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The Only Ahrefs Tutorial You Need | 3 Secret Tools
Want to know how to outrank major sites and pull in thousands of monthly visitors without spending a fortune? In this post, I’m breaking down exactly how I use AHREFS — and why the Light plan is all you really need.
The Underrated Power of the Light Plan
Don’t be fooled by AHREFS’ pricing tiers. Even on the Light plan, you’re getting access to SEO gold. I use just three core tools inside AHREFS, and they deliver everything needed to:
- Spy on competitors
- Pinpoint high-volume, low-competition keywords
- Find backlink opportunities
- And ultimately rank on Google
If you’re just starting or trying to keep costs low, skip the noise and stick to these key tools.
Tool 1: Site Explorer — Where the Real Magic Happens
Site Explorer is hands-down the most powerful feature inside AHREFS. Here’s how I use it:
- Analyze top-performing pages: Plug in domains like Forbes or MacRumors to see what keywords are driving traffic.
- Study traffic surges: The graph view shows exactly when articles start gaining traction.
- Understand search intent: Use the “Intent” column to identify commercial or transactional keywords — ideal for monetization.
- Leverage SERP features: Spot if Google favors news, videos, or product pages, and tailor your content accordingly.
Pro tip: Check if a page is ranking with a video. Adding one to your own post might be the boost you need to leapfrog competitors.
Tool 2: Keyword Explorer — Find Easy Wins
Type in a phrase like “new iPhone” and let AHREFS go to work. Here’s what I focus on:
- Keyword Difficulty (KD): Look for opportunities with low KD but high traffic.
- Terms Match + Questions + Also Rank For: These tabs are a goldmine for topic clusters and tutorial ideas.
- Seasonal strategy: Plan content for iPhone releases or trending tech terms in advance to dominate rankings.
This is how you build topical authority around niches without needing a huge domain.
Tool 3: Backlink Analysis — Steal Their Strategy
Use Site Explorer to check backlink profiles of trending pages. Look for:
- High-traffic referrers like Newsweek, Slashdot, or Wikipedia
- DoFollow vs. NoFollow opportunities
- Pages that are clearly getting syndicated or shared
This is how you reverse-engineer PR wins and content placements.
Bonus Tip: Use Real-Time Google SERPs
Don’t just trust tools. Look up the keyword on Google and analyze what actually ranks. AI overviews, video previews, and people-also-ask features tell you what Google wants right now.
Combine that with AHREFS’ insights and you’re lightyears ahead of most creators.
Final Thoughts: Stop Overpaying, Start Ranking
There’s a lot of bloat in SEO tools. Stick to what moves the needle: Site Explorer, Keyword Explorer, and smart backlink analysis. The Light plan covers it all.
Want to take this a step further?
🚀 Ready to Go Deeper and Build Real AI-Powered Income?
What you just saw is just the tip of the iceberg. Inside AI Profit Scoop, we go way beyond keyword tools — you’ll learn how to use AI to create content at scale, build automated niche sites, find profitable angles no one else sees, and start earning faster than you ever thought possible.
No fluff. Just real strategies, proven templates, and the exact playbook I use.
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This is where future-proof creators and online entrepreneurs are getting ahead. Don’t sleep on this.
Understand This To Make Money Online
Having the right domain is more than just good SEO practice—it’s now essential for visibility across both search engines and AI tools like ChatGPT. If you want to build an online business with lasting income potential, this is where you start.
Why Powerful Domains Matter More Than Ever
Search results aren’t limited to Google anymore. Tools like ChatGPT, Bing AI, and others now pull from indexed content, so if you’re not building on a domain that can get seen, you’re invisible. In this video, we looked at how powerful domains like TechRadar, The Verge, and Wired dominate both traditional and AI-driven search.
- They create news-style content that ranks as “newsworthy”
- Most of their articles contain affiliate links or ads
- Their domains have massive authority (hundreds of thousands of pages, millions of backlinks)
These sites pull traffic in with trending content and monetize through affiliate offers, reviews, and ads—a formula you can replicate.
Reverse Engineering Their Strategy
Using tools like Ahrefs, we broke down:
- TechRadar: ~2.6 million monthly visits, 392k indexed pages. Huge backlink profile and content built around trending tech gear, often with monetization via affiliate links.
- The Verge: Another tech media powerhouse, structured around editorial-style product features. Even minor gadget news is leveraged to sell via affiliate links.
- Wired: Owned by NYT, it integrates tech product recommendations with traditional journalism. These recommendations often serve as SEO magnets for lucrative keywords.
The trick? They make money by curating what feels like “news” and quietly directing readers to high-converting offers. AI and Google treat their content as authoritative, so they rank effortlessly for buying-intent keywords.
Why Amazon Affiliates Won’t Cut It
Amazon’s affiliate program is beginner-friendly but not profitable long-term. Here’s why:
- Payouts are often just 1-3%
- Low average commissions (e.g., $1.30 on a $65 sale)
- Not sustainable if you’re trying to earn serious income
Instead, focus on recession-proof niches with high advertiser demand.
Recession-Proof Business Ideas
🛡️ 1. Essentials-Based Businesses (Inelastic Demand)
Core Idea: People continue to purchase these no matter the economy.
-
Healthcare: Services (urgent care, telemedicine), generic pharmaceuticals, senior care.
-
Consumer Staples: Food, hygiene, cleaning products, discount groceries.
-
Utilities: Energy, water, sanitation—hard to disrupt, but stable.
-
Internet & Telecom: Viewed as critical infrastructure now.
💡 Monetize via: Direct service, affiliate comparison tools, education, digital products (e.g. checklists, calculators).
💸 2. Counter-Cyclical Services (Thrive During Recession)
Core Idea: Demand increases because of financial hardship.
-
Discount Retailers: Dollar stores, budget outlets, liquidation ecommerce.
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Auto/Home Repair: People fix instead of replacing; high DIY content potential.
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Debt Relief: Bankruptcy law, credit repair, debt settlement agencies.
-
Accounting & Tax Help: Tax minimization, bookkeeping, expense tracking apps.
💡 Monetize via: Affiliate links to lawyers, CPAs, budget tools, repair part retailers, YouTube content.
🔄 3. Affordable Indulgence (“Lipstick Effect”)
Core Idea: Consumers still want small joy even when cutting back.
-
Cosmetics, Skincare, Candy: Small purchases that feel like a treat.
-
Streaming/At-Home Fun: Games, Netflix-style content, crafting.
-
Comfort Food & Fast Food: Cheap, feel-good alternatives to eating out.
💡 Monetize via: Product roundups, affiliate links, recipe packs, Etsy printables.
👨💼 4. Professional Services That Scale With Crisis
Core Idea: Stressful times increase the need for expertise.
-
Legal (bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, contract renegotiation)
-
Financial Coaching or Budget Planners
-
Freelance Essentials: Resume writing, job board tools, LinkedIn optimization
💡 Monetize via: Templates, coaching, digital services, marketplace affiliate links.
💻 5. Tech & Digital Infrastructure
Core Idea: Companies look to cut costs, automate, or shift online.
-
B2B SaaS: Project mgmt., cloud storage, cybersecurity.
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Automation Tools: Zapier, n8n, AI tools.
-
Freemium Services: Software with low entry cost but high utility.
💡 Monetize via: Software affiliate programs, tutorials, integrations, paid SaaS content.
🚗 6. Gig & Sharing Economy
Core Idea: People need flexible income + budget options.
-
Rideshare / Delivery (Uber, Instacart)
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Freelance Platforms (Fiverr, Upwork)
-
Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb, RoomShare)
💡 Monetize via: Side hustle guides, affiliate links, job lead communities, YouTube income breakdowns.
🏠 7. Refinance, Restructure, and Real Estate Help
Core Idea: Households seek to lower payments, downsize, or shift debt.
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Mortgage Refinance Content
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Rent-to-own, FHA, or HUD education
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Budget moving or downsizing services
💡 Monetize via: Lender comparison tools, calculator embeds, lead gen for real estate professionals.
✨ Bonus Category: “Stress-Proof” Business Models
Core Idea: Businesses that have structural flexibility and minimal cost burden.
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Low-Overhead Digital Products (courses, ebooks, memberships)
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Subscription Boxes for Essentials or Comforts
-
DIY Kits and Skill-Building (crafts, trade learning, survival skills)
💡 Monetize via: Shopify, Etsy, email list monetization, community-based memberships.
Real Examples: Offers That Actually Pay
We explored offers on platforms like OfferVault to uncover what’s working right now:
Niche | Example Offers | Avg. Payout |
---|---|---|
Mortgage Refinance | Zip code opt-in leads | $5 – $550+ |
Telecom/Internet | Best internet for gaming | $3 – $15/click |
Credit Services | Credit score tools, loans | $10 – $40+ |
Use Google Keyword Planner to check CPC (cost-per-click). Some mortgage refinance terms pay out over $40 per click. Add a form that collects zip codes? You could make $5 per submission. That’s real income potential.
Step-by-Step: How to Build a High-Earning Domain
- Find the Right Domain
- Use expired domain tools to discover aged sites with strong backlinks
- Prioritize domains with clean history and existing authority
- Use professional domain buyers who know what they’re doing!
- Research Your Angle
- Look up underserved questions like “Is 740 a good credit score?”
- Use these to create keyword clusters
- Build Trust and Engagement
- Add calculators, comparison tables, or AI tools
- Make it interactive and helpful
- Monetize Smartly
- Insert affiliate offers naturally
- Focus on cost-per-lead or pay-per-call programs
- Layer in ads for passive revenue
From Keyword to Income: A Sample Funnel
Imagine someone Googles “Is 740 a good credit score?”
Here’s what your funnel could look like:
- They land on your blog post
- You explain what 740 means, and what it’s good for
- Then you ask: “Are you trying to get a mortgage or refinance your home?”
- You present a tool to estimate rates
- They input their zip code and credit range
- You earn $5+ just for that action
Multiply this with 100 similar questions and offers, and you have a scalable site.
Want to Learn How to Do This Live, Step by Step?
Join our weekly hands-on class where we break down exactly how to use AI to build real online income.
You’ll get:
- Live walkthroughs of how to find powerful domains
- Real-time help creating content with AI tools
- Strategies for building niche websites that convert
- Tools and templates you can use immediately
- Q&A and live support as we build together
Whether you’re just starting or looking to level up, this class gives you the real-world skills to turn AI into income—no fluff, no hype. I am an affiliate of this service, but I use it myself and it works.
How I Use ChatGPT + Expired Domains to Get Free SEO Traffic
All right, buckle up—because if you’ve ever wanted to get free traffic to your offers without posting nonstop on social, this is for you. I’m breaking down exactly how websites (yep, good old websites) can pull in organic traffic like a magnet—and how you can get started without spending a fortune.
Why You Still Need a Website (Even in the TikTok Era)
Sure, Instagram and TikTok can drive traffic. Forums, Reddit, even news sites have their place. But nothing beats having your own website. When you do it right, it becomes your platform—a digital asset that sends traffic straight to your offer while you sleep.
And I’m not talking about random blog spam. I’m talking about real authority. Just like the sites you see showing up on Google News: CNN, CBS, even Gizmodo and CNET. Some of these aren’t even “news” sites—but they rank. Why? Because they’ve got that sweet SEO juice.
Let’s take a quick look at Mac Rumors, there’s got to be a reason why they rank in Google News!
And alas we see 282,000 keywords + 450K web visits a month from organic Google rankings…. but that’s not all…
Let’s pull up SimilarWeb and see what they see…. and it looks like my keyword tool is way off because they show 5.5 MILLION visits a month instead.
WOW!
So it’s not that anyone here is wrong… it’s just that Mac Rumors gets the bulk of its traffic through other means outside of search itself!
What Is SEO Juice—and Why It Pays the Bills
Imagine Google sees your site and says, “Wow, this person knows what they’re talking about.” That’s SEO juice. It comes from:
- Regular content (blog posts, reviews, whatever your niche is)
- Backlinks from legit sites (think CNN, Wired, etc.)
- Authority, built over time
Sites like MacRumors have it down. They write about iPhones and tech. They’ve got backlinks from Wikipedia, CNET, The Verge. And they get 5.5 million visitors a month. That’s not a typo.
Even just ranking 4th for “iPhone 16 release date” brings in huge traffic. Why? Because Google trusts them.
They could write an article on just about anything and it’ll show up in the results because they are that trustworthy.
How You Can Get There (Without Being MacRumors)
Let’s say you’re starting with nothing. Here’s the honest truth:
- A brand new domain has zero backlinks, zero traffic, and will take forever to rank
- You’ll need to create a ton of content or run paid ads to get noticed
But there’s a shortcut. It’s called buying expired domains. And it’s not as shady as it sounds.
GoDaddy auctions is a great way to find these….if you know what you’re doing! Key point – you want to know HOW TO VALUE A DOMAIN PROPERLY.
Guessing and hoping is not a strategy!!!!!!
The Power of Expired Domains (and How ChatGPT Helps)
When someone forgets to renew their domain, it often goes to auction. And if that domain still has backlinks and authority, it can still rank in Google. You just need to put content back on it—and boom, traffic starts coming in.
I’ve done this. I bought a site for $27. It had backlinks, rankings, and within weeks I had over 1,400 people a month visiting the site. No ads. No social media. Just organic SEO traffic.
Want to shortcut the research? Use tools like:
- Ahrefs to see keyword rankings
- SimilarWeb to check traffic
- Archive.org to see what the site used to look like
Then toss it into ChatGPT and ask it what niche would match the domain. That’s what I do in the video above.
What to Watch Out For
Not every expired domain is gold. Some are junk. Some are spammy. Some have been hacked. Do your homework:
- Check the backlinks (avoid weird junk backlinks)
- Avoid trademarked names (like Meta)
- Make sure the site used to be something legit
And always ask: can I make back what I spend on this domain? If not, walk away.
The Safer Option: Done-For-You Domains + Support
If you want someone to find domains for you—ones that already have traffic and match real affiliate offers—check out the program I recommend. It includes:
- Handpicked expired domains
- Affiliate offer suggestions
- Weekly live calls and 1-on-1 support
I use it myself. It works. Simple as that.
Final Thoughts: Do the Research, Make it Work
I’ve seen people spend $14,000 on domains without knowing what they were buying—just to lose it all. But I’ve also turned a $27 domain into daily traffic and income. The difference? Research.
Use tools. Use AI. Ask the right questions. Look at the backlinks. Look at the keywords. Look at the history.
If the pieces line up, you’ve got a shortcut to organic traffic that most people don’t even know exists.
👉 If you’re serious about this, don’t go it alone.
Join the program, get help, and start with a site that already has momentum.
GoDaddy Backorder Domain Alternatives – The Smarter Way to Acquire SEO-Powered Domains in 2025
If you’re searching for “GoDaddy backorder domain,” you’re probably trying to get your hands on a domain name that’s already taken. You might have a brand in mind, or maybe you’re hoping to score a domain with some SEO history.
The bad news? GoDaddy discontinued new backorder credits in August 2024.
The good news? There’s a much smarter way to get the kind of domain you’re after—and it can actually help you start making money online faster.
What Happened to GoDaddy Backorders?
GoDaddy’s backorder system used to let you reserve a claim on a domain in case the current owner let it expire. But as of August 8, 2024, they stopped accepting new backorders altogether.
You can still use any backorder credits you previously bought (until August 8, 2025), but after that, the service is gone.
GoDaddy now pushes most expiring domains into GoDaddy Auctions, where anyone can bid on them.
Why People Used GoDaddy Backorder Services
Backorders were popular because they gave you a shot at grabbing a domain that:
- Had SEO power (backlinks, age, trust)
- Was short, memorable, or brandable
- Matched a specific niche or business idea
But backorders were also risky:
- The domain might never drop
- Someone else might win the auction
- You often had no idea what you were really getting
Why Domain Backordering Is Now Outdated in 2025
In today’s internet economy, waiting for a domain to expire and hoping to win it is not a real strategy. It’s slow, unpredictable, and usually not worth the time.
Instead, smart marketers are doing something else:
- Buying expired domains with SEO juice directly
- Picking up high-ticket niche domains that already rank or have proven traffic potential
- Skipping the guesswork and getting sites preloaded with content and monetization
Tools like SpamZilla, DropCatch, and GoDaddy Auctions can help you track and bid on aged domains. But there’s also a shortcut…
GoDaddy Backorder vs Modern Alternatives
Feature | GoDaddy Backorder (Deprecated) | GoDaddy Auctions | SpamZilla + DropCatch | High Ticket Niches Program |
---|---|---|---|---|
Availability | No new credits since Aug 2024 | Active | Active | Active |
SEO Domain Filtering | Minimal | Basic metrics | Advanced filtering | Pre-selected, SEO-rich |
Content Included | No | No | No | Yes (Prewritten content + structure) |
Coaching/Support | None | None | None | Yes (Weekly coaching) |
Time to Launch | Weeks/months | Weeks | Weeks | Days |
Cost | ~$20-100 (credit) | Auction-based | Varies per catch | One-time fee (~$497-$1,297) |
The Better Alternative: High-Ticket, Pre-Owned Domains with Built-in SEO
If you’re serious about building an online business or affiliate income stream, you want:
- A domain with real age and backlink history
- A site with existing or restorable rankings
- A niche that pays well (think: hosting, credit repair, AI tools, supplements)
That’s where High Ticket Niches comes in.
This is a done-for-you domain and website offer from affiliate marketing expert Marcus Campbell. You get:
- A hand-picked aged domain
- Preloaded content (often affiliate-focused)
- Plug-and-play monetization setup
- Access to weekly coaching

Example of a high ticket niche which has 1,900 keywords and 1,400 organic traffic (Google Analytics is more accurate)
👉 Join AI Profit Scoop Now
High Ticket Niches literally has thousands of domains available—many with past SEO value, traffic, and brand potential. Not only do you get the domain, Marcus often includes content with the purchase, a keyword report from when the aged domain used to rank and have traffic — and he gives you the blueprint with weekly Zoom calls so you can rebuild the site to its former glory.
High Ticket Niches is significant because as you rebuild the old site, it should start to get picked back up in Google and other search engines — which can net you organic SEO traffic sometimes in the same day.
It is as close to handholding an online business as it gets, but to get access we highly suggest you start with AI Profit Scoop.
Example Niches That Make Real Money
Niche | Monetization Method | Why It’s Lucrative |
Credit Repair | CPA offers, lead sales | High demand + $50–$200 per conversion |
AI Tools | Affiliate reviews | Software commissions + search volume surge |
Legal Help | Lead generation | Law leads worth $100+ per form |
Health Products | Supplement affiliate | Evergreen + emotional urgency |
Web Hosting | Affiliate + SaaS deals | Recurring $50–$150 per sale |
Online Business | Courses, coaching, tools | Exploding creator economy, digital demand |
How to Get Started (The Right Way)
You have two choices:
- Do it manually:
- Search auction sites like GoDaddy Auctions, SnapNames, or DropCatch
- Vet domain SEO metrics using Ahrefs, Moz, or SpamZilla
- Use Archive.org to check past content
- Rebuild the site and create a monetization plan from scratch
- Wait 6 months – several years for the site to rank and gain enough traffic to make a difference
- Skip the hard part:
- Grab a high-ticket niche domain from a vetted source like Marcus Campbell
- Get a turnkey site with affiliate content and income potential built in
- Get traffic immediately + guidance on how to make it work.
If you’re not just playing the domain game but actually want to make affiliate commissions, ad revenue, or leads, this second option saves you weeks or months of trial and error.
Final Thoughts: Is GoDaddy Backorder Dead? Yes. But That’s a Good Thing.
GoDaddy’s backorder system might be gone, but if you’re looking to build an income-producing site, you can do much better.
Skip the wait. Skip the risk. Go straight for domains that already have:
- SEO value
- Affiliate content
- Niche authority
Stop waiting for domains to maybe drop. Get a proven high-ticket niche domain with SEO juice, built-in monetization, and content ready to go.
In order to see the domains availabe in High Ticket Niches you should join the AI Profit Scoop class which will get you access.
👉 Join AI Profit Scoop Now
How I Made $2,000 Using a Free AI Tool (And How You Can Too)
Click here to use the content tool
🚀 The $2K Day with Zero Cost Tools
This morning, I made $2,000 using a completely free tool in just about six hours. Sounds wild? It’s not. I’m going to show you exactly what I did, how you can replicate it, and how to turn this into a long-term content strategy that builds real income.
🌱 Choose an Evergreen, Visual Niche
When selecting a niche, aim for something evergreen and visual. I chose “landscaping ideas” — specifically small backyard, patio, and Japanese garden ideas. These are subjects that homeowners constantly search for.
I partnered with a ClickBank product offering 7,000+ landscaping designs. It pays up to $56 per sale, making it highly lucrative even with modest traffic.
Affiliate Payout Breakdown
Product | Platform | Base Payout | Upsell Total | Conversion Potential |
---|---|---|---|---|
Landscaping Ideas | ClickBank | $21 | $56 | High (visual, DIY niche) |
🔍 Find Keywords with High Demand, Low Competition
I used AHREFS to research terms like:
- “small backyard landscaping”
- “deck ideas for small yards”
- “Japanese garden inspiration”
These had thousands of monthly searches and low keyword difficulty scores. Translation: easy to rank and free organic traffic.
Keyword Metrics Snapshot
Keyword | Monthly Searches | Keyword Difficulty | Intent |
Small backyard landscaping | 4,300 | 15 | Informational/Transactional |
Japanese garden ideas | 3,800 | 18 | Visual/Inspirational |
DIY patio designs | 2,100 | 10 | Actionable/DIY |
⚡ Drive Traffic Fast (While Building for the Long Term)
Traffic generation is about combining fast, short-term gains with long-term growth.
Fast Methods
- Facebook posts in DIY/home groups
- YouTube videos showing designs
- Medium articles with curated tips
- Forum replies linking to your site
Slow (but Compounding) Methods
- SEO blog posts targeting long-tail keywords
- Internal linking for site authority
- Pinterest boards linking to your content
Each post adds to your site’s overall traffic snowball.
🎯 Turn Traffic Into Commissions
All traffic needs a destination: your affiliate offer. Each article you create:
- Solves a searcher’s problem (e.g., “how to landscape a small patio”)
- Introduces a helpful product
- Includes clear calls-to-action linking to the offer
Content Funnel Example
- Blog post: “10 Simple Patio Landscaping Ideas”
- Internal link: “For more ideas, check out this 7,000+ design kit.”
- CTA button: “Download the full kit now”
🤖 Use This Free AI Content Strategy Hub
This free AI tool does almost everything:
- Suggests monetization angles (affiliate, product sales, memberships, lead gen)
- Builds keyword wheels for easy content mapping
- Identifies content gaps to set you apart
- Auto-generates:
- Blog titles
- Outlines
- Intros
- Slogans
- Social media hooks
👉 Ready to try it yourself? Access the AI strategy tool now and start building your content plan
Example: AI-Suggested Content Titles
Title | Focus |
“DIY Small Garden Oasis: Step-by-Step Guide” | How-to guide |
“Small Yard, Big Dreams: Transforming Spaces” | Inspirational |
“10 Tiny Landscaping Hacks That Actually Work” | Quick wins |
🌿 Hot Topic: Vertical Gardening
One suggested niche topic: vertical gardening.
- Search result: 1.6M views on a top YouTube video
- Monetization: vertical planters, eBooks, Amazon kits
- Content: blog post + video tutorial + Pinterest pin
🧪 Explore New Niches with Built-In Ideas
Use the AI strategy hub to explore other niches. One example: “dog barking solutions.”
Affiliate Ideas from AI Tool
Niche | Affiliate Products | Content Ideas |
Dog Training | Bark collars, dog spray, courses | “5 Tricks to Calm a Barky Dog” |
Fitness | Supplements, gear, guides | “At-Home Workouts That Burn Fat Fast” |
Productivity | Notion templates, coaching | “Best Daily Planners to Stay Focused” |
✅ Keep It Simple. Stay Consistent.
Stick to a repeatable formula:
- Pick a niche with demand
- Validate keywords
- Create helpful content
- Funnel traffic to high-payout offers
- Use free AI tools to streamline it all
You don’t need to go viral. You just need focused, consistent effort.
🧠 Own Your Platform, Own Your Income
Don’t rely on platforms you don’t own. With your own hosted site, you can:
- Launch unlimited online businesses
- Host AI-generated tools, guides, and content
- Maintain total control of your income stream
And now, with our free AI-powered content strategy hub, you can craft high-converting content plans tailored to any niche — all from one place.
This tool gives you the blueprint to:
- Map out keywords and content angles
- Instantly generate outlines and blog ideas
- Plug into profitable affiliate opportunities
Click here to use the content tool
Intercom vs Zendesk: Which Customer Support Platform is Right for You?
In 2025, delivering excellent customer support isn’t optional—it’s a competitive advantage. Zendesk and Intercom remain two of the most widely used platforms in this space, but they take very different approaches to solving your customer experience challenges.
This post gives you a complete breakdown of features, pricing, AI capabilities, and use cases to help you decide which is best for your business.
Quick Summary: Key Differences at a Glance
Feature/Need | Zendesk | Intercom |
---|---|---|
Ticketing structure | ✅ Strong | ❌ Light |
Conversational support | ὡ0 Basic | ✅ Excellent |
AI capabilities | ὡ0 Article-based | ✅ Generative (Fin) |
Ease of use | ❌ Steep learning curve | ✅ Intuitive |
SMB-friendly | ✅ | ✅ |
Enterprise-grade | ✅ | ὡ0 Some limits |
Transparent pricing | ✅ | ❌ Complicated |
Best for… | Structured support teams | SaaS & growth teams |
What is Zendesk?
Zendesk is a mature, enterprise-ready customer support platform known for its powerful ticketing system. It helps teams manage customer queries across email, chat, social media, and voice channels in a structured, SLA-driven way.
Used by: SoundCloud, Skyscanner, Printemps
Ideal for: IT service desks, enterprise support teams, companies with high support volume or complex SLAs.
Core Strengths:
- Multi-channel ticketing system
- SLA enforcement and prioritization
- Deep analytics (Zendesk Explore)
- Large ecosystem of 1300+ integrations
What is Intercom?
Intercom is a conversational support platform designed to feel more like WhatsApp than a help desk. It focuses on real-time messaging, proactive communication, and intelligent automation.
Used by: Notion, Atlassian, Amazon
Ideal for: SaaS startups, product teams, growth-focused organizations
Core Strengths:
- Live chat and asynchronous messaging
- AI-powered chatbot (Fin)
- In-app onboarding & announcements
- Visual automation flows and campaigns
Side-by-Side Feature Comparison
Ticketing & Workflow Management
Zendesk:
- Centralized, structured ticketing
- SLA management, macros, workflows
- Complex queues, views, roles
Intercom:
- Shared inbox with basic ticket features
- Lightweight workflows and tags
- Conversation-focused, not ticket-first
Live Chat & Messaging
Intercom leads here. Its modern widget supports real-time and async messaging with a strong mobile UX.
Zendesk offers a chat option (Zendesk Messaging) but it’s less fluid and not as deeply integrated into the customer journey.
AI & Automation
Intercom:
- Fin (Generative AI)
- Handles full conversations
- Auto-triggers workflows
Zendesk:
- Answer Bot (Article suggestion)
- Powerful rules/triggers but not generative
Reporting & Analytics
Zendesk:
- Deep dashboards via Zendesk Explore
- Tracks SLAs, CSAT, agent performance
Intercom:
- Tracks conversations, AI usage, time to respond
- Less powerful for SLA-heavy environments
Knowledge Base & Self-Service
Both offer strong KB tools, but Intercom integrates suggestions natively into the chat. Zendesk’s Help Center is more customizable.
Integrations
Zendesk: 1300+ apps via Marketplace Intercom: 400+ modern SaaS tools (Notion, Stripe, etc.)
Pricing Breakdown (2025)
Plan Level | Zendesk (per agent/mo) | Intercom (estimate) |
Basic | €19 | €25.48 |
Mid | €55 | €74.69 |
Pro/Ent | €115+ | €115.98+ |
Note: Intercom pricing is usage-based (contacts + features), which may scale quickly.
Who Should Choose Zendesk?
- High-volume customer support teams
- Enterprise IT or B2B support
- Businesses needing SLA enforcement
- Teams with multi-channel workflows
- Complex support roles and workflows
Who Should Choose Intercom?
- SaaS startups & growth companies
- Teams prioritizing real-time chat & UX
- Product and marketing-led support orgs
- Those seeking AI-first automation
- In-app onboarding or lifecycle messaging
Can You Use Both?
Yes. Some companies use Intercom for live chat and onboarding while using Zendesk for structured ticket follow-up and escalation.
Tools like Zapier and native APIs can help connect the two systems.
FAQ: Zendesk vs Intercom
Q: Which is easier to use?
Intercom is more intuitive out of the box. Zendesk requires setup and training.
Q: Which has better AI?
Intercom’s Fin AI is more advanced for natural language. Zendesk’s AI is better for rules-based automation.
Q: Can I use both?
Yes. Many companies do. But it adds cost and integration complexity.
Q: Which one is cheaper?
Zendesk is more transparent. Intercom can get expensive as usage grows.
Q: Can they scale with my business?
Both can scale—Zendesk for structure-heavy teams, Intercom for agile teams.
Final Verdict: Which One Is Right for You?
If you need… | Choose… |
SLA-based, structured ticketing | Zendesk |
Modern chat with AI | Intercom |
In-app onboarding or proactive messages | Intercom |
Enterprise workflows and reporting | Zendesk |
Simple setup and quick UX wins | Intercom |
Bottom Line: Intercom is the future-facing choice for fast-moving teams focused on engagement. Zendesk is the battle-tested powerhouse for structured support at scale. The best choice depends on your team, product, and growth stage.
Ready to decide? Try a free trial of each and test the interface, AI, and automation on your real use cases.
Intercom Pricing: Full Breakdown of Plans, Features, and Real Costs
Why Pricing Transparency Matters Intercom is known for its modern UI, powerful automation, and AI-first approach to customer communication. But its pricing structure can feel complex—especially once you factor in usage-based charges, add-ons, and AI agent costs. This guide offers a transparent breakdown of what each plan includes, what you’re really paying for, and how to choose the right tier for your business.
Intercom Pricing Overview
Plan | Monthly (Per Seat) | Annual (Per Seat) | Lite Seats | AI Tools | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Essential | $39 | $29 | None | Fin AI Agent | Small teams, startups |
Advanced | $99 | $85 | 20 | Fin AI Agent | Growing teams, cross-channel use |
Expert | $139 | $132 | 50 | Fin + Copilot | Enterprises, high-scale support |
Click here to learn more about Intercom
In-Depth Plan Features
Essential Plan ($29–$39/seat)
Perfect for lean teams needing a shared inbox and light automation.
- Unified inbox for email, chat, in-app
- Ticketing system and basic ticket forms
- Conversation ratings
- Basic automation and workflows
- AI Compose: auto-draft and rewrite agent replies
- Access to Fin AI Agent ($0.99 per resolution)
- Basic reporting and public help center
- Unlimited conversations across all channels
- Team performance reports (basic)
Advanced Plan ($85–$99/seat)
Ideal for teams managing volume across multiple channels.
- Everything in Essential, plus:
- Multiple team inboxes and assignment rules
- Advanced ticket workflows and side conversations
- Custom bot flows and topic tagging
- Social channel integrations (Facebook, X, Instagram)
- Conversation macros, real-time language translation
- Customizable action templates and Zapier support
- Advanced analytics and customer segments
- Reports by conversation topic, team, and individual
- Integrations with CRMs and external databases
Expert Plan ($132–$139/seat)
Designed for complex organizations needing SLAs and enterprise-grade automation.
- Everything in Advanced, plus:
- SLA timers, alerts, and enforcement
- Workload balancing and round-robin routing
- AI Copilot: auto-fill, summarize, and personalize responses
- Custom roles and permissions for large teams
- HIPAA compliance and SSO support
- Multi-language, multi-brand help centers
- Real-time dashboards and workload reporting
- Role-based permissions and audit logs
Click here to learn more about Intercom
AI Tools & Add-On Pricing
- Fin AI Agent: $0.99 per resolved conversation (available across all plans)
- What Is Fin AI and How Does It Affect Intercom Pricing?
- Fin AI is Intercom’s automated support agent that resolves customer conversations without human agents. It costs $0.99 per resolution and is available on all plans. It significantly affects pricing for high-volume teams, so it’s crucial to budget for it if you plan to rely on AI-driven support.
- Available across all plans, including as a standalone
- Pricing: $0.99 per resolution
- Adds advanced automation and deflection capabilities
- Optional, but powerful
- What Is Fin AI and How Does It Affect Intercom Pricing?
- AI Copilot: 10 conversations/month free; $35/month/seat for unlimited use
- Proactive Support Plus: $99/month for 500+ outbound messages (Product Tours, Surveys, Posts)
- SMS, WhatsApp, phone integrations: Usage-based billing
- Premier Onboarding & Priority Support: Custom pricing
Startup and Trial Options
- Startup Program: 90% off for eligible startups for the first year
- Free Trial: 14-day trial available (no credit card required)
Pros & Cons of Intercom’s Pricing Model
Pros
- Highly scalable: add more seats, bots, and automation as you grow
- Modular features: only pay for AI or proactive tools if you use them
- World-class UI and agent experience
- Strong integrations with CRMs, Slack, Stripe, Notion, and more
- Exceptional support automation capabilities
Cons
- Can become expensive with scale (especially AI usage + seats)
- Many critical features locked behind add-ons or higher tiers
- Billing complexity: per-seat + usage fees + feature packs
- Lite seats can’t interact fully with inboxes or AI tools
What Users Are Saying
- “We reduced our average response time by 50% using Fin AI. Totally worth the price, but be ready to pay for volume.”
- “Great platform but hard to predict monthly cost without monitoring usage.”
- “The startup discount made it affordable early on, but it gets steep as you grow.”
Intercom vs. Other Platforms
- Zendesk: Better for enterprise ticketing, weaker live chat UX
- Drift: Strong in B2B sales but lacks Intercom’s deep automation
- Freshdesk: Cheaper, more basic; less AI and proactive capability
Click here to see the latest Intercom deals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Intercom free to use?
A: Intercom does not offer a free tier, but it does offer a 14-day free trial and a 90% startup discount for eligible early-stage companies.
Q: How is Intercom billed?
A: Intercom charges per seat (per user) on a monthly or annual basis. Add-ons like Fin AI Agent and messaging tools are billed based on usage.
Q: Can I use Fin without subscribing to the full Intercom platform?
A: Yes, Fin AI Agent can be used independently of Intercom’s full suite, with a $0.99 per-resolution cost.
Q: Are there limitations on Lite seats?
A: Yes, Lite seats have limited capabilities and typically can’t interact with the main inbox or AI tools. They are useful for collaboration, not support.
Q: Does Intercom include proactive tools like popups and product tours?
A: Only with the Proactive Support Plus add-on, which starts at $99/month.
Q: Can I cancel or downgrade at any time?
A: Yes, monthly plans can be canceled or adjusted, but annual commitments are locked in for the full term.
Final Verdict
Intercom is a top-tier choice for modern, automation-heavy support—but transparency is key. If you’re a small team, start with Essential or join the Startup Program. For larger teams, plan for Fin and Copilot usage in your cost projections.
Recommendation: Start with a 14-day trial and map out your support workflows. Identify your expected conversation volume to avoid surprises from usage-based pricing.
How to Create SEO-Optimized Blog Content That Actually Ranks
Feeling Lost Trying to Rank on Google? If you’ve tried to get blog posts to rank and you’re not seeing results, you’re not alone. In this guide, I break down my real-world strategy for building traffic-driving content that ranks well, even in competitive niches. Whether you’re starting from scratch or reviving an old domain, this approach works.
Why Domain Strength Matters First Before you create content, you need to understand your site’s SEO strength. A strong domain can rank new posts quickly, while a weak or brand-new domain might struggle. I often use expired or auctioned domains with existing rankings to give myself a head start.
How to assess your domain strength: Use tools like Ahrefs, Moz, or SEMrush to check metrics such as Domain Rating (DR), Domain Authority (DA), and the number of referring domains. These tools also show if your site already ranks for any keywords, which is a strong signal of SEO health.
Content Strategy 101: Quantity + Utility = Traffic Your blog is a web of helpful posts, each bringing in a trickle of traffic. When multiplied, that adds up. 100 well-targeted posts could mean 500+ monthly visitors. But you need a clear strategy:
Pick a Monetizable Niche Choose a niche where people spend money. Whether it’s whiteboards, dry erase markers, or SQL databases, what matters is the ability to promote a solid offer.
Start with the Offer, Then Work Backwards Always begin with how you’re getting paid. Identify affiliate programs (like ClickBank or Digital Ocean) that match your niche. For example, if you’re targeting SQL learners, promote cloud hosting with affiliate links.
Research Keywords That Are Easy to Rank Use tools to find low-competition keywords. Look for blogs ranking on page 1 that aren’t major authority sites (Reddit, personal blogs, etc.) and build your content around those topics. Aim for keywords with a Keyword Difficulty (KD) score below 30 and search volume of at least 100/month.
Create Content that Helps AND Stands Out Most blog content is boring and identical. Use AI to generate titles that spark curiosity. Instead of “Understanding SQL Aggregate Functions,” go with “The 5 SQL Functions That Could Get You a Raise.”
Content types that stand out:
- Personal case studies or experiments
- Side-by-side comparisons of tools or products
- Step-by-step tutorials with screenshots or videos
- Data-backed articles with original insights
- Controversial takes or myth-busting posts
Manual vs. Automated Content Creation You can manually write each post (good for quality control) or use a plugin that generates posts using OpenAI’s API (faster, scalable). Clean up the drafts with AI formatting tools and check for plagiarism using Grammarly.
Click here to download my ai content plugin
Here’s a quick comparison:
Approach | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Manual | High quality, unique voice | Time-consuming |
Automated | Fast, scalable | Needs editing, quality varies |
Bonus Tip: Use Click-Worthy CTAs Wrap up each post with a reason to click your affiliate link. Instead of a generic “Learn More,” use something like “Use this $200 Free Digital Ocean Credit to Start Practicing Your Skills Today.”
CTA examples that convert:
- “Get 30% Off This Tool I Use Every Day”
- “Claim Your Free Trial and Start Building”
- “Try It Risk-Free With a $200 Credit”
- “See Why 1,000+ Marketers Swear by This Plugin”
Recap Workflow:
- Find your offer
- Research the niche
- Discover low-competition keywords
- Create high-value, helpful content
- Use tools to speed up formatting and plagiarism checks
- Link to your monetization offer naturally
Turn Your Knowledge into Real Revenue This method works best when you’re playing the long game. Consistency and strategic planning turn low-traffic blogs into compounding income streams.
How I Made Over $100K with AI-Generated Content (and How You Can Too)
The AI Boom Is Happening — Here’s How to Ride the Wave We’re entering a gold rush era in AI, with Bloomberg predicting a $1.3 trillion market by 2032. If you’ve ever wanted to get in early on a major tech wave, this is your moment. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how I built a six-figure income by creating and selling AI-generated content—and how you can start doing it too with just a bit of initiative and the right tools.
Breaking Down the Opportunity The market isn’t just growing—it’s exploding. Here’s a quick look at some projected segments for 2025:
AI Sector | Projected Value (2025) |
---|---|
Generative AI | $50B – $100B |
AI Infrastructure | $80B – $120B |
AI Dev Tools + SaaS | ~$70B |
Altogether, we’re talking nearly $300 billion just in the next couple of years.
My Secret Weapon: A Custom WordPress Plugin I developed a WordPress plugin using Gemini 2.5 Pro that completely changes the game. It connects to an AI backend via API and lets users:
- Input keywords
- Auto-generate high-converting blog post titles
- Choose and create full blog posts at the click of a button
This tool took about 7 hours to build, and it’s already paying dividends by cutting my content production time drastically and creating a product I can sell.
Click here to download my ai content plugin
How I Monetize the Plugin Here’s how this tool turned into a cash generator:
- Direct Sales: Offer it to bloggers and agencies as a premium plugin
- Affiliate Content Engine: Use it to pump out content for my own affiliate sites
- B2B Automation Tool: Sell it to local businesses who want to handle SEO in-house
No need for sales calls or ongoing client support. Just build once and sell.
Case Study: Affiliate Content with Blissy Blissy is a silk pillowcase company that pays $60 per sale via their affiliate program. Here’s what I did:
- Targeted popular pain points like “acne breakouts” and “insomnia”
- Used my plugin to create SEO-optimized blog posts
- Inserted affiliate links naturally into the content
The result? High-quality posts that get clicks and generate passive commissions.
Getting Started Without Coding Skills You don’t need to be a developer to replicate this success. Here are some starting points:
- Use Done-For-You Tools: Tools like mine are plug-and-play
- Leverage Aged Domains: Buy sites that already have backlinks and authority
- Build Micro-Sites: Niche down, create 10-20 posts, and monetize with offers
Repurpose Everything Maximize the ROI of your content:
- Turn blog posts into email newsletters
- Share on platforms like Pinterest or X (formerly Twitter)
- Convert tips into short videos or Reels
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