Authority Site System Review 2026 – What Happened After It Closed?

Building a profitable blog sounds simple until you hit SEO, analytics, and endless keyword tools.

That’s where The Authority Site System (TASS) by Gael Breton and Mark Webster steps in. It promises to turn the chaos into a clear, repeatable process.

If you’ve been learning through trial and error, or jumping between YouTube tutorials without much traction, this course claims to give you a proven roadmap. But does it really deliver?

In this review, I’ll share what’s inside, who it’s best for, and whether it’s worth the $997 price tag.

You’ll also see how it compares to other trusted programs like Wealthy Affiliate, Fat Stacks, and Blog Growth Engine – so you can decide which one fits your goals, budget, and family life.

Editor’s Note: The Authority Site System officially closed to new enrolments in December 2024. This review remains for reference and comparison purposes. If you’re seeking active blogging and SEO training, consider Wealthy Affiliate or Authority Hacker’s current tools, like VIP Vault and AI Accelerator.

What Is The Authority Site System (TASS)?

The Authority Site System (TASS) is a step-by-step SEO training program from Authority Hacker, built to teach you how to create and grow profitable websites that attract consistent traffic and income.

The course walks you through every part of the process. From choosing a niche and building your site to creating content, earning backlinks, and monetising through ads or affiliate links.

Unlike many SEO courses that stay high-level or theory-based, TASS is packed with video tutorials, templates, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) you can follow and repeat.

Each module builds on the last, creating a full system rather than a mix of scattered lessons.

If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to connect all the pieces of blogging – hosting, keywords, writing, SEO, and scaling – TASS ties them together in one logical path.

For parents or side-hustlers, the biggest draw is structure. You always know what to do next, which saves hours of second-guessing and Google searching.

Who Created The Authority Site System?

TASS was created by Gael Breton and Mark Webster, the founders of Authority Hacker, one of the most respected names in the blogging and SEO world.

They’ve been building and selling authority sites since the early 2010s and are known for their no-nonsense teaching style, in-depth testing, and willingness to show real data.

Before launching TASS, Gael and Mark ran multiple six-figure content sites and documented everything – both the wins and the failures – to develop a framework that others could follow.

Their podcasts, blog posts, and YouTube videos reach thousands of marketers and bloggers every month, building a reputation for clear, transparent, and practical advice rather than hype.

They continue to update the course regularly to match SEO changes and Google’s latest updates, which helps keep the content relevant long after you enrol.

Is The Authority Site System a Scam?

No, The Authority Site System (TASS) is not a scam.

It’s one of the most established and transparent SEO training programs available today, with thousands of verified students and a strong reputation built over nearly a decade.

Authority Hacker has a long track record of publishing real data, detailed case studies, and free educational content that mirrors the quality of the paid course.

There are no fake promises or “get rich fast” claims. Gael and Mark are upfront about the fact that success takes time, patience, and consistent work.

TASS also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you a fair window to explore the content and decide if it’s right for you.

For anyone cautious about investing in online courses, that refund policy adds a real layer of reassurance.

Overall, it’s one of the few programs that genuinely balances professional-level SEO training with ethical marketing, which explains why it’s often recommended alongside Wealthy Affiliate and Fat Stacks as a reliable path for building long-term online income.

How Does The Authority Site System Work?

The Authority Site System is designed as a linear, step-by-step framework.

You log in, start at the first module, and follow a clear process from zero to a monetised authority site.

Here’s how it’s structured:

Module 1: Choosing a Profitable Niche

Learn how to find a niche that balances passion, search potential, and monetisation opportunities. Includes keyword and competition research templates.

Module 2: Setting Up Your Website

Walkthrough for domain selection, hosting setup, and WordPress installation. You’ll also learn site structure and essential plugins for SEO.

Module 3: Creating High-Quality Content

Covers writing, formatting, and optimising blog posts for both readers and Google. Includes templates, on-page SEO checklists, and real examples.

Module 4: On-Page and Technical SEO

Teaches internal linking, schema markup, site speed, and crawlability so your content performs well in search engines.

Module 5: Link Building and Outreach

Guides you through ethical link-building techniques like guest posts, HARO outreach, and relationship networking.

Module 6: Monetisation

Explains affiliate marketing, ad revenue, and product creation. Showing where to start and how to scale as traffic grows.

Module 7: Scaling and Outsourcing

Helps you create systems, hire writers, and use Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to free up time and grow your site sustainably.

Module 8: Site Health and Tracking

Shows how to track rankings, analytics, and site health using GA4 and Search Console, plus how to interpret results to guide your next steps.

Each module comes with video lessons, spreadsheets, and ready-to-use systems, making it easy to stay organised and take consistent action.

For parents balancing busy schedules, this setup works well. You can pause anytime, pick up later, and never lose your place.

How Much Does The Authority Site System Cost?

The Authority Site System (TASS) is a one-time payment of $997, which includes lifetime access and all future updates.

There are no recurring subscriptions, hidden upsells, or mandatory upgrades. Once you’ve paid, you can revisit the content anytime.

That price might sound steep compared to beginner-friendly courses, but the depth and scope of what’s included make it a serious investment rather than a starter course.

It’s ideal for bloggers who already understand the basics and want to take their content site to the next level.

The Authority Site System was priced at around $997 before closing in December 2024. Authority Hacker has since shifted focus to other digital resources, including the free VIP Vault (a swipe file of their AI tools) and the AI Accelerator, which focuses on content creation and workflow automation.

Refund Policy

TASS comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can explore the lessons risk-free.

If you decide it’s not the right fit, you can request a full refund within that period – no questions asked.

What Support and Resources Do You Get?

One of TASS’s strongest points is the quality of its materials. Every lesson is supported by video tutorials, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), and practical spreadsheets that make implementation easier.

Here’s what’s included:

1. Private Facebook Community

A members-only group where you can ask questions, share progress, and get feedback directly from Gael, Mark, and other experienced members. It’s active and moderated, which keeps discussions helpful and on-topic.

2. Email Support

You can contact the Authority Hacker team directly for technical help, billing questions, or deeper guidance on applying course concepts.

3. Downloadable Templates and Checklists

Includes keyword research sheets, site audit templates, link-building trackers, and content outlines – all designed to speed up your workflow.

4. Free Updates

Whenever the SEO landscape shifts (like after Google algorithm updates), Gael and Mark release new lessons and refresh older ones to keep things relevant.

This ensures your training doesn’t go out of date, which is critical for long-term growth.

5. Access to Authority Hacker’s Free Resources

Even after completing TASS, students can tap into additional free webinars, podcasts, and blog posts that go deeper into advanced tactics.

In short, the course doesn’t just teach theory. It equips you with working systems and tools that save time and reduce confusion.

It’s especially valuable for anyone juggling family life, work, and a growing blog because it lets you follow proven processes without constant trial and error.

What Do Others Think About The Authority Site System?

The Authority Site System has built a strong reputation across blogging and SEO communities.

Most reviews agree it delivers real value for those who take the time to apply what’s taught, though some feel it’s better suited for intermediate bloggers than complete beginners.

Here’s a mix of what other students and reviewers say:

Niche Pursuits

Praised the course for its clear, logical framework and ethical approach to SEO. They noted that Gael and Mark are among the few creators who show real examples rather than hiding behind vague promises.

eBiz Facts

Gave the program a strong overall rating for transparency, depth, and structure, but pointed out that the $997 price tag can be a barrier for early-stage bloggers.

Reddit (r/JustStart & r/SEO)

Users say the course is detailed and actionable, especially for building niche or authority sites. However, many suggest pairing it with hands-on SEO experimentation since the training is focused more on strategy than execution.

Blogging Forums & Facebook Groups

Members often describe it as “eye-opening” and “worth the investment” if you’re serious about scaling your blog. Some caution that the system takes patience – results won’t come overnight.

YouTube Reviews

Most creators highlight the course’s high production value and the practical systems you can reuse for future sites.

The most common criticism is that it doesn’t include much community-driven coaching compared to membership-based platforms like Wealthy Affiliate.

Overall consensus:

TASS earns respect for being transparent, structured, and based on experience rather than hype.

It’s not a shortcut to passive income, but for those ready to learn SEO properly, it’s consistently rated among the top-tier training programs available.

What’s Happening Now with Authority Hacker

As of December 2024, Authority Hacker has officially closed new enrollments for both The Authority Site System and Authority Hacker Pro. The creators, Gael Breton and Mark Webster, are now focusing on smaller, specialized resources like the VIP Vault (a free library of AI tools and templates they use in their workflow) and the AI Accelerator, which teaches how to streamline content production with AI.

If you missed the TASS window, these newer tools may still give you a taste of Authority Hacker’s teaching style — or you can explore all-in-one training alternatives like Wealthy Affiliate, which continues to update and accept new members.

Authority Hacker Pro vs The Authority Site System

There’s often confusion between Authority Hacker Pro and The Authority Site System, especially since both were created by Gael Breton and Mark Webster under the Authority Hacker brand.

Here’s how they were different before both programs closed:

• Authority Hacker Pro was the advanced training, made up of several detailed “blueprints.” These covered keyword research, link building, lead magnets, content production, and scaling strategies. It opened only a few times a year and was designed for experienced bloggers who already had traffic or monetised sites.
• The Authority Site System (TASS) was the beginner-friendly program. It focused on building a solid foundation, from setting up your first website to understanding SEO, finding keywords, and creating content that ranks.

Over time, many members who joined Authority Hacker Pro found they needed stronger basics before diving into the advanced blueprints. That feedback led Gael and Mark to release The Authority Site System as a standalone course, which became their flagship training for beginners.

Both programs officially closed for new enrollments in December 2024, but existing students still have access to their materials. Today, Authority Hacker continues to share their methods through free resources like the VIP Vault and AI Accelerator.

Suppose you’re new to building blogs or authority sites, and you’re looking for a current, active platform that includes both training and tools. In that case, Wealthy Affiliate is the best comparable option available today.

Where The Authority Site System Shines (and Where It Falls Short)

Like any course, The Authority Site System has its standout strengths and areas that may not suit every learner.

Here’s what stood out the most while going through the training and hearing feedback from other students.

The Authority Site System Review: Pros

#1 Structured and beginner-friendly workflow

TASS breaks down complex SEO topics into clear steps you can follow without guessing what to do next.

#2 Regularly updated and backed by real data

Gael and Mark update lessons to match SEO trends and algorithm changes, keeping the training relevant.

#3 Proven creators with real experience

The founders run successful authority sites themselves, so the lessons come from tested strategies, not theory.

#4 Extensive templates and SOPs

Every process, from keyword research to link building, has a downloadable system to follow, saving huge amounts of time.

#5 Supportive community

The Facebook group is active and genuine, with other site owners sharing insights, feedback, and motivation.

The Authority Site System Review:Cons

#1 Higher upfront cost

At $997, it’s a significant investment, especially for new bloggers testing the waters.

#2 Limited personal mentoring

Support is strong, but there’s no 1-on-1 coaching unless you upgrade to Authority Hacker Pro.

#3 Time-heavy learning curve

Modules are detailed, which is great for depth, but can feel slow if you prefer bite-sized lessons.

#4 Best suited for self-starters

You’ll need discipline to complete the course and apply what you learn, especially if family life limits study time.

#5 Focuses mainly on content sites

If you’re more interested in e-commerce, digital products, or funnels, you may find some parts less relevant.

What Are the Alternatives?

If you’re exploring different ways to learn SEO or build profitable blogs, a few other courses stand out alongside The Authority Site System.

Each takes a slightly different approach. From all-in-one training and hosting platforms to niche site frameworks and simplified blogging systems.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the most relevant options:

Course / Platform	Focus	Price	Best For	Support	Free Option
The Authority Site System	Authority site building & SEO strategy	Closed (as of Dec 2024)	Intermediate bloggers building long-term sites	Legacy member community	No
Wealthy Affiliate	All-in-one blogging, hosting & affiliate training	Free Starter / $49 per month Premium	Beginners and growing bloggers who want full tools included	24/7 community, live chat, weekly classes	Yes
Fat Stacks (Niche Site Profits)	Ad-driven niche site creation & monetisation	$499–$1,499 depending on bundle	Bloggers focusing on passive ad income	Private Facebook group + email support	No
Passive Income Geek	Simplified SEO and content site strategy	$399 (closed enrolment)	Beginners who want a lighter, low-tech system	Community & limited support	No

Each option has a different purpose:

• The Authority Site System delivers a structured and data-backed SEO education.
• Wealthy Affiliate offers a complete blogging ecosystem – ideal if you want everything in one place with live support.
• Fat Stacks (Niche Site Profits) focuses on building ad-driven content sites without overcomplicating things.
• Passive Income Geek provides a simpler, more affordable path for those who want to start small and scale slowly.

If you’re aiming for a balance of structure, flexibility, and support, Wealthy Affiliate remains the best long-term fit for parents and beginners who want to build income sustainably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Authority Site System beginner-friendly?

Yes, although it’s best suited to those who already have some blogging or WordPress experience. The lessons start with foundational SEO but move quickly into advanced strategy, so complete beginners may need extra time to absorb it all.

How much time does it take to complete?

Expect to spend around 6–8 weeks working through all the modules if you study a few hours per week. The system is self-paced, so you can move faster or slower depending on your schedule.

Do I need to buy extra tools?

Yes, you’ll need a few essentials like web hosting, a domain name, and SEO software (such as Ahrefs or Surfer SEO). Gael and Mark recommend specific tools in the course, and most have free or trial versions to start.

Is there personal coaching or mentoring included?

Not directly. You’ll have access to the private community group where Gael and Mark occasionally contribute, but 1-on-1 mentorship is only part of their higher-tier program, Authority Hacker Pro.

Are there refunds if I’m not happy?

Yes, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. Just contact the support team within that window and you’ll receive a refund, no questions asked.

Can I make money just by following the steps?

The framework works if you apply it consistently. Students report earning income through ads, affiliate programs, and digital products after several months, but results depend on effort, niche choice, and persistence.

How does it compare to Wealthy Affiliate?

The Authority Site System focuses purely on building high-quality content sites using SEO. Wealthy Affiliate, by contrast, combines SEO training, hosting, keyword tools, and 24/7 support in one platform. TASS is better for SEO purists; WA is better for all-in-one simplicity.

Is The Authority Site System updated regularly?

Yes. Gael and Mark refresh lessons each time Google’s algorithm or best practices change. Updates are included in your purchase and appear directly in your dashboard.

Can families or busy parents realistically complete this?

Yes, but you’ll need to pace yourself. Each module is detailed, so spreading lessons out across evenings or weekends works best. The method is built for consistent effort, not all-night study sessions.

Conclusion: Is The Authority Site System Worth It?

The Authority Site System remains one of the most structured and trusted courses for learning how to build profitable, content-driven websites.

Gael and Mark’s approach is practical, transparent, and grounded in real-world experience.

If you’re ready to invest time and money into building a site that earns consistently, this course delivers a solid roadmap.

However, it’s not ideal if you want all your tools, hosting, and training under one roof.

That’s where Wealthy Affiliate stands out.

You get beginner-to-advanced lessons, website hosting, SEO tools, and live support – all in one place, for a much lower cost.

While The Authority Site System has now closed its doors, its reputation as a detailed, ethical, and results-driven training remains solid.

If you already joined, the content still holds long-term value.

For newcomers looking for an active, constantly updated platform that includes training, hosting, and live support, Wealthy Affiliate offers the most complete replacement today.

Let’s Chat

Have you tried The Authority Site System or another SEO training course?

What worked for you, and where did you get stuck?

Drop your experiences or questions in the comments below. I read and reply to everyone.

We’re all figuring out how to build income that fits family life, one blog at a time.