Is Niche Pursuits Worth Your Time In 2025? Honest Review For New Bloggers

If you are learning SEO and niche sites, Niche Pursuits is hard to ignore. Spencer Haws built the brand on transparent case studies, practical tips, and a long-running podcast. He no longer sells his own course. Instead, he publishes free content and recommends programs like Authority Site System and Fat Stacks. This review looks at what you can gain today, who it suits, and where to go next if you want a full training platform.

This review may contain affiliate links. That means if you purchase through some of the links on this page, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own. I only recommend tools, training, and programs that I’ve personally used, tested, or believe can genuinely help busy parents build income online. Your trust matters, and I never promote something I wouldn’t use myself.
Niche Pursuits: Quick Review
Resource: Niche Pursuits (blog, podcast, community)
Creator: Spencer Haws
Focus: Niche sites, SEO, affiliate monetisation, case studies
Price: Free content; promotes third-party courses (e.g., Authority Site System, Fat Stacks)
What You Get: Blog posts, podcast interviews, tutorials, tools, and real examples
Best For: Self-starters who learn well from free guides and want industry insights
Not Ideal For: Beginners who need step-by-step training, hosting, and live support in one place
Support: Public content and community discussion; no formal course support
Overall Rating: 4.4/5 (as a free learning hub)
Quick Verdict: A trusted hub for SEO and niche site strategy with strong free content. Use it for ideas, case studies, and industry trends. Pair it with a structured program if you want a clear build plan and hands-on help.

Next Steps for Beginners

Need training, tools, and support in one place? Wealthy Affiliate gives you hosting, SEO tools, step-by-step lessons, and live help.

Prefer an ad-driven niche site path? Read my Niche Site Profits (Fat Stacks) review.

Looking at Authority Site System? My full review is coming soon.

What Is Niche Pursuits?

Niche Pursuits is a long-running website, podcast, and YouTube channel created by Spencer Haws, a well-known figure in the SEO and niche site space.

Rather than being a single course, it’s a hub of free tutorials, income reports, and interviews focused on helping you build content-driven websites that earn through affiliate marketing and ads.

The site covers everything from keyword research to outsourcing and scaling. It also features regular case studies from real site owners, which makes it a great place to learn how online publishing works in practice.

For parents or side-hustlers, the real value lies in the transparency. Spencer shows what’s working and what’s not, helping you avoid common traps before you waste time or money.

Who Runs Niche Pursuits?

Spencer Haws started Niche Pursuits back in 2011 after building and selling multiple profitable websites.

He’s best known as the creator of Long Tail Pro, a keyword research tool he later sold for seven figures, and as the host of the Niche Pursuits Podcast, where he interviews successful online entrepreneurs.

Today, the site is managed by a small editorial team and features contributions from other experienced site builders.

While Spencer remains active behind the scenes, his focus is now on his own projects and the podcast, which continues to deliver consistent, practical insights.

The tone across all Niche Pursuits content is genuine and data-driven, not hype-filled. Spencer is open about his wins and failures, which is why his brand still carries trust in an industry filled with exaggerated promises.

Is Niche Pursuits a Scam?

No, Niche Pursuits is not a scam.

It’s a long-standing, transparent platform that has earned credibility through years of consistent, high-quality content. There are no hidden upsells, unrealistic promises, or fake income screenshots. Everything Spencer publishes comes from real experience and verified results.

The main distinction is that Niche Pursuits isn’t a paid course. It’s a free educational hub that points readers toward tools and training created by others. Mainly Authority Hacker’s Authority Site System and Fat Stacks by Jon Dykstra.

Both of those partnerships are clearly disclosed, which keeps things ethical and transparent.

If you come across sites pretending to “sell” a Niche Pursuits course, avoid them. Spencer has confirmed on his site that he no longer offers any paid programs directly.

How Does Niche Pursuits Work?

Niche Pursuits works as a central resource for niche site builders, offering free training through:

  • In-depth blog posts covering keyword research, link building, and monetisation.
  • Podcast episodes featuring interviews with successful site owners and SEO experts.
  • Free case studies that break down what’s working in real time.
  • Recommended tools and partner courses for deeper learning (with clear affiliate disclosures).
  • Email updates and guides that link to the most popular tutorials and strategies.

There’s no login or membership needed. You simply visit the website or YouTube channel, consume the content, and apply the lessons at your own pace.

That freedom makes it a great fit for self-motivated learners who prefer to learn by doing. However, parents who need a structured step-by-step path may find it less guided than paid options like Wealthy Affiliate or Authority Site System.

What Topics Does Niche Pursuits Cover?

Niche Pursuits dives deep into the practical side of building and growing online content businesses. The tutorials, interviews, and case studies cover a wide range of blogging and SEO topics, including:

  • Niche and keyword research: How to find low-competition keywords that bring consistent traffic.
  • Content strategy: Planning, writing, and outsourcing high-quality blog content that ranks.
  • Link building: Ethical strategies for building backlinks and domain authority.
  • Monetisation methods: Affiliate marketing, ad networks, and digital product ideas.
  • Site case studies: Real examples of profitable sites with data on earnings and traffic.
  • AI and SEO updates: Practical commentary on algorithm changes and tools shaping content creation.

Most lessons are free to read or listen to, making it one of the most generous sources of genuine insight available to bloggers.

The advice leans toward long-term, sustainable growth, rather than hacks or short-term tricks.

Who Is Niche Pursuits Best For?

Niche Pursuits is best for intermediate bloggers and self-driven beginners who want to deepen their SEO and niche-site skills.

It’s especially useful if you:

  • Already have a blog or website and want to grow traffic and income.
  • Prefer learning from real-world examples instead of rigid courses.
  • Enjoy independent learning with access to hundreds of free resources.
  • Want to stay up to date with SEO trends and algorithm shifts without paying for a subscription.

Parents and side-hustlers can benefit from Niche Pursuits, too, as it helps you apply what works, avoid guesswork, and refine your strategy around family schedules.

That said, if you need more structure, coaching, and technical support, a guided program such as Wealthy Affiliate or Authority Site System may suit you better.

How Much Does Niche Pursuits Cost?

Niche Pursuits is completely free.

There’s no paid membership, course fee, or hidden upsell required to access its blog, podcast, or YouTube channel.

Spencer Haws monetises his content through affiliate links to tools and training he personally recommends – mainly Fat Stacks Bundle and Authority Hacker’s Authority Site System.

He’s transparent about these partnerships, and they don’t limit access to his free material.

This setup makes Niche Pursuits one of the best-value learning resources online for anyone wanting to grow traffic and income through blogging or niche sites.

You can dive in, test ideas, and start applying proven strategies without spending a penny.

Niche Pursuits Review: Pros and Cons

Let’s run you through the pros and cons of Niche Pursuits:

Pros

#1 Free, transparent training

You get full access to practical, proven advice with zero paywall.

#2 Backed by real-world results

Spencer built and sold successful sites, giving his guidance credibility.

#3 Massive content library

Hundreds of articles, podcasts, and interviews on SEO, niche selection, and monetisation.

#4 Honest and ethical tone

No hype, fake earnings, or manipulative sales tactics – just grounded advice.

#5 Regular updates and expert guests

The podcast and blog continue to publish new insights and algorithm updates.

Cons

#1 No structured curriculum

You’ll need to piece together your own learning path from the available content.

#2 Limited personal support

There’s no dedicated community or mentorship, unlike platforms such as Wealthy Affiliate.

#3 Occasional promotion-heavy posts

Some articles lean toward affiliate recommendations, though they’re always disclosed.

#4 Better for self-motivated learners

If you prefer step-by-step lessons and direct feedback, a paid course may suit you better.

What Are the Alternatives?

If you like the free, open-access learning model of Niche Pursuits but want a more structured system, a few strong alternatives are worth considering.

Each offers step-by-step guidance and community support, depending on your goals and experience level.

Course / Platform Focus Price Best For Support Free Option
Niche Pursuits Free SEO and niche site education through blogs and podcasts Free Self-motivated learners None Yes
Authority Site System (Authority Hacker) Structured niche site course focused on SEO and monetisation $997 (one-time) Intermediate and advanced bloggers Email & community No
Fat Stacks (Niche Site Profits) Real-world blogging strategies for ad and affiliate income $499 (one-time) Experienced bloggers growing ad revenue Private community No
Wealthy Affiliate All-in-one platform for building, hosting, and monetising blogs $49/month (Starter plan free) Beginners to advanced 24/7 live help, classes, mentorship Yes

Each platform has its strengths.

  • Niche Pursuits gives you a free, flexible way to explore SEO and content creation.
  • Authority Site System adds deep technical SEO training and processes.
  • Fat Stacks focuses on maximising ad revenue through niche content.
  • Wealthy Affiliate provides everything under one roof – from training and hosting to live mentorship – making it ideal for parents and busy creators who prefer guided learning.

If you want structure, active support, and tools all in one place, Wealthy Affiliate remains the most complete option for long-term blogging success.

Niche Pursuits FAQ

1. Is Niche Pursuits still active?

Yes. Niche Pursuits remains fully active with new podcast episodes, SEO case studies, and updated articles published regularly. The brand continues to be a trusted hub for content creators and affiliate marketers who want to learn real strategies without paying for expensive courses.

2. Does Niche Pursuits offer its own paid course?

No. Spencer Haws no longer sells any paid courses. He officially recommends Authority Hacker’s Authority Site System and Fat Stacks by Jon Dykstra for anyone who wants structured, premium training.

3. Can beginners use Niche Pursuits to start their first blog?

Yes, but keep in mind it’s not a guided course. The tutorials and podcast episodes are excellent, but they require you to create your own learning path. If you prefer step-by-step guidance with mentorship and tools, consider Wealthy Affiliate as a starting point.

4. Is Niche Pursuits suitable for parents or part-time bloggers?

Definitely. The advice is realistic and easy to apply in short bursts. It’s perfect if you want to learn SEO and content strategy while managing family life. You can pick up lessons anytime without pressure.

5. What’s the best way to follow Niche Pursuits?

Start with the main blog and the Niche Pursuits Podcast. Each episode features actionable insights from successful site owners. You can also subscribe to their newsletter to stay up to date on new posts and case studies.

6. How does Niche Pursuits compare with Wealthy Affiliate?

Niche Pursuits is free and flexible but self-directed. Wealthy Affiliate gives you everything in one place. Structured training, community support, live help, and hosting. If you prefer an all-in-one environment with built-in accountability, Wealthy Affiliate is the better long-term option.

My Final Thoughts

Niche Pursuits remains one of the most trustworthy and generous resources for learning about blogging, niche sites, and SEO.

It’s not a structured course, but if you’re self-motivated and enjoy learning through real examples, it’s a goldmine of practical advice.

Spencer Haws built a reputation for honesty and transparency, and his interviews and tutorials reflect that. You won’t find fake promises or pushy sales tactics here – just grounded, experience-based strategies that help you build better content and smarter websites.

For parents and side-hustlers, it’s a great place to absorb knowledge between the chaos of daily life. But if you want a more step-by-step framework, hands-on tools, and a community to guide you through each stage, Wealthy Affiliate is still the stronger choice for long-term growth and confidence.

Want to Turn What You Learn Into a Working Blog?
If you’re ready to take the next step — with training, tools, and mentorship all in one place — check out Wealthy Affiliate. It’s free to start and gives you everything you need to build a blog that earns income around your family life.
Explore Wealthy Affiliate »
Start free. Learn fast. Build a blog that fits your family.

Let’s Chat

Have you followed Niche Pursuits or listened to Spencer’s podcast before?

What’s one tip or takeaway that helped you most?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below – I reply to every single one.

Let’s keep building honest, flexible income streams together, one blog at a time.

John Crossley
John Crossley

Helping parents build flexible, family-first blogs that create income on their terms.

👋 Hi, I’m John — the parent behind Flex for Families. I started this blog after falling for a few “too good to be true” online schemes, and I’m on a mission to help parents avoid the same traps. Here you’ll find family-first, flexible ways to build income online — without sacrificing precious moments at home. Learn more about my story →

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