Howdy, welcome to my review of Source Wave (AKA Source University)!
Alex Becker claims his program will help you to earn a full-time income from SEO.
But is it true or is the guy just full of hot air?
Jump into this honest review post to find out the answer and also how the whole thing works behind the scenes…
Quick Overview
Name: Source Wave (SW) – AKA Source University.
Website: source-wave.com.
Cost: University: $47/month. Hunter: $19 to $99/month plus additional costs.
Owner: Alex Becker.
My Score: 4/10.
Verdict: (LEGIT).
Summary:
** 2020 update: Source Wave has now transformed into Source University with some changes to the training. However, I’ve not yet looked into the new version – so this review is still based on the old one for now **.
Source Wave is designed as a platform that allows you to crush it with Search Engine Optimization and send tons of traffic + potential buyers to your website.
Well, supposedly anyway.
Don’t get me wrong, you do get some level of value out of Becker’s platform.
BUT on the other hand, there are some outdated techniques that can harm your online Biz, and a couple of tools have also vanished into thin air.
Which refelcts badly on Becker and ‘SW’ on a whole.
So much for Becker’s program being the wave of the future when it comes to SEO. UGH.
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Table of Contents
What’s Source Wave All About?
Source Wave is designed as a training program to teach you the art of Search Engine Optimization (SEO for short).
So you have the “golden knowledge” for generating organic targeted traffic to your niche site and earning an income.
Alex Becker claims there’s a full archive of training for beginners and also full advanced strategy courses for keeping you on the cutting edge of SEO.
But from what I’ve seen inside the platform…
There are certain outdated strategies that can potentially get you penalized by Google in today’s world of internet marketing, I’m afraid.
So I think ‘SW’ can definitely do with a major overhaul to keep it in line with today’s internet marketing world.
What Training do You Get Inside Source Wave?
Inside ‘SW’ as a free member, there are various free basic training videos you can enjoy that cover the following topics:
- An SEO Beginner Course
- Pure Profit Tactics
- Client SEO
- Backlinking
- Keyword Research
In addition, there’s a bunch of recorded webinars (Vlog training videos) on the penguin update, how to rank sites with traffic, and how to snipe easy YouTube keywords, to name a few.
When you enroll as a paid member of the “University”, you’ll be trained by expert marketers like:
Gregory Ortiz, Becker and Stephen Floyd who will apparently get you from a beginner to an expert within just 30 days of signing up.
What you’ll gain access to:
- Cutting Edge Tactics
- Live Q/A Sessions With The Coaches Once a Month
- Fast Startup Client SEO
- A Community of 100s of Experts
- Staying on The Cutting Edge
In my opinion, it’s gonna take a newbie longer than 30 days to learn the ins and outs of SEO.
Because there’s a lot to take in, especially when experts and bloggers share a mixture of different opinions on the subject.
The Source Wave Tools For Getting The Job Done
To be quite honest with you, the tools are lacking somewhat and you’ll see why.
Hunter
It’s basically a keyword research tool with tracking and website data abilities.
The tool claims to increase your visitors by up to 30% by searching for hidden keyword phrases.
But there are heaps of keyword tools out there that pretty much do the same thing.
So there’s nothing extra special about the hunter tool, in my opinion.
Revive
‘SW’s’ unlimited resource for PBN domain names (if it was actually accessible at the time of writing this) LOL.
Unfortunately, Private Blog Networks (PBNs) are designed to trick the search engines into awarding top rankings.
So using a shady PBN for your online Biz is a risky method that’s frowned upon by Google.
The “Big G” wouldn’t hesitate to de-rank your site, which would result in ZERO success!
So you really have to be carfeul when it comes to the PBN approach.
Start off on the right foot with your blogging and SEO…
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Social Autopilot
It’s a special service responsible for more than 500 1st page rankings on Google.
Could you be the next online marketer to dominate Google?
Erm, since the tool has gone walk about – perhaps not LOL.
In addition, using an “automated tool” like this for building backlinks could also potentially get your site banned in Google.
Google has made it perfectly clear that “linking schemes” are a big NO-NO!
Is The Source Wave Help & Support up to Par?
There are a few great options available when it comes to getting the support you need.
- 3 different Facebook support groups
- Email the support team who have a quick response time
- Live Chat with an Agent
I guess in a way, the support kinda makes up for the lack of tools.
What’s The Cost of Source Wave?
To join the “University” for digital business training and coaching has a price-tag of $47 per month.
For access to the “Hunter” keyword and monitoring software, it will cost you:
- $19 per month for SILVER membership
- $37/month for PRO
- $44/month for GOLD
- $99/month for PLATINUM
As for “Revive” and “Social Autopilot” tools, your guess is as good as mine!
But I’m willing to bet they’re not cheap.
PROS vs CONS of ‘SW’
PROS
- Free Vlog training videos
- Some useful training provided
- Free bonus list of 50 profitable niches
- A good level of help & support offered
- There’s also a marketplace to buy and sell SEO services (similar to Gigs on Fiverr)
- Becker comes across as a reputable & down to earth kinda marketer
CONS
- There’s no free trial
- The tools can work out costly
- 2 of the software tools are inaccessible
- It uses a PBN & other outdated SEO tactics that can kill your success
- The platform hasn’t been updated in a while
- Gigs from Becker’s marketplace can be expensive to buy
Final Conclusion: Is Source Wave Worth it?…
Although Mr. Becker is a cool dude who’s provided some great training and a keyword tool, I still don’t recommend ‘SW’ (to newbies especially) for a few good reasons:
#1 – Using a PBN is a Terrible Mistake
Private Blog Networks were a cool thing to do in the old school internet marketing days.
Google is now more likely to kick your ass right off its listings.
Because a PBN is a basically a dirty tactic for “gaming” the search engines for rankings.
#2 – Short Posts & Content Spinning Are No-Go Areas
Becker also recommends you create 300-word articles. WRONG!
“Thin” content won’t get ranked anymore because Google now aims to provide its visitors with VALUE.
If you want #1 page rankings, you’ve got to create “high quality” and “engaging” content of at least 1,200 – 1,500 words.
More quality content, the better it is for everyone: your visitors, search engines, and the overall success of your website as a whole.
When it comes to article-spinners, they also receive a massive thumb’s down from the search engines.
Because every piece of content you publish on your blog must be “unique”.
If the spiders pick up on multiple posts that are very similar, your site runs the risk being dropped like a hot potato.
#3 – Using an Automated Tool For Backlinks is a NO-NO
Gone are the days when you could easily manipulate Google search engine rankings by quickly building 100s – 1,000s of website backlinks using “automated tools”.
Google now classes these tools as “link schemes” and will quickly dump your blog if it catches you out.
So there are some pitfalls when it comes to ‘SW’, unfortunately.
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Your Friend, Neil 😀
If you have any questions or thoughts, that you’d like to share on ‘SW’ – We’d LOVE to hear from you below…
Alex Becker has been around a long time. I’m not sure I trust him. His promotes himself as an SEO guru and his sales videos are filled with hype.
Most of all, SEO is not that difficult. There was a time when it could be gamed, but the search engines are smarter now and gaming will probably backfire.
Good ranking in the search engines comes down to quality content that helps the visitor.
Indeed, Mr. Becker certainly is a cocky fella who puts some hyped up stuff out there. Some of his marketing training sure needs to be updated with the strategies that are working TODAY instead of 10 years ago lol.
I couldn’t agree more because Search Engine Optimization really is so simple and easy to implement when you have the correct training and tools to use. Any Blogger who does trick the search engines with “outdated methods”, will feel Google’s big boot up their ass at some point!
Yup, work hard to help others and respect Google, and you’ll build a successful biz. 🙂
Great review Neil.
Source Wave seems like something to avoid, especially if they are still teaching outdated techniques such as backlinking.
There are definitely other options out there that offer much better training on building websites and SEO.
Thanks for your review!
Cheers, Andrew!
As much as I hate to say it… Yes, steer clear of SW lol. There are far too many of these programs proving “yesterday’s” ineffective tools and marketing strategies – I just don’t know why the members still stick around?!
I totally agree, there are far better training alternatives out there that actually work for results with SEO.
You’re welcome!
Great review! I am new to all this SEO stuff! But from what I have been learning so far, it sounds like you are right on the money about Source Wave. I would never touch a program like this with a ten-foot selfie stick! lol, The money you have to pour into that sounds ridiculous! Especially when you can get so much more with WA!
It was a huge step for me to go premium on WA if they didn’t have the free option I would have never even signed up. If I were to create a program, it would definitely sound more like WA than Source Wave!
It is always good to read what programs to stay away from and not even waste time reading about! I’ve watched so many “free” webinars lately, only to get to the end and they offer some really pricey system and talk about how crazy you would be not to take this deal! lol
Cheers, Kristin!
SEO’s pretty easy, once you get to grips with it. 😀 I guess that’s one way of sharing your thoughts on SW! HA HA. SW certainly costs a lot of bucks, especially when the program’s not up to date with internet marketing changes.
Good on ya for making the decision to join WA. The free starter membership sure gives you the opportunity to test-drive WA before taking the plunge.
I agree, and I’m happy to help you. Some Gurus get you hooked on to a “too good to be true” income idea, only to sell you an expensive and low-quality tool or membership program.
Hi Neil,
Source Wave may have step-by-step training, a community of experts, a supportive forum and training tools, but from what I have read so far most of these are not up-to-date materials. For a good site or program to be functional, it must be updated regularly.
Upsells are not good signal when it comes to the online business for beginners. Another area is the advice to write articles with 300 words, and the use of private blog network is no longer in vogue, these are bad signals.
In my opinion, Source wave is not a recommendable product, so people should stay away from it.
Hey, Edemekaye!
If a program like SW doesn’t have accessible tools and offer “current” training, then every other aspect of the program is irrelevant, in my opinion.
I definitely agree when it comes to providing software that works in today’s online world because it’s the difference between succeeding and failing with an affiliate marketing business.
I also see your point on upsells because no newbie really wants to splash out when getting started online.
Thanks for your 2 cents worth, and I’m sure folks will follow our advice. 🙂
Hi Neil
Thank You very much for the review of source wave. From what you have written here it sounds like source wave is a company to avoid, at all costs. I think it’s wrong for people to pay for courses that don’t live up to expectations. By the way, do you know anything about Patric Chan’s CB Passive Income?
Hello, Derek!
No problem, dude!
There is some good in SW but unfortunately, the bad outweighs that, so the program is something I certainly don’t recommend, especially to a noob.
Yes indeed, you should receive the “quality” training, tools, help and support you’re paying for. If a program like SW can’t deliver what it promises, the site shouldn’t be live. Period.
YEP, as it happens, I do know something about Mr. Chan’s program!
You can grab my review of CB Passive Income here. 🙂
Hi Neil,
From what you say here, Source Wave certainly seems to be out of date with a few online marketing aspects. While the techniques may have worked for the creators in the past it seems that they are not keeping themselves abreast of changes in the internet world.
Thank you for the info, I’ll stick with Wealthy Affiliate, a training program that is continuously updated both by its owners and its members.
Hey, Jenny! 😀
Exactly! I have no idea why Mr. Becker is still running an “outdated” program which can actually harm marketers SEO. If he’s a true expert, then surely he would freshen up his training and provide tools that work?!
No problem, and you’ve made an awesome choice with WA because Kyle and Carson (the co-founders) do have a passion for helping folks within the internet marketing world.
I think the intention of the company is really to help people succeed in internet marketing, but they are going about it the wrong way. This could easily have been the real deal a couple of years ago. There has been an evolvement with the algorithm of search engines which has ultimately led to mastering new techniques to rank on search engines.
Unfortunately, for all their intent, SW has failed to evolve with the algorithm of Google and the others. The priority of Google has always been and will always be about the quality of the solutions you provide to searchers. Things like PBNs and going the extra mile to get backlinks will not only fail to improve your business but in fact, hurt your business.
You cannot be paying top dollar for outdated information when there are platforms that actually put in the extra effort to remain up to date.
Cheers,
Amedu
I agree, SW isn’t 100% effective. Google can change its algorithms like the wind, so SEO training programs really must stay on top of the game with tools and training. Alex seriously needs to step up to the mark with SW.
In my opinion, there’s no doubt that SW is losing current and potential members to “effective” platforms that are way better.
No worries, Amedu!
Neil,
You make a fair point, the Source Wave product seems okay but you don’t want to be using PBNs if you are trying to rank in Google.
I guess the overall approach to the subject of SEO would be better with Wealthy Affiliate your recommendation.
Thanks for that.
Hi, Carl!
Using a Private Blog Network is a HUGE mistake, in my book!! Google can punish the marketers who are part of PBNs, and it’s only a matter of time before their online businesses are wiped out.
Indeed, WA is the best place for learning SEO, keyword research, blogging, and all other kinds of cool evergreen internet marketing strategies. 🙂
No worries, man!
Thanks for your review.
When a platform recommends you have 300 words in a post is just out of track… Either building backlinks is not useful anymore as Google became smarter and understood that anyone could buy backlinks and look like an authority website when instead it’s just low quality and won’t deliver the UX Google wants to give to readers.
I truly believe that content is the king, and the best way to get up in google ranks it’s to naturally have Google see you, write great quality content and offer the best UX experience someone can find. That with time will be paid off by uncle G properly, and the free high-quality traffic you will receive will have way more value.
Of course, there are some simple SEO techniques that anyone can apply in order to make Google work easier to do, and yes pointing at trending keywords that make sense and have high traffic and a low QSR will surely help. But the main purpose of your site should be delivering great quality content, money will just be a consequence of all.
…And that’s what you are doing, thanks a lot.
Cheers, Ady.
No problem, Ady!
Yep, SW definitely falls short, in my opinion.
In the earlier days, you could easily rank 400+ word articles. But today, a lot more work is required for #1 rankings in Google. Backlinking sure is a bad strategy, especially when creating 100s or 1,000s of links on autopilot.
The “user experience” is definitely a major contributing factor of SEO because when “high-quality” content is published, everyone’s a WINNER!
Unfortunately, there are some website owners who are writing just for Google and the sake of NO.1 rankings. But when you write naturally around certain keyword phrases for your “readers”, that’s when the magic happens in the search engines.
Thanks very much, man!
Thank you for being so in-depth in this review of Source Wave. It was very helpful. I thought backlinks were the way to go as well but I guess things have changed. Sometimes these services are not really scams but just a waste of money.
It seems the tried and true method of good content is the best idea.
It’s no problem at all, Marcia! 🙂
Building a TON of backlinks is an extremely bad move because it’s a method that Google hates. If Google catches bloggers doing this, their chances of rankings can/will be destroyed. Outdated programs are definitely a waste of money. Why pay for resources that are gonna produce little to no results?!
Indeed, when blogging and SEO are both done in the correct manner, you will get amazing results!
Thanks for sharing and giving this insight into Source Wave. I believe that we should be careful in our approach when looking for ways to earn money online because many scams are out there promising people the world but not living up to their name. I am happy for websites like yours that are making people aware of scams. People need to know so they don’t lose their hard-earned dollars.
It’s my pleasure, Norman!
You’ve hit the nail right on the head! It really is shameful behavior, and the greedy scoundrels will get caught eventually. Hiding behind “computer screens” and “IP addresses” won’t protect their sorry-asses forever lol.
SW isn’t a scam because there’s something to gain from it. But the fact that some training’s outdated and a couple of tools are missing makes you question whether it’s a program you can really trust. Personally, I wouldn’t invest my money in the platform.
Thanks, and I’m glad you found my site, man! I intend to warn as many people as possible about low-quality programs and online scams.