Channel Makers Review (2026): Is Income School’s New Platform Worth It?

If you’ve been researching Channel Makers, you’ve probably also come across Project 24.

That’s because they’re closely connected.

Project 24 was one of the most respected blogging and YouTube training programmes created by Income School. Today, it has evolved into Channel Makers, a platform with a broader focus on helping creators build successful content businesses across blogs, YouTube, and other online channels.

The change in name has naturally created some confusion.

Is Channel Makers simply Project 24 with a new logo? Has the training changed? Is it still worth joining in 2026?

Those are exactly the questions this review answers.

I’ll walk you through what’s included, how the platform has evolved, who it’s best suited for, whether the training still holds up in today’s SEO landscape, and how it compares with alternatives like Wealthy Affiliate and Blog Growth Engine.

If you’re a busy parent looking to build a flexible online income through blogging or content creation, I’ll also share whether I think Channel Makers is the right fit for your goals.

🔍 Heads Up: How I Reviewed This Course

I haven’t personally enrolled in Channel Makers. Instead, I researched the platform by reviewing its curriculum, creator background, public student feedback, independent reviews, and content published by the Income School team.

I also compared it with other blogging programmes I’ve researched extensively, including Wealthy Affiliate, Blog Growth Engine, Passive Income Geek, Pageviews to Profits, and the original Project 24 programme.

My goal is to help busy parents understand which blogging courses genuinely offer value, which are best suited to different experience levels, and which provide the support needed to build a flexible online business around family life.

⭐ Quick Verdict

Channel Makers successfully builds on the foundations that made Project 24 so popular. It continues to teach a practical, long-term approach to blogging and YouTube, focusing on creating helpful content, growing organic traffic, and building sustainable online businesses.

While the branding has changed, the philosophy remains largely the same. If you like structured learning and realistic expectations, Channel Makers remains one of the strongest content creation platforms I’ve researched.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)

Best for: Beginners and intermediate creators who want a structured roadmap for building blogs, YouTube channels, and long-term online income.

Not ideal for: Bloggers looking for an all-in-one platform with integrated hosting, keyword research tools, and live technical support.

📋 At a Glance

Platform Channel Makers
Previously Known As Project 24 by Income School
Creators Income School (founded by Jim Harmer and Ricky Kesler)
Main Focus Blogging, YouTube, SEO, and long-term content businesses
Best For Creators who want a structured roadmap for building sustainable online income
Beginner Friendly? ✅ Yes
Pricing Membership model (see latest pricing on the official website)
Support Private community and ongoing training
Blog & YouTube Training ✅ Included
Overall Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)

Bottom Line: Channel Makers builds on everything that made Project 24 popular while expanding its focus to support modern content creators. If you’re looking for a structured roadmap for blogging or YouTube, it’s one of the strongest platforms available. If you prefer an all-in-one ecosystem with hosting, AI tools, keyword research, and live support, there are stronger alternatives for beginners.

New to Blogging?

If you’re still learning how blogging, SEO, keyword research, and affiliate marketing work, you may not need a dedicated keyword research tool just yet.

Before investing in SEO software, it’s worth building a solid foundation so you understand how to choose a niche, create helpful content, and optimise your blog for Google.

That’s why I often recommend Wealthy Affiliate to beginners. It teaches blogging, SEO, website building, and affiliate marketing in one place, helping you develop the skills you’ll need before investing in more advanced tools like LowFruits.

Read My Wealthy Affiliate Review

Project 24 vs Channel Makers at a Glance

Project 24 Channel Makers
Original Income School membership programme Current platform and brand
Focused on blogging and YouTube Broader focus on building content businesses across multiple channels
Known for its 24-month roadmap to replacing a full-time income Continues the same long-term content creation philosophy
Income School branding Channel Makers branding
Blogging and YouTube training Updated blogging, YouTube, and creator-focused education
Legacy programme name Current programme for new members

Looking for Project 24?

If you searched for Project 24, you’re in the right place.

Income School has rebranded the platform as Channel Makers, but the core philosophy remains largely unchanged. The programme still focuses on helping creators build long-term online businesses through blogging, YouTube, SEO, and creating genuinely helpful content.

If you’d like a deeper look at the original programme and how it evolved over the years, you can also read my dedicated Project 24 Review, where I cover the history of the platform in more detail.

What Is Channel Makers?

Channel Makers is an online training platform created by the team behind Income School, designed to help bloggers, YouTubers, and content creators build sustainable online businesses through helpful content rather than short-term marketing tactics.

channel makers youtube image
channel makers youtube image

Although many people still know it by its former name, Project 24, the platform has expanded beyond its original branding to better reflect how modern creators build audiences across multiple channels.

At its core, the philosophy hasn’t changed.

Channel Makers still teaches creators how to:

  • Choose a niche with long-term potential.
  • Create content people are actively searching for.
  • Understand SEO and search intent.
  • Build authority through consistent publishing.
  • Monetise through affiliate marketing, display advertising, digital products, and other content-driven income streams.

Rather than encouraging creators to chase algorithm loopholes or quick wins, the platform focuses on building digital assets that continue attracting visitors months and even years after they’re published.

That’s one of the reasons the original Project 24 became so well respected within the blogging community.

Today, Channel Makers takes those same principles and applies them to a wider range of content creators.

Whether your goal is to build a blog, grow a YouTube channel, or combine several content platforms into one business, the training is designed to help you create a sustainable online brand that grows steadily over time.

For busy parents, I think that’s particularly appealing.

Instead of relying on constant social media posting or paid advertising, Channel Makers encourages you to build evergreen content that keeps working for you long after you’ve finished creating it.

It’s a slower approach than many online business models, but it’s also one that’s built around long-term consistency rather than short-term trends.

Quick Note: I’m John Crossley, founder of Flex For Families. I review online business opportunities through the lens of family life, focusing on costs, time commitments, risks, and whether they genuinely help parents create more flexibility.

Learn more about my experience →

Who Created Channel Makers?

Channel Makers is the latest evolution of the platform originally developed by Income School, a company founded by Jim Harmer and Ricky Kesler.

Long before launching Project 24, Jim and Ricky had already built successful online businesses through blogging and content creation. Their experience with websites such as Improve Photography demonstrated how publishing genuinely helpful content could generate long-term traffic and income without relying on paid advertising or complicated marketing funnels.

That real-world experience became the foundation of both Project 24 and, later, Channel Makers.

One of the reasons Income School built such a loyal following was its teaching style.

Rather than presenting themselves as online marketing gurus, Jim and Ricky focused on practical advice, realistic expectations, and openly sharing both their successes and the lessons they’d learned along the way.

Over time, the business expanded beyond its original founders.

Today, Channel Makers is supported by a wider team of educators, content specialists, and community moderators who continue developing the platform and supporting members.

Although Jim Harmer is no longer involved in the day-to-day running of the business, the principles that helped make Project 24 successful continue to shape the training available through Channel Makers.

Why Did Project 24 Become Channel Makers?

One of the biggest questions people ask is why Income School decided to retire the Project 24 name.

The simple answer is that the platform had outgrown it.

When Project 24 first launched, the goal was clear: help members build a blog or YouTube channel capable of replacing a full-time income in around 24 months.

It was an ambitious target that encouraged creators to think long term rather than chase overnight success.

As the online content landscape evolved, though, so did the platform.

Bloggers were increasingly combining websites with YouTube, email marketing, social media, and other forms of content creation. The original Project 24 name no longer reflected the wider audience the programme was serving.

That’s where Channel Makers comes in.

The new brand represents a broader vision.

Instead of focusing primarily on one programme and one timeline, Channel Makers positions itself as a platform for anyone looking to build a successful content business across multiple channels.

Importantly, the philosophy hasn’t fundamentally changed.

The training still focuses on:

  • Creating genuinely helpful content.
  • Understanding search intent.
  • Building long-term organic traffic.
  • Growing authority over time.
  • Monetising through ethical, sustainable methods.

The biggest change is the branding and the broader scope of the platform, not a complete reinvention of the teaching.

If you were a fan of Project 24, you’ll recognise many of the same ideas throughout Channel Makers.

What’s Inside Channel Makers?

Channel Makers builds on the structured learning approach that made Project 24 so popular while expanding the resources available to modern content creators.

Rather than overwhelming members with hundreds of disconnected lessons, the platform follows a logical roadmap that helps you develop your skills step by step.

Blogging Training

The blogging pathway teaches you how to build a website that attracts long-term organic traffic through helpful, search-focused content.

Lessons cover everything from choosing a niche and planning articles to improving SEO and creating content that continues generating visitors over time.

YouTube Training

For creators who prefer video, Channel Makers includes dedicated YouTube training covering channel setup, video planning, publishing strategies, and sustainable channel growth.

This allows members to focus on blogging, YouTube, or both, depending on the type of content business they want to build.

SEO and Search Strategy

Search engine optimisation remains one of the platform’s biggest strengths.

Rather than encouraging complicated technical tactics, the training focuses on understanding search intent, identifying worthwhile topics, and creating content that genuinely deserves to rank.

It’s a practical approach that continues to work well in today’s search landscape.

Content Planning

Consistency is a recurring theme throughout the programme.

Members learn how to develop content plans that build authority over time, helping them create a growing library of articles or videos instead of relying on occasional bursts of activity.

For busy parents, that’s a particularly useful way of working because it encourages steady progress rather than perfection.

Monetisation

Once traffic begins growing, the platform explores several ways to generate income, including:

  • Affiliate marketing.
  • Display advertising.
  • Digital products.
  • Multiple long-term revenue streams.

The emphasis is always on creating value first, allowing monetisation to grow naturally as your audience develops.

Community and Ongoing Education

Members also gain access to a private community where they can ask questions, share progress, and learn alongside other bloggers and content creators.

Combined with regular educational content and platform updates, this creates an environment that supports long-term learning rather than simply providing a one-time course.

Overall, I think Channel Makers has stayed true to what originally made Project 24 successful.

The platform doesn’t try to teach every marketing tactic under the sun. Instead, it focuses on helping creators build sustainable content businesses through blogging, YouTube, SEO, and consistently publishing genuinely helpful content. For anyone who prefers a clear roadmap over constant information overload, that’s still one of its biggest strengths.

See Channel Makers Explained

If you’d like to hear directly from the team behind Channel Makers, the video below provides a helpful overview of the platform, its philosophy, and the type of creators it’s designed to support.

While it’s an official introduction rather than an independent review, it’s a useful way to understand how the creators describe the programme in their own words before reading my assessment below.

Hopefully that gives you a clearer picture of what Channel Makers is trying to achieve.

As with any promotional video, it’s worth remembering that it naturally highlights the strengths of the platform. That’s why it’s important to balance it with independent research and realistic expectations before deciding whether it’s the right fit.

Next, let’s look at whether Channel Makers lives up to those claims and whether I believe it’s still a worthwhile choice in 2026.

Is Channel Makers Legit?

Yes, based on everything I’ve researched, Channel Makers is a legitimate platform for bloggers and content creators.

The programme builds on the foundations of Project 24, which earned a strong reputation for teaching sustainable blogging and YouTube strategies rather than relying on hype or unrealistic income claims.

One of the biggest reasons I consider Channel Makers credible is the philosophy behind the training.

Instead of promoting shortcuts or promising overnight success, the platform encourages members to:

  • Create genuinely helpful content.
  • Understand what audiences are searching for.
  • Build authority over time.
  • Develop multiple income streams through ethical monetisation.
  • Focus on long-term consistency rather than quick wins.

Those principles have stood the test of time and continue to align with how successful content businesses are built today.

The creators also have a public track record.

Jim Harmer, Ricky Kesler, and the wider Income School team spent years documenting their own experiences through blogs, YouTube videos, podcasts, and educational content. That level of transparency gives prospective members far more confidence than anonymous creators making unrealistic promises.

Of course, no course can guarantee success.

Your results will always depend on factors such as:

  • Choosing the right niche.
  • Publishing consistently.
  • Applying what you learn.
  • Continuing to improve your content.
  • Staying patient while your audience grows.

Overall, I have no hesitation describing Channel Makers as a genuine educational platform built around proven content marketing principles.

Is Channel Makers Still Worth It in 2026?

That’s probably the biggest question for anyone considering joining today.

After researching the platform, I believe the answer is yes, but with a few important considerations.

The biggest strength of Channel Makers is that it teaches principles rather than trends.

Search engines have changed dramatically over the past few years, particularly with the rise of AI-generated content and Google’s increasing emphasis on helpful, trustworthy information.

Fortunately, Channel Makers has always encouraged creators to:

  • Write for real people first.
  • Build topical authority.
  • Publish consistently.
  • Create content with genuine value.
  • Think long term rather than chasing algorithm updates.

Those ideas remain highly relevant in 2026.

Where the platform faces stronger competition is in the overall experience.

Today’s bloggers often expect:

  • AI-assisted writing tools.
  • Integrated keyword research.
  • Built-in website hosting.
  • Technical support.
  • Modern publishing workflows.
  • Regular updates covering AI and evolving SEO practices.

Channel Makers continues to deliver excellent education, but some competing platforms now combine training with a wider range of integrated tools and services.

That doesn’t make the programme outdated.

It simply means your decision should depend on what you’re looking for.

If you want a structured framework for building a content business, I think Channel Makers still delivers.

If you’re looking for a complete ecosystem that combines education, tools, hosting, and live support, there are stronger all-in-one alternatives available today.

How Much Does Channel Makers Cost?

Because Channel Makers is an active platform, pricing can change over time.

For that reason, I always recommend checking the official website before joining to confirm the latest membership options and what’s currently included.

Membership generally provides access to:

  • The full training library.
  • Blogging and YouTube education.
  • Private community access.
  • Ongoing platform updates.
  • Additional learning resources and templates.

Unlike many one-time purchase courses, Channel Makers follows a membership model that allows the team to continue expanding the training and supporting members over time.

Is It Good Value?

Overall, I think the platform offers good value if you’re looking for an ongoing learning environment rather than simply purchasing a course once and moving on.

You’re paying for more than the initial lessons.

You’re also gaining access to updated training, an active community, and additional educational resources as the platform evolves.

Whether that represents good value depends on how you like to learn.

If you enjoy continuing education and engaging with a community, the membership model makes sense.

If you prefer lifetime access with no recurring costs, you may prefer a one-time purchase course instead.

Refund Policy

Channel Makers has offered a refund policy for new members, although the exact terms may change over time.

Before joining, I recommend reviewing the current refund policy and membership terms on the official website so you know exactly what’s included and how the guarantee works.

From a value perspective, I think the decision comes down to one simple question.

If you’re looking for a structured roadmap supported by an active learning community, Channel Makers is competitively priced.

If your priority is an all-in-one platform with hosting, keyword research tools, AI features, and live support included in the membership, you may find better overall value elsewhere.

Do You Get Any Support With Channel Makers?

Yes. One of Channel Makers’ biggest strengths is that it isn’t simply a collection of training videos.

Membership includes access to a private community where creators can learn alongside others who are building blogs, YouTube channels, and content businesses using the same long-term approach.

Support typically includes:

  • Access to a private member community.
  • Guidance from the Channel Makers team.
  • Ongoing educational content and platform updates.
  • Discussions around blogging, YouTube, SEO, and content strategy.
  • Opportunities to learn from other members’ experiences and progress.

What I particularly like is that the community reflects the same philosophy as the training.

The conversations tend to focus on creating better content, improving over time, and building sustainable businesses rather than chasing shortcuts or the latest online trend.

For many creators, that creates a much more encouraging environment than some larger online communities.

That said, the support is centred around education and community rather than instant technical assistance.

If you’re someone who prefers live chat, one-to-one mentoring, or immediate troubleshooting when something goes wrong with your website, there are platforms that provide a more comprehensive support experience.

Overall, though, I think Channel Makers provides the kind of community that helps members stay motivated over the long term, which is often just as important as the lessons themselves.

Channel Makers Review: Pros and Cons

Like every blogging platform, Channel Makers has clear strengths and a few areas where it won’t suit everyone.

Here’s what stood out during my research.

What I Like

✅ Proven Content Strategy

The platform continues to teach principles that have worked for years, creating genuinely helpful content, understanding search intent, and building long-term organic traffic.

Those ideas remain just as relevant today.

✅ Structured Learning Path

The lessons follow a logical roadmap that makes it much easier to understand what to focus on next, particularly if you’re new to blogging or YouTube.

✅ Covers Blogging and YouTube

Unlike many blogging courses, Channel Makers supports both written and video content, giving creators flexibility as their business grows.

✅ Supportive Community

The private community offers encouragement, accountability, and practical advice from people working towards similar goals.

That ongoing support helps many members stay consistent over the long term.

✅ Realistic Expectations

One of the platform’s biggest strengths is its honesty.

Rather than promising instant success, Channel Makers encourages creators to build genuine assets through patience, consistency, and helpful content.

What Could Be Better

❌ Membership Rather Than Lifetime Access

Because Channel Makers operates as a membership platform, you’ll pay recurring fees if you want continued access to the training and community.

❌ No Integrated Hosting or SEO Tools

The platform focuses on education rather than providing website hosting, keyword research software, or an all-in-one blogging toolkit.

You’ll need to source those separately.

❌ Less Technical SEO

The SEO guidance is practical and easy to understand, but experienced bloggers may eventually want more advanced training around technical SEO, site architecture, and scaling larger websites.

❌ Community Support Isn’t Instant

The community is active and helpful, but it doesn’t offer the same level of immediate assistance as platforms with live chat or always-available mentoring.

❌ Results Still Require Consistency

Like every legitimate blogging programme, success depends on consistently applying what you learn.

The roadmap is excellent, but it isn’t a shortcut.

Is Channel Makers Good for Busy Parent Bloggers?

Overall, yes, I think Channel Makers is a very good option for busy parents who want to build a long-term content business.

In many ways, the platform’s philosophy naturally fits the reality of family life.

Instead of expecting you to work twelve-hour days or constantly produce content for social media, Channel Makers encourages steady, consistent progress.

That’s something most parents can relate to.

Whether you have an hour after the children have gone to bed, a quiet Saturday morning, or a few evenings each week, the programme is built around gradually creating content that continues working for you over time.

I also like that the platform encourages creators to think in years rather than weeks.

That mindset removes much of the pressure many new bloggers place on themselves and helps you focus on building genuine assets instead of worrying about immediate results.

Where some parents may prefer an alternative is in the overall convenience.

If your available blogging time is already limited, having website hosting, keyword research tools, AI features, and technical support all under one roof can save valuable time and reduce frustration.

That’s one area where dedicated all-in-one platforms have an advantage.

Even so, I think Channel Makers offers an excellent learning experience for parents who enjoy understanding the strategy behind successful content businesses and are happy choosing their own tools along the way.

If you’re prepared to be patient, publish consistently, and focus on helping your audience, the principles taught throughout Channel Makers remain a strong foundation for building flexible income around family life.

Can Beginners Use Channel Makers?

Yes. I think Channel Makers is well suited to beginners, particularly those who want a structured roadmap rather than trying to piece everything together from YouTube videos and blog posts.

The training starts with the fundamentals.

You’ll learn how to choose a niche, understand your audience, create helpful content, and build a website or YouTube channel that can grow steadily over time.

One of the platform’s biggest strengths is that it avoids unnecessary complexity.

Instead of diving straight into advanced SEO or complicated marketing tactics, the lessons focus on building strong foundations first. That makes it much easier for beginners to develop confidence before moving on to more advanced strategies.

However, it’s important to understand what Channel Makers is, and what it isn’t.

While it provides excellent education, you’ll still need to organise some parts of your blogging business yourself, including:

  • Website hosting.
  • A domain name.
  • WordPress setup.
  • Additional blogging tools.
  • Technical troubleshooting when needed.

For many beginners, that’s perfectly manageable.

If, however, you’d prefer everything in one place, including hosting, keyword research, AI tools, and technical support, you may find an all-in-one platform provides a smoother starting experience.

Overall, though, I think Channel Makers offers an excellent learning environment for beginners who enjoy understanding why successful content businesses work, rather than simply following a checklist.

What Results Can You Realistically Expect?

One of the reasons I respect Channel Makers is that it continues the realistic philosophy that made Project 24 so popular.

The platform doesn’t suggest you’ll build a successful content business overnight.

Instead, it encourages creators to think in months and years, recognising that sustainable traffic and income take time to develop.

If you consistently apply what you learn, a realistic journey might look something like this.

Months 1 to 3

You’ll spend your time choosing a niche, planning your content, building your website or YouTube channel, and publishing your first articles or videos.

Traffic is usually minimal during this stage, and that’s completely normal.

Months 3 to 6

As your content library grows, you may begin seeing more Google impressions, your first organic visitors, and a clearer understanding of the topics your audience responds to.

This is often where consistency starts paying off.

Months 6 to 12

With regular publishing, many creators begin earning their first affiliate commissions or advertising income.

Older content starts contributing alongside new articles or videos, creating more stable traffic patterns.

Beyond 12 Months

This is where the long-term nature of content marketing becomes much more obvious.

Every helpful article or video becomes another asset capable of attracting visitors and generating income for years to come.

Of course, every journey is different.

Your results will depend on factors such as:

  • Your chosen niche.
  • The quality of your content.
  • How consistently you publish.
  • Your understanding of SEO.
  • Your willingness to keep learning and improving.

No course can promise specific traffic or income levels.

What Channel Makers provides is a proven framework based on principles that have helped many creators build successful content businesses over the long term.

My Take After Researching Channel Makers

After researching Channel Makers in depth, I came away with a very positive impression.

Although the branding has changed since the Project 24 days, the philosophy that originally made the platform successful remains very much intact.

I like that the focus is still on creating genuinely helpful content rather than trying to game search engines or chase the latest online trend.

That’s a mindset I believe will continue to reward creators for years to come, regardless of how search algorithms evolve.

As someone who helps busy parents explore blogging as a path to greater flexibility, I also appreciate how well this approach fits around real life.

Instead, you’re encouraged to build a library of valuable articles and videos that continue working long after you’ve published them.

That’s exactly the kind of business model I believe offers the greatest long-term freedom.

Where I think Channel Makers is slightly less competitive today is in the wider ecosystem.

Modern creators often expect integrated AI tools, built-in keyword research, website hosting, live technical support, and regular updates that reflect the rapidly changing world of blogging and SEO.

Channel Makers remains an excellent educational platform, but it doesn’t try to be an all-in-one solution.

For some people, that’s a strength because they prefer choosing their own tools.

For others, particularly complete beginners, it means there are a few extra pieces to put together before they can fully focus on creating content.

Overall, I’d describe Channel Makers as one of the strongest education-first platforms I’ve researched.

It teaches timeless principles, encourages realistic expectations, and provides a clear roadmap for building a sustainable content business.

For creators who enjoy learning independently and building their own toolkit, it’s an excellent choice.

For busy parents who want everything, from hosting and AI tools to training and live support, in a single platform, I’d still lean towards Wealthy Affiliate.

That doesn’t diminish the quality of Channel Makers.

It simply reflects the different needs of different bloggers, and why choosing the right platform depends on the way you prefer to learn and build your business.

Best Alternatives to Channel Makers

Channel Makers is one of several excellent platforms designed to help creators build long-term online businesses through blogging, YouTube, and content marketing.

The best choice depends on your experience level, learning style, and whether you’re looking for education alone or a complete blogging ecosystem.

Here’s how I think the leading alternatives compare.

Platform Best For Pricing Community Beginner Friendly?
Wealthy Affiliate Building a complete blogging business Free Starter or Premium ★★★★★ ✅ Yes
Blog Growth Engine Scaling authority websites Around $999 ★★★★☆ ⚠️ Better for experienced bloggers
Pageviews to Profits Improving SEO and organic traffic $197 one-time ★★☆☆☆ ⚠️ Some blogging experience recommended
Passive Income Geek Building niche websites through SEO Currently closed ★★★☆☆ ✅ Yes

Each platform offers something slightly different.

Wealthy Affiliate

Wealthy Affiliate is my preferred option for beginners because it combines blogging training, website hosting, AI-powered tools, keyword research, and an active community into one platform.

Rather than buying separate services as your blog grows, everything is available from the start.

Blog Growth Engine

If your primary goal is scaling an established authority website, Blog Growth Engine provides advanced SEO strategies and content systems designed for experienced bloggers.

It’s an excellent programme, but it’s aimed at a different stage of the blogging journey.

Pageviews to Profits

Pageviews to Profits focuses heavily on SEO and growing organic traffic through well-planned content.

It’s a good fit for bloggers who already have a website and want to improve their search performance rather than learn every aspect of building an online business.

Passive Income Geek

Passive Income Geek shares many of the same long-term principles as Channel Makers, teaching creators how to build niche websites through helpful content and SEO.

It’s another strong programme, although it’s currently closed to new members.

Which Alternative Is Best?

If you’re looking for structured education built around blogging and YouTube, Channel Makers remains one of the strongest choices available.

If, however, you want hosting, AI tools, keyword research, and community support included alongside your training, I think Wealthy Affiliate offers a more complete solution for most new bloggers.

Is Wealthy Affiliate a Better Choice?

For many of the readers who visit Flex For Families, yes, I believe Wealthy Affiliate is the better overall choice.

That isn’t because I think Channel Makers falls short.

Quite the opposite.

I think Channel Makers does an excellent job of teaching the principles behind building successful blogs and YouTube channels. Its emphasis on helpful content, realistic expectations, and long-term growth is something I completely agree with.

The difference comes down to what happens outside the lessons.

Wealthy Affiliate doesn’t simply teach blogging.

It provides the tools and environment to build your business from day one.

That includes:

  • Step-by-step blogging and affiliate marketing training.
  • Website hosting.
  • AI-powered writing and research tools.
  • Keyword research tools.
  • Weekly live expert classes.
  • An active global community.
  • Direct support from experienced members.
  • Regular updates covering AI, SEO, and blogging trends.

For busy parents, I think that all-in-one approach removes a lot of unnecessary friction.

Instead of choosing a hosting provider, researching keyword tools, troubleshooting WordPress, and finding answers across multiple websites, everything is available within a single platform.

Another advantage is accessibility.

Wealthy Affiliate offers a free Starter membership, allowing you to explore the platform, build your first website, and experience the community before making any financial commitment.

That makes it much easier for beginners to get started with confidence.

Which Should You Choose?

I’d recommend Channel Makers if you:

  • Prefer a structured educational programme.
  • Want to build a blog or YouTube channel through consistent content creation.
  • Enjoy choosing your own blogging tools.
  • Value realistic expectations and long-term thinking.
  • Are happy learning independently with community support.

I’d recommend Wealthy Affiliate if you:

  • Are completely new to blogging.
  • Want everything in one place.
  • Prefer hosting, tools, and training together.
  • Value live support and an active community.
  • Want to start building your website immediately.

Overall, I think Channel Makers remains one of the most respected education-focused platforms available for content creators.

For the average busy parent looking to build a flexible online business around family life, though, I still believe Wealthy Affiliate offers the smoother path because it removes many of the technical and practical barriers that often slow beginners down.

It doesn’t just teach you how to build a content business.

It gives you the platform, tools, support, and community to help you build one with confidence.

John Crossley, Founder of Flex For Families

About the Reviewer

Hi, I’m John Crossley, founder of Flex For Families.

I’m a parent, blogger, and online business owner who helps families find realistic ways to create more flexibility through blogging, affiliate marketing, and online business.

Like many people, I’ve spent years researching online opportunities, testing platforms, and learning how to separate genuine business models from expensive hype. I’ve also experienced the frustration of chasing opportunities that promised freedom but demanded more time away from family.

Today, I use that experience to review courses, side hustles, AI opportunities, and online business programmes through a simple lens:

Will this genuinely help parents create more flexibility, or will it create more pressure?

Every review on Flex For Families focuses on costs, time commitments, risks, and realistic expectations, so you can make informed decisions before investing your time or money.

Channel Makers Review: Final Verdict

After researching Channel Makers in depth, I think it successfully builds on everything that made Project 24 one of the most respected blogging programmes available.

The branding may have changed, but the core philosophy remains reassuringly familiar.

Channel Makers continues to encourage creators to build genuine authority through helpful content, consistent publishing, and long-term thinking rather than chasing shortcuts or the latest marketing trend.

That’s an approach I believe still works.

For busy parents, it’s particularly appealing because it focuses on building digital assets that continue attracting readers and viewers long after you’ve created them. Instead of relying on constant social media activity or paid advertising, you’re investing your time into content that can keep working for you in the future.

Of course, no platform is perfect.

While Channel Makers delivers excellent education, it doesn’t try to be an all-in-one blogging ecosystem. You’ll still need to choose your own hosting, keyword research tools, and some of the technical resources needed to run your website.

For some creators, that’s exactly what they want.

For others, particularly complete beginners, it can add unnecessary complexity during those important first few months.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)

I Recommend Channel Makers If You:

  • Want a structured roadmap for blogging and YouTube.
  • Believe in building long-term traffic through helpful content.
  • Prefer realistic expectations over hype.
  • Enjoy learning independently with community support.
  • Are happy selecting your own blogging tools.

I’d Recommend Looking Elsewhere If You:

  • Want website hosting included.
  • Prefer an all-in-one blogging platform.
  • Need live technical support.
  • Want integrated AI and keyword research tools.
  • Are looking for the simplest possible setup as a complete beginner.

Overall, I think Channel Makers remains one of the strongest education-first platforms available for content creators.

For most Flex For Families readers, though, I still believe Wealthy Affiliate offers the better overall experience because it combines training, hosting, AI tools, keyword research, and community support into one beginner-friendly platform.

That doesn’t diminish the quality of Channel Makers.

It simply reflects the different needs of different bloggers and why choosing the right platform is just as important as choosing the right strategy.

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Because building a successful blog should fit around your family, not compete with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Channel Makers?

Channel Makers is the current platform created by the team behind Income School. It evolved from Project 24 and teaches blogging, YouTube, SEO, and content creation through a structured learning programme.

Is Channel Makers the same as Project 24?

Channel Makers is the successor to Project 24. While the branding has changed, many of the core principles remain the same, including building long-term traffic through helpful content and search engine optimisation.

Why did Project 24 become Channel Makers?

Income School rebranded the platform to better reflect its wider focus on content creators. The new name recognises that many members build businesses across blogs, YouTube, and other channels rather than relying on a single platform.

Is Channel Makers beginner friendly?

Yes. The training starts with the fundamentals and provides a structured roadmap for beginners. However, you’ll still need to organise your own hosting and some additional blogging tools.

Is Channel Makers worth it in 2026?

Based on my research, yes. The principles behind the platform remain highly relevant, although creators looking for an all-in-one ecosystem may prefer alternatives that include hosting, AI tools, and live support.

Is Wealthy Affiliate a better alternative?

For many beginners and busy parents, I believe Wealthy Affiliate offers better overall value because it combines blogging training, hosting, keyword research, AI tools, and community support in one platform.

Let’s Chat

Have you been following Channel Makers since the Project 24 days, or are you discovering the platform for the first time?

I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Leave a comment below and let me know where you are in your blogging journey. Whether you’re comparing Channel Makers with Wealthy Affiliate, exploring different blogging courses, or simply trying to find the best way to build a flexible income around family life, I’ll happily share my perspective and help you choose the path that best fits your goals.

John Crossley
John Crossley

Helping parents create more flexibility through blogging, side hustles, and family-friendly online income.

👋 Hi, I'm John, the parent behind Flex For Families.

Like many parents, I wanted more options, more flexibility, and more time with my family. After falling for a few "too good to be true" online schemes, I discovered blogging and affiliate marketing and began learning skills that would open up entirely new opportunities.

Along the way, I learned an important lesson: more income doesn't always mean more freedom. That's why everything I share here is built around helping parents create flexible, family-first income streams that fit around real life.

You'll find honest guides, practical advice, blogging tips, side hustle ideas, and lessons from my own journey, all designed to help you build a future that supports your family, not competes with it.

Learn more about my story →

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