership pay for itself from year one without this support system.
If you are ready to see for yourself, give the free Starter plan a shot. Set up your first website, go through the first training modules, and connect with other members. The experience is risk-free, honest, and designed to help you actually see results, not just buy a dream. I’m still inside the platform every week, happy to answer questions or share specific tips if you get stuck.
If you want to ask me anything about Wealthy Affiliate or online business, just leave a comment or connect with me on the inside. The next eight years could be just as transformative for you as they’ve been for me.
Not ready to start yet? Explore more of this site – start here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any technical skills to start?
No. If you can click, type, and follow simple steps, you can build a website using the training. Wealthy Affiliate is designed with beginners in mind and shows you everything one step at a time.
Can I really start for free?
Yes! You can join as a free Starter member and try the first level of training, build your first website, and explore the tools before deciding whether it’s right for you. No credit card needed.
How long does it take to make money?
It depends on how consistently you work and how quickly your content grows. Most people don’t earn overnight, but within a few months of steady effort, you’ll start seeing progress. The more quality content you create, the faster your results.
What kind of websites can I build?
Almost anything. You can choose a topic you care about such as a hobby you love, a subject you teach, a product type you use. WA helps you turn your interests into a business through helpful content and affiliate partnerships.
What makes Wealthy Affiliate different?
Two things: the community and the learning environment. You’re not learning from random YouTube videos or trying to piece things together. You have specific and ordered training, AI tools, hosting, support, and real people all in one place, giving you everything you need to succeed.
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What a story! Reading about your 8-year journey is both inspiring and grounding. It highlights that this isn’t a “get-rich-quick” scheme but a legitimate business model that requires persistence. Your point about the early struggles with site quality and SEO really hit home—it’s a reminder that everyone starts somewhere and the key is to keep learning and applying. Thanks for keeping it real and showing what’s possible with long-term commitment!
Hi Cian. Thanks for your kind comments. I think that it is important to be real and honest because that is what I would like from other people. I love Wealthy Affiliate and it has worked for me, so I’m very happy to recommend it and tell my story. I just hope that it can help other people too. Thanks for reading and leaving your comments. All the best with your own online journey if that is what you are doing. Gail
This was an excellent and thorough review, Gail. I appreciate how you mixed personal experience with clear updates about the platform today. Your story gives real credibility to WA’s long-term value, especially for those who’ve been burned by quick-fix programs.
I’m curious, which of the newer 2025-26 tools—like the Business Hub or DesignPop—do you feel made the biggest difference in how you now build and manage your online businesses? I’d like to know because I am also a user of the same tools as a Premium Plus+ member.
John
Hi John. Thanks for your comments on this post. I think you’re right in that there are a lot of programmes out there that promise a lot, cost a lot, but deliver nothing. Wealthy Affiliate is definitely not one of those programmes which is why I recommend it.
To answer your question, I think it is the AI tools that work best for me because it can really cut hours from your work schedule. I’m also really looking forward to the Image Studio release as I think this will also be a game-changer. What are your favourites? Gail