Updated September 2025: Affiliate marketing keeps evolving, and courses like Savage Affiliates and Wealthy Affiliate are still two of the most talked-about platforms. In this newly updated comparison, I break down the latest pricing, training, tools, and support to help you decide which path fits your goals today.
Affiliate marketing has opened the door for everyday people to build real income streams online. What used to require a marketing degree, a big advertising budget, or technical know-how is now within reach of anyone willing to learn the right skills and apply them consistently.
But here’s the challenge: with so many courses and platforms out there, how do you know which ones are worth your time and money? Two names you’ll almost always come across are Franklin Hatchett’s Savage Affiliates and the long-established Wealthy Affiliate platform. Both have loyal followings, both claim to give you the tools to succeed, and both take very different approaches to teaching affiliate marketing.
Savage Affiliates leans on Franklin’s reputation as a practitioner — showing you exactly how he builds funnels, runs ads, and drives traffic with a no-nonsense style. Wealthy Affiliate, on the other hand, has been around since 2005 and built its reputation on providing a complete ecosystem: training, hosting, research tools, and a supportive community all in one place.
With such different setups, it’s no wonder many people feel torn about which path to choose. Are you better off following Franklin’s case-study driven training with Savage Affiliates, or starting with the structured, community-based approach of Wealthy Affiliate?
I’ve personally spent time inside both platforms, and in this review I’ll break down what each one actually offers, how they approach affiliate marketing, what the true costs look like once you factor in extra tools, and which type of user will get the most value. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of whether Savage Affiliates or Wealthy Affiliate is the smarter choice for your goals in 2025 and beyond.
This means if you click on them and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
I only recommend products and platforms I trust, and I’ve been a member of Wealthy Affiliate since 2014.
Your support helps me keep publishing honest reviews here on ScamBustersUSA.com.

About Franklin Hatchett – The Face Behind Savage Affiliates
Franklin Hatchett is an online entrepreneur and affiliate marketer from New Zealand who has built a strong reputation through his eCommerce, dropshipping, and affiliate marketing tutorials. Before launching Savage Affiliates, he became well-known on YouTube for sharing step-by-step case studies on Shopify and dropshipping, where he openly documented his wins, failures, and the strategies he used to generate sales.
What makes Franklin stand out is his teaching style. He’s known for no-fluff, straight-to-the-point content. Instead of long-winded theory, he demonstrates strategies in real time, often by building campaigns and websites live on screen. This practical, example-driven approach has helped thousands of aspiring marketers feel more confident about taking action, since they’re not just reading about tactics — they’re watching him apply them.
Over time, Franklin expanded beyond dropshipping into affiliate marketing, YouTube growth, and funnel-based strategies. His success in multiple areas of online business led him to package his knowledge into a comprehensive affiliate marketing course: Savage Affiliates.
Another advantage Franklin brings is his active presence on YouTube. With hundreds of thousands of subscribers, he regularly publishes tutorials on SEO, email marketing, and funnel building. This ongoing content stream gives students a way to see how he personally applies the same lessons he teaches inside his course. It also shows that he’s still active in the industry, which builds credibility — you’re learning from someone who’s not only teaching but actively doing the work.
Franklin’s approach is also balanced. While many affiliate marketing trainers focus almost entirely on paid ads or only on SEO, Franklin blends both. He teaches free traffic methods like blogging, keyword research, and SEO for long-term stability, while also introducing paid traffic funnels through platforms like Facebook Ads, YouTube Ads, and ClickFunnels. This mix appeals to students who want to start lean and grow into more advanced tactics.
That said, Franklin’s teaching style may not resonate with everyone. Some learners thrive on structure, weekly live calls, or one-on-one mentorship — areas where platforms like Wealthy Affiliate provide more direct community support. But for self-starters who prefer case studies, real-world examples, and video tutorials they can watch at their own pace, Franklin’s no-nonsense delivery has been a major draw.
In short, Franklin Hatchett is more than just a course creator. He’s a marketer who has earned credibility by showing his work publicly, building a following on YouTube, and packaging his strategies into a single training program that continues to evolve with each version.
What Is Savage Affiliates?
Savage Affiliates is Franklin Hatchett’s flagship affiliate marketing course, first launched in 2018. Since then, it has gone through several iterations — Savage Affiliates v1, v2, and the latest v3 — with each new version including updates to reflect the most current marketing trends, traffic platforms, and monetization strategies.
Unlike many “one-dimensional” courses that only teach one method (for example, SEO blogging or Facebook Ads), Savage Affiliates was designed to be a comprehensive blueprint that covers multiple paths into affiliate marketing. Whether you want to build a content-driven website, run paid ads, start a YouTube channel, or leverage funnels, the course promises to walk you through the process step by step.
The training is delivered primarily through video lessons, supported by downloadable PDFs and checklists in some sections. One of the strengths is that it’s self-paced — meaning you can log in and complete modules whenever you have time, without being tied to live sessions or deadlines. This flexibility works well for busy professionals, side hustlers, or anyone learning affiliate marketing around a day job.
The promise of Savage Affiliates is simple but appealing: build a passive income stream by creating and promoting affiliate offers across multiple traffic channels.
Core Areas of Training Inside Savage Affiliates
The curriculum is divided into modules that address nearly every angle of affiliate marketing:
-
Niche Selection & Keyword Research – How to choose profitable niches, validate your ideas, and research keywords for ranking content or building campaigns.
-
Website Setup Basics – Step-by-step guidance on creating a WordPress website, registering a domain, and setting up hosting.
-
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) – Strategies to rank websites in Google, covering on-page SEO, link building, and long-term content strategies for organic traffic.
-
Email Marketing & Automation – Building subscriber lists, writing email sequences, and automating campaigns to drive repeat sales.
-
Funnel Building – Using ClickFunnels to create lead capture pages, bridge pages, and affiliate funnels designed to convert cold traffic into buyers.
-
Paid Traffic – Training on Facebook Ads, YouTube Ads, retargeting campaigns, and strategies for testing, scaling, and managing budgets.
-
Amazon & ClickBank Promotions – Step-by-step tutorials on how to pick affiliate products from Amazon Associates or ClickBank and promote them effectively.
These modules are designed to cover both free traffic methods (like SEO and YouTube) and paid methods (ads and funnels), giving students a balanced toolkit depending on their budget and learning style.
My Take on the Curriculum
When I worked through the material, I found Franklin’s teaching style very straightforward. He doesn’t waste time on fluff — he dives right into examples, often showing his own websites or campaigns. This makes the content easier to digest, even when the topics get complex (like Facebook ad targeting or funnel tracking).
That said, the volume of material can feel overwhelming on the first pass. There’s a lot to absorb, especially if you’re brand new to affiliate marketing. Some students might find themselves skipping around or needing to rewatch modules multiple times to fully grasp everything.
Still, the upside of this depth is that Savage Affiliates does cover nearly every traffic strategy you’re likely to encounter as an affiliate. Whether you want to build slow-and-steady SEO websites or fast-scaling paid ad funnels, the course has a module for you.
Pricing: What Does Savage Affiliates Really Cost?
One of the main selling points of Savage Affiliates is that it’s a one-time payment course, not a monthly subscription. For some students, this feels like a relief compared to recurring memberships that keep billing month after month. At the time of writing, Franklin offers two purchase options:
-
Standard Edition – around $197 for full access to the core training modules.
-
Super Affiliate Edition – around $297, which includes extra advanced strategies and bonuses such as higher-level funnel training and expanded paid ad tactics.
This means that once you buy, you keep access to that version for life. There are no renewal fees, no upsell into higher “tiers” of the course itself (beyond the Standard vs. Super Affiliate version), and you can learn at your own pace indefinitely.
However, there are a couple of important caveats:
-
No Free Trial or Starter Plan – Unlike some platforms that let you try before you buy, Savage Affiliates requires you to pay upfront. If you’re not sure affiliate marketing is for you, this can feel like a risk.
-
Tools and Extras Cost More – The course is training only. That means website hosting, a keyword research tool, a funnel builder (like ClickFunnels, which Franklin recommends), and an email autoresponder are all separate expenses. Depending on what you choose, these tools can add anywhere from $50 to $300+ per month to your budget.
-
Locked to a Version – Buying Savage Affiliates v3 gives you lifetime access to that version, but if Franklin releases a v4 or new platform in the future, it’s not guaranteed that your purchase will cover it. Wealthy Affiliate, on the other hand, continuously updates training and tools without forcing you into new “versions.”
So while the upfront cost of $197–$297 may sound low, the true startup cost of following the course exactly as Franklin teaches it can be significantly higher once you add:
-
Hosting and domains
-
ClickFunnels or another funnel builder
-
Email autoresponder
-
Paid traffic budget (if you pursue ads)
For a beginner, this can easily push the real investment into the $500–$1,000+ range, even before you make your first commission.

No Community Platform with Savage Affiliates
Another area to weigh carefully is support and community. Savage Affiliates does not have a built-in forum, live chat, or direct mentorship program inside the course itself. Instead, Franklin offers access to a private Facebook group for members.
The Facebook group can be helpful — Franklin occasionally jumps in to answer questions, and other members share tips or progress updates. But compared to platforms with integrated, always-on communities (like Wealthy Affiliate’s live chat, weekly webinars, and 24/7 Q&A boards), the support inside Savage Affiliates feels light.
For independent learners who are comfortable figuring things out on their own, this may not be a dealbreaker. But for beginners who benefit from constant feedback, accountability, or quick answers when they hit roadblocks, the lack of a structured community is a notable downside.
It’s worth noting that one of Wealthy Affiliate’s biggest strengths has always been its community-driven approach. With live classes, daily Q&A sessions, and direct messaging with successful marketers, WA provides a safety net that Savage Affiliates doesn’t try to replicate.
Savage Affiliates Training Modules – What You Get
The Savage Affiliates curriculum is structured into eight main modules, each tackling a core area of affiliate marketing. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll find inside:
Module 1: Affiliate Marketing Basics
Franklin starts with the fundamentals — what affiliate marketing is, how it works, and the different business models you can pursue. This is useful for true beginners, though it moves quickly and assumes you’ll pick up industry terms along the way.
Module 2: Niche & Keyword Research
This module dives into choosing a profitable niche and using keyword research to validate your ideas. Franklin explains how to find markets with demand but not too much competition. While it’s practical, the process leans heavily on tools you’ll need to buy separately (like Ahrefs or SEMrush), which can be a barrier for those on a budget.
Module 3: Website Setup
Here you’ll get a walkthrough on setting up a WordPress site, buying a domain, and hosting your content. It’s enough to get you online, but it’s not as detailed as courses that focus specifically on web building. Beginners may need supplemental tutorials if they run into trouble.
Module 4: Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is one of Franklin’s stronger suits. He covers keyword optimization, on-page SEO, and backlink strategies to get websites ranking on Google. This is one of the more robust modules, and if you’re patient, SEO can generate long-term free traffic. However, Franklin’s SEO coverage doesn’t go as deep into algorithm updates or technical SEO as platforms like Wealthy Affiliate, which continually update their training.
Module 5: Email Marketing & Automation
Here you’ll learn how to set up opt-in forms, build a list, and automate follow-up sequences using autoresponders like GetResponse or ConvertKit. Franklin provides templates and best practices, but you’ll need to pay for these email tools separately.
Module 6: Amazon & ClickBank Promotions
Franklin dedicates lessons to affiliate giants like Amazon Associates and ClickBank, showing how to choose offers and build promotions around them. These examples are beginner-friendly but can feel limiting if you’re interested in higher-ticket or private affiliate programs.
Module 7: Paid Ads (YouTube & Facebook)
This module covers creating ad accounts, designing campaigns, targeting audiences, and budgeting for traffic. Franklin shows how to test small and scale winners, but paid ads are inherently risky. Many students find this section exciting but intimidating since mistakes can be costly.
Module 8: Funnel Building (ClickFunnels)
The final module teaches how to use ClickFunnels to build lead magnets, bridge pages, and complete affiliate funnels. The training is detailed, but it assumes you’ll pay for ClickFunnels ($97+/month), which adds to your overall costs.
Overall, the step-by-step structure is helpful, and Franklin’s teaching is clear. But the course expects a certain comfort level with tech tools. If you’ve never used WordPress, email autoresponders, or funnel software before, you may find the learning curve steep.
Another thing to note is that while Savage Affiliates covers a wide range of topics, it leans increasingly toward advanced strategies like funnels and paid ads. Beginners who want to start with low-risk, organic traffic methods may feel pushed into expensive tactics too quickly.

Tools, Hosting, and Support: Where Savage Affiliates Stops
Savage Affiliates is a training-only product. That means once you’ve gone through the videos and PDFs, you’ll need to invest in separate tools to actually implement Franklin’s strategies. For example:
-
Domain & Web Hosting – You’ll need to purchase your own hosting and domain registrar service (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround, Namecheap).
-
ClickFunnels – Strongly recommended throughout the course, but it comes at an additional cost of around $97–$297/month.
-
Email Autoresponder – Essential for email marketing, but again not included. Popular options like ConvertKit, GetResponse, or AWeber cost $15–$49+/month.
-
Keyword Tools – Franklin often references premium tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush, which can run $99+/month.
For some students, these costs add up quickly. The initial $197–$297 course fee can balloon into $500–$1,000+ in startup expenses, especially if you follow his recommendations to the letter.
Support is another weak point. While Savage Affiliates grants access to a private Facebook group, it doesn’t have an integrated community platform, live chat, or 24/7 Q&A system. The group is active, and Franklin does engage occasionally, but it’s not nearly as dynamic as platforms like Wealthy Affiliate, where members can get immediate help through live chat, weekly webinars, and direct support from mentors.
For independent learners, the Facebook group might be enough. But for beginners who need frequent feedback or encouragement, the lack of structured community support can make Savage Affiliates feel like a solo journey.
✅ Compare with Wealthy Affiliate (Free Starter)
Savage Affiliates Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
-
One-Time Payment – You pay once ($197–$297 depending on the version) and keep lifetime access to that edition of the course. There’s no monthly billing pressure, which appeals to those who dislike subscriptions.
-
Balanced Training Coverage – Franklin covers both free traffic methods (like blogging, SEO, YouTube) and paid strategies (Facebook Ads, YouTube Ads, ClickFunnels funnels). This gives students the flexibility to choose their preferred path.
-
Up-to-Date Content – Since the release of v3, Franklin has refreshed modules to reflect changes in platforms and ad strategies, keeping things relevant for 2025.
-
Practical, Real-Life Examples – Franklin is known for his “no fluff” style. He often shows live case studies, campaign setups, or his own projects so students can see what works in practice instead of just theory.
-
Comprehensive Scope – The course spans everything from niche selection to SEO, email marketing, paid ads, and funnel building. For someone exploring multiple approaches, Savage Affiliates is a true “all-in-one” training package.
-
Self-Paced Learning – All lessons are pre-recorded videos you can watch on your own schedule, making it easier to fit the training around a job or other responsibilities.
❌ Cons
-
No Tools Included – Savage Affiliates is training-only. You’ll need to buy web hosting, a domain, keyword research tools, a funnel builder (like ClickFunnels), and an autoresponder separately. These costs can add up to hundreds per month on top of the course fee.
-
Encourages Extra Purchases – While not mandatory, much of the training leans heavily on ClickFunnels and paid ads, which creates pressure to invest in tools and ad spend. For budget-conscious beginners, this is a steep barrier.
-
Limited SEO Depth – The SEO training is solid but not as comprehensive as programs that focus heavily on organic traffic, such as Wealthy Affiliate. If you want deep, ongoing SEO education, this may feel light.
-
No Built-In Community – Aside from a private Facebook group, there’s no 24/7 support, live chat, or structured mentoring. Beginners may feel isolated if they need quick help.
-
Overwhelming for Beginners – With eight broad modules and a heavy emphasis on advanced tactics like paid ads, many new affiliates find the course overwhelming. It assumes you’ll pick up third-party tools quickly, which isn’t always realistic.
-
Locked to a Version – Buying v3 gets you lifetime access to that edition, but if Franklin launches v4 in the future, there’s no guarantee you’ll get access without repurchasing.
Comparing Savage Affiliates & Wealthy Affiliate. Major Differences
When you stack Savage Affiliates next to Wealthy Affiliate, the differences in approach, cost, and support become obvious. Both can teach you affiliate marketing, but they’re built with very different learners in mind.
🔹 Savage Affiliates
-
One-Time Cost – Pay once ($197–$297 depending on version) and get lifetime access to that edition. No recurring subscription fees.
-
Training-Only – The course includes videos and PDFs, but no built-in tools, hosting, or keyword research platform. You’ll need to buy those separately.
-
Emphasis on Paid Traffic & Funnels – Heavy focus on ClickFunnels, YouTube Ads, and Facebook Ads. SEO and blogging are covered, but not as deeply.
-
Third-Party Tool Dependency – Relies on external tools like ClickFunnels ($97–$297/month), autoresponders ($15–$49+/month), and keyword tools ($99+/month if you use Ahrefs/Semrush). Costs add up quickly.
-
Support = Private Facebook Group – While active, it’s not the same as live mentoring or 24/7 chat. Beginners may feel stranded if they get stuck.
-
No Free Trial – You must pay upfront. If the course doesn’t fit your style, you won’t know until after purchase.
-
Best For – Intermediate affiliates who already understand basics and want to scale with funnels and ads.
🔹 Wealthy Affiliate
-
Free Starter Plan – Test-drive the platform, build a site, and start the training without paying anything upfront. Low-risk entry point.
-
All-in-One Membership – Monthly ($49) or yearly membership includes training, website hosting for up to 10 sites, SSL security, and a website builder. No need to buy external hosting or site tools.
-
Built-In Jaaxy Keyword Tool – Integrated research tool for finding profitable niches and keywords. Saves ~$99/month compared to outside keyword tools.
-
Ongoing Training – Weekly live training classes, updated lessons, and new strategies added regularly to keep up with industry changes.
-
24/7 Community Support – Access to a massive global network of affiliates through live chat, discussion forums, and direct mentoring. Help is always available.
-
Focus on SEO & Content Marketing – Strong emphasis on long-term organic traffic via blogging, YouTube, and email marketing. Funnels and ads are covered but not the primary focus.
-
Best For – Beginners to intermediate marketers who want to build a long-term, sustainable business on a budget.
⚖️ Bottom Line
-
Choose Savage Affiliates if you’re already confident with the basics, have a budget for tools and ads, and want to dive into funnels and paid traffic.
-
Choose Wealthy Affiliate if you’re a beginner (or budget-conscious) and want training, tools, hosting, and community all in one place with a focus on long-term SEO and content marketing.

Who Each Platform Works Best For
Both Savage Affiliates and Wealthy Affiliate have their strengths, but they aren’t aimed at the exact same type of student. Here’s how to decide which platform matches your situation:
🔰 If You’re Brand New to Affiliate Marketing
-
You’ve never built a website before.
-
You’re not familiar with funnels, autoresponders, or ad platforms.
-
You want to learn step by step with the safety net of a supportive community.
👉 Wealthy Affiliate is the better fit.
It gives you everything in one place: hosting, training, tools, and 24/7 support. You don’t need to buy extras or feel pressured to invest in paid traffic. You can start free, move at your own pace, and focus on building long-term skills like SEO and content creation.
⚖️ If You’ve Dabbled but Aren’t Fully Confident Yet
-
You know a little about blogging, SEO, or running ads, but you haven’t made consistent income yet.
-
You want deeper training without blowing your budget on external tools.
-
You’re looking for a balance between practical education and ongoing updates.
👉 Wealthy Affiliate is still the stronger option.
You’ll learn how to build authority sites, rank in Google, and generate organic traffic — all while having access to mentors and peers who can help you when you get stuck. Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you can decide whether to branch out into advanced tactics like funnels and paid ads.
🚀 If You’re Intermediate to Advanced
-
You already know how affiliate marketing works.
-
You’re comfortable buying hosting, setting up WordPress, and using tools like ClickFunnels or ConvertKit.
-
You’re ready to invest in paid ads and scale fast.
👉 Savage Affiliates might suit you.
Franklin Hatchett dives into Facebook Ads, YouTube Ads, and advanced funnel building. If you’ve got the budget to test campaigns and the discipline to handle steep learning curves, Savage Affiliates gives you practical blueprints for scaling quickly.
That said, be prepared for extra costs: funnels, autoresponders, keyword tools, and ad spend are not included. It’s a higher-risk, higher-reward approach.
💼 If You Want a Complete Package with Lower Ongoing Costs
-
You prefer to minimize risk while learning.
-
You want hosting, tools, and training bundled together.
-
You value consistent updates and a long-standing platform.
👉 Wealthy Affiliate wins here.
It’s been around since 2005, continuously improving, and it remains one of the most affordable all-in-one affiliate marketing platforms. For $49/month, you get what would otherwise cost hundreds in external tools if you followed Savage Affiliates’ exact recommendations.
Bottom Line
-
Beginners and cost-conscious learners → Wealthy Affiliate.
-
Ambitious affiliates with ad budgets and some experience → Savage Affiliates.
-
Anyone who values community, ongoing support, and sustainability → Wealthy Affiliate.
Student Feedback. What Users Say About Savage Affiliates
| Source | What They Liked | What They Don’t Like / Warning Signs |
|---|---|---|
| WorkFromYourLaptop.com (2025 Review) | “Solid value for beginners in 2025, with practical training on SEO, funnels, and traffic.” WORK FROM YOUR LAPTOP One-time payment, lifetime access feels rare and valuable. WORK FROM YOUR LAPTOP |
Some modules are dated, especially older tactics that aren’t as effective in 2025. WORK FROM YOUR LAPTOP Community/Facebook group isn’t very active anymore, which leaves beginners a bit isolated. WORK FROM YOUR LAPTOP |
| Ippei.com | “Reviews are mostly positive … one of the most popular courses for beginners.” Ippei Good range of topics: SEO + organic, paid ads, and affiliate networks. Ippei |
Criticisms include need for updating some paid traffic strategies and too much promotion of 3rd-party tools like ClickFunnels. Ippei |
| A user said: “I’ve taken his course and it was very informative. It had over 40 videos on Facebook ads alone. The course was only $200 and better than every other …” Reddit Another user complimented his style and clarity: it’s straightforward and gets to the point. (Redditors like no-nonsense tutorials.) Reddit+1 |
One user said that though the course’s ads claimed a “30-day money back guarantee,” requesting a refund was difficult because they asked for proof of action, following module assignments, etc. Reddit Some complaints about support/community being weak. WORK FROM YOUR LAPTOP+2Ippei |
|
| Drews-Review | Experienced reviewers say Savage Affiliates works and is legit. They mention that the course “shows you how to create a website to generate affiliate income” in a solid way. Drews Review Many like that it compiles tactics from multiple traffic sources so you’re not restricted. Drews Review |
The same reviews often caution that results are not instant; many say it demands a lot of work, consistency, and outside tools (which adds cost). Drews Review |
How to Use This Feedback in Your Review
Here are ideas for incorporating this feedback so your “Student Feedback” section feels rich and credible:
-
Add a “What People Like / Where They Struggle” subheading and bullet out some of the points above.
-
Use quotes (e.g. Reddit quotes, these review sites) to demonstrate real-life experiences. Something like:
“I’ve taken his course and it was very informative … better than every other …” — Reddit user Reddit
-
Discuss the refund complaints: many users say the 30-day money-back guarantee is real but hard to use unless you follow certain conditions. That’s a major trust point.
-
Highlight that some content is dated: indicates that while the course is useful, it isn’t perfect or completely up-to-date.
-
Contrast community/support feedback: support seems more sparse than promised (Facebook rather than live chat or internal forum), which is especially relevant for beginners.
Student Feedback: What Learners Say About Savage Affiliates
After digging through Reddit threads, third-party reviews, and user testimonials, here’s what people consistently praise — and what they warn about — when it comes to Savage Affiliates:
👍 What Users Like
-
Many find the course provides solid value for beginners, particularly for SEO, funnels, and traffic coaching. It’s often praised for being practical rather than just theoretical. WORK FROM YOUR LAPTOP
-
The one-time payment + lifetime access model is a strong plus. Users appreciate not having ongoing fees and being able to revisit the training later. WORK FROM YOUR LAPTOP
-
Franklin’s teaching style is frequently highlighted: no fluff, direct examples, “show, not just tell.” Many feel that modules are clear and can be followed without guessing. WORK FROM YOUR LAPTOP+2Reddit
👎 What Users Complain About
-
The refund policy is a sticking point. While it exists, some users report complications when trying to claim it — for example, being asked for proof that they followed specific modules or actions. Reddit
-
Dated content in parts of the course. Certain strategies (especially older ad tactics, or SEO tactics like Web 2.0 / backlink methods) are called out as less relevant in 2025. WORK FROM YOUR LAPTOP+1
-
Community/support is weaker than expected. The private Facebook group is active, but many say it’s not as lively or helpful as platforms with built-in forums, mentorship, or live chat. WORK FROM YOUR LAPTOP
-
Steep learning curve / higher implicit costs. Many students say that besides paying for the course, they needed to budget for ad spend, ClickFunnels, autoresponders, etc. This sometimes surprised people who thought the one-time price would be “everything you need.” WORK FROM YOUR LAPTOP
Student Feedback: What Learners Say About Savage Affiliates
To make this review balanced, I looked beyond my own experience and gathered feedback from Reddit threads, independent review sites, and user testimonials. The consensus is a mix of praise for Franklin’s practical teaching style and concerns about support and hidden costs.
👍 What Students Like
-
Solid value for beginners – Many users highlight that Savage Affiliates gives a strong foundation for understanding both SEO and paid ads. The practical examples make it easier to take action, not just absorb theory.
-
Lifetime access with one-time payment – People like that you can pay once ($197–$297) and keep the material forever, without ongoing subscription fees.
-
Clear, no-fluff teaching style – Franklin’s YouTube reputation carries over into the course. Students praise his ability to show strategies step by step, with real examples of campaigns, funnels, and websites.
-
Coverage of multiple strategies – Some learners like that they can pick their path: blogging, YouTube, funnels, or ads, rather than being locked into one traffic method.
👎 Common Complaints
-
Refund policy can be tricky – While Savage Affiliates advertises a 30-day money-back guarantee, some users reported difficulties getting refunds unless they provided proof they had completed certain actions inside the course.
-
Some outdated content – A few reviewers point out that older strategies (especially certain paid ad tactics and SEO backlinking methods) feel dated in 2025, even though Franklin updates regularly.
-
Limited community support – The private Facebook group is there, but compared to Wealthy Affiliate’s live chat and 24/7 mentorship, it feels light. Beginners in particular say they wished for more handholding.
-
Hidden startup costs – Multiple students noted that while the course itself is affordable, you need to budget for ClickFunnels, autoresponders, keyword tools, and ad spend. This pushes the real price of applying Franklin’s methods much higher than the advertised one-time fee.
-
Steep learning curve for beginners – Those brand new to affiliate marketing often say the jump into funnels and ads feels overwhelming without more foundational handholding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ClickFunnels to use Savage Affiliates?
Not strictly, but ClickFunnels is featured heavily in Franklin’s funnel-building modules. Using it makes his examples easier to follow, but it comes with an additional monthly cost ($97–$297). If you’re budget-conscious, you can substitute with WordPress plugins (like Thrive Architect or Elementor) or cheaper funnel builders. The key is that you’ll need some tool to implement his funnel strategies.
Can I use both Savage Affiliates and Wealthy Affiliate together?
Absolutely. Many people start with Wealthy Affiliate to master SEO, blogging, and content-driven traffic, then later add Savage Affiliates to branch into paid ads and funnels. The two platforms actually complement each other well: WA covers the long-term organic foundation, while SA dives into scaling with ads. Just keep in mind this approach adds more upfront costs since Savage Affiliates requires external tools.
Is SEO or paid traffic better in 2025?
SEO remains the most sustainable way to build affiliate income. It compounds over time, creating traffic you don’t have to pay for once your content ranks. Paid ads can bring faster results, but they require budget, testing, and risk tolerance — many beginners lose money before finding a winning formula. A hybrid approach (SEO + email list building + selective paid ads) gives the best balance of stability and growth.
Does Savage Affiliates come with a free trial?
No. Unlike Wealthy Affiliate, which offers a free Starter Plan, Savage Affiliates requires upfront payment ($197–$297 depending on version). Once purchased, you have lifetime access to that edition of the course.
How often is Savage Affiliates updated?
Franklin updates modules when platforms change — for example, adding new YouTube Ads training or refining Facebook Ads strategies. However, because the course is sold as “versions” (v1, v2, v3), buying v3 doesn’t guarantee free access to v4 if it’s ever released.
What kind of support do I get inside Savage Affiliates?
Support is limited to a private Facebook group. While Franklin does interact occasionally and members help each other, it doesn’t compare to built-in live chat, 24/7 Q&A, or weekly webinars like Wealthy Affiliate provides. Beginners often say they feel more supported in WA’s active community.
Is Savage Affiliates beginner-friendly?
Yes and no. The training is step-by-step and clear, but it moves quickly and expects you to be comfortable with third-party tools like ClickFunnels, autoresponders, and ad platforms. Many brand-new affiliates find the learning curve steep. Wealthy Affiliate is generally more forgiving for absolute beginners since it bundles training, hosting, and community all in one place.
Is Savage Affiliates a scam?
No. Savage Affiliates is a legitimate course created by Franklin Hatchett, who is a well-known marketer. It delivers what it promises: video training across multiple affiliate marketing strategies. The downsides are the hidden extra costs, limited support, and less emphasis on community.
Additional Reading
Want to see how other affiliate courses stack up? Check out my in-depth reviews of popular MMO programs:
Verdict: Savage Affiliates or Wealthy Affiliate?
Both Savage Affiliates and Wealthy Affiliate have their place in the affiliate marketing world, but they serve different types of learners. Here’s how I see it in 2025:
-
For long-term business building using websites, content, and SEO:
👉 Wealthy Affiliate is the smarter choice. It’s built around evergreen strategies that survive algorithm updates, and it provides the training, hosting, and tools to grow steadily without constant ad spend. -
If you want the lowest cost to start (including hosting, support, and keyword tools):
👉 Wealthy Affiliate again wins for value. With the free Starter Plan, you can begin building right away, and the Premium plan bundles everything most affiliates need for just $49/month. -
If you’re excited about running paid ads, funnels, and landing pages:
👉 Savage Affiliates can work for you — provided you’re comfortable with the additional costs of tools like ClickFunnels, autoresponders, and a testing budget for ads. It’s better suited for those who already have some experience or extra funds to invest. -
If you’re looking for a package deal (training + support + website hosting):
👉 Wealthy Affiliate is unmatched. Instead of piecing together third-party tools, you get a complete ecosystem that grows with you.
🌟 Join Wealthy Affiliate — Build Your Site Today
Ready to Get Started?
I always recommend starting with the lowest-risk option — especially if you’re exploring affiliate marketing for the first time. Wealthy Affiliate’s free Starter Plan lets you:
-
Build your first website.
-
Access the beginner lessons.
-
Connect with the community.
-
Test the platform before spending a dime.
This takes the pressure off and gives you a clear sense of whether affiliate marketing is the right path for you. If you decide to upgrade, Premium starts at only $49/month — still one of the most affordable ways to build an online business with hosting, tools, and support all included.
👉 Try the Free Wealthy Affiliate Starter Plan here and start building your online business with everything you need in one place.
Our website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support our mission to bring you quality content.


I’ve heard good things about Savage Affiliates! The step-by-step video lessons and range of topics like SEO, email marketing, and paid ads sound really comprehensive. I like that you can go at your own pace, which is great for busy schedules. It does seem like a lot to take in at once, but breaking it down module by module makes it manageable. Overall, it looks like a solid program for anyone serious about building affiliate income—definitely something I’d consider trying myself.
Yeah, I’d just be careful with Savage Affiliates. A lot of the positive reviews are from people who make a commission if you sign up, so it’s not always the full picture. It’s definitely got beginner-friendly content, but I’ve heard support can be hit or miss. If you do go for it, let me know how you find it. Personally, I’m sticking with Wealthy Affiliate — the updated training there is honestly the best I’ve seen since I started in 2011.
I know it sounds contradicting because I stand to gain if someone joins Wealthy Affiliate through my link, but don’t forget, I’ve been around this industry since 2011 and I only stand behind training that not only works but is also supportive and has the updated training people need to succeed online.