Last updated on January 7th, 2025 at 09:33 pm
You may have heard about Solo Build It! (SBI!) when searching for training platforms for online businesses and affiliate marketing. SBI!’s all-in-one approach and emphasis on “building a business, not just a website” intrigued me when I was looking for the right tools to launch my first website. However, I ultimately chose WordPress and didn’t come back to Solo Build It! until much later, signing up for their SBI! for WP program and coming away mostly impressed.
Fast forward two years, and here I am, ready to share my honest take on the platform. I’ll share my personal experience and, hopefully, help you figure out if SBI! is the best flight path for you. Is Dr. Ken Evoy’s genius vision to empower individuals to build successful online businesses flawed, or does it provide a steady path to success for inspired solopreneurs? Let’s answer the questions that matter!
Solo Build It!: An All-in-One Platform
Solo Build It! (SBI!) positions itself as an all-in-one platform for building an online business. Providing everything you need under one roof – a website builder, hosting, training, and support – their offering is unique and somewhat quirky. The comprehensive platform guides you through creating, launching, and growing your online presence.
SBI! has two options:
- Solo Build It!: This is the complete platform with a proprietary website builder, hosting, and all the tools and training for their ecosystem.
- SBI! for WP: This is for those who already have a WordPress website or prefer to use the WordPress platform. It gives you access to SBI! ’s training, support, and some tools for use in the WordPress environment.
Neither product is a 10-day course in affiliate marketing. To succeed, you will need what SBI! calls BAM! (brains, attitude, and motivation) and a patient approach, willing to commit to a long-term strategy. You will want to keep your subscription for many months, if not forever, so you’re also making a financial investment. That’s why it’s helpful to read reviews like this one and decide whether SBI! is right for you and whether it’s worth your time and money.
You’ll quickly realize that Solo Build It! is not a scam or another junkyard depository for tired techniques. The folks at SBI! have their serious business hats on, a driven work ethic, and a clear desire to help anyone succeed in online business. They appreciate it’s not a 10-day job, and so will you.
Therefore, the platform is great if you’ve started building a website and affiliate marketing but gone a bit gung-ho and ended up with a confused mess and no traction. Solo Build It! will pull things back a step and give you more level-headed instructions and a gradual path to success. That’s why I recommend it for beginners.
Considerations Before Using Solo Build It!
SBI! is for beginners and solopreneurs who want to make an online income but don’t have the technical expertise. The comprehensive training, streamlined tools, and supportive community make it an excellent option for those new to online business. It’s also a perfect fit for retired people who want to make a passive income online but don’t quite have the skills. Friendly assistance is an easy interaction away, and you’re not alone with its site builder despite the brand name.
However, this simplicity comes at a cost: less flexibility than other popular website builders like WordPress. Experienced marketers and website developers who need advanced features or a high degree of customization may find the platform too simple or limiting. You won’t be able to do everything you want with your website, nor add all the functionality you desire.
Once you’ve built your site with Solo Build It!, moving it to another platform can be complex and time-consuming. If you think you may want to switch platforms down the line or are in that boat now, check out this article by VATask on moving an SBI! site to WordPress. It’s a manual and potentially costly process, but not insurmountable.
All Is Not Lost: SBI! for WP (WordPress)
The full SBI! platform has its own website builder, but not everyone wants to be tied to a proprietary system. So SBI! offers an alternative for those who prefer the flexibility of WordPress: SBI! for WP. You can access SBI!’s training and support resources and use some of its tools for the WordPress environment.
Benefits of SBI! for WP
- Flexibility: You can use any WordPress theme or plugin you want, so you have complete control over the look and feel of your site.
- Portability: You won’t have the same concerns about migrating your site if you tire of the platform or it stops being supported.
- Cost-Effective: SBI! for WP is cheaper than the full SBI! platform.
SBI! for WP is an excellent fit if you already have a WordPress site and want to use SBI!’s training and tools (and its Tai AI Assistant) without the price tag.
The Nuts and Bolts of Solo Build It!
Now, let’s look at the nuts and bolts of the Solo Build It! platform—the tools and features they offer to help you build and grow your online business. You’ll be pleased to note that there are quite a few!
The Action Guide: Your Step-by-Step Roadmap
SBI! ’s Action Guide is a 10-day course that walks you through every step, from choosing a niche and finding keywords to creating content, building an email list, and monetizing your site. The Action Guide is designed to be actionable and results-oriented, providing clear instructions and practical advice. The principles are based on the Content > Traffic > Presell > Monetize concept, and everything is introduced gradually and in a sensible order.
If you’re committed to giving yourself the best chance of success from the outset, you’ll be excited by the process, as I was. However, don’t expect to complete the training in 10 days (not if you want to do it properly, anyway). The days are not defined as 24-hour summonses—a “day” can be a week or a month, depending on your available time.
Solo Build It! cares. The platform ensures you fully understand and can implement its tutorials—videos, Zoom meetings, and the community forum support each day of the Action Guide.
You can revisit and restart as often as you like—you’ve paid for this opportunity, so get everything you can from the resources until you’re satisfied and confident with your project. Unlike other affiliate marketing training platforms, you won’t commit to a niche, domain, or design until Shelly the Tortoise (SBI! ’s mascot) has drilled you on business fundamentals and helped you create a blueprint for your website.
Block Builder: Drag-and-Drop Simplicity
For those using the full SBI! platform, Block Builder is the primary tool for creating and customizing your website. It’s user-friendly and perfect for beginners, as the drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to add content, images, and other elements to your pages. You’ll soon get the hang of things.
Monetization Options: Beyond Affiliate Marketing
SBI! doesn’t just focus on affiliate marketing. It encourages you to explore other monetization options, such as selling products or services, creating online courses, or setting up an e-commerce store. The platform has resources and guidance for each option so you can choose what’s best for your business.
Brainstorm It!: Your Keyboard Research Assistant
Brainstorm It! is SBI! ’s keyword research tool to help you find profitable niches and keywords with low competition. It gives you data on search volume, competition, and potential traffic so you can make informed decisions about your content strategy. It takes a lot of getting used to and will frustrate most newcomers, but mastering the Brainstormer will be critical to your success. Use SBI!’s support network and guides, which are freely available, to make yourself an expert.
Tai: Your AI Business Assistant
Tai is Solo Build It!’s AI content tool, designed to transform the way solopreneurs build and manage their online businesses. Tai uses GPT-4 and DALL·E for its output and is a great addition to SBI!’s offering. You can feed Tai examples of your writing and it will produce a prompt for GPT 4 to adopt this style and make the output sound like you!
Like everything at SBI!, the tool has been carefully designed, making its instruction guide a bit of a grind to get through. You’ll need time to learn how to give Tai the right prompts to get the best results. But once you get the hang of it, it’s a serious productivity booster. Plus, it even helps with meta descriptions and image generation! I’m very impressed with the tool, and if generative AI is your thing, it’s worth joining SBI! for WP for this service alone.
Try Tai AI for yourself by clicking here!
Email Marketing: Building Relationships
SBI!’s email tools are designed to be user-friendly and effective, helping you build relationships with your subscribers and turn them into loyal customers. You can create and send custom newsletters, conduct a spam check so your emails aren’t blocked, and track your results.
No worries if you’re already using a third-party email service like AWeber. SBI! integrates seamlessly, allowing you to use their stylish opt-in forms while still managing your list in your preferred platform. This means no more wrestling with clunky code or mismatched designs.
Support and Resources: A Helping Hand When You Need It
SBI! offers 24/7 technical support, a community forum, online help guides, a newsletter, and a tips and techniques headquarters (think big libraries of useful resources). It also has a team of advisors and coaches who can provide one-on-one guidance. You won’t lack a helping hand when you need one.
Security and Reliability: Keeping Your Website Safe
SBI! takes website security and reliability seriously, so its hosting platform includes daily backups, malware scanning, and spam protection. It also has a team of experts to help you with any technical issues that may arise.
Community & Networking: Connecting with Fellow Solopreneurs
SBI! has active users who are willing to share their knowledge and experience. Although less vibrant than the Wealthy Affiliate community, you can network, ask questions, and get peer support in the forums. Regular Zoom meetings cover each “day” of the course, and you can join a popular Facebook page for further engagement.
Steady Paths: How Solo Build It! Breeds Success
Solo Build It! sets itself apart by building a solid foundation. Far from the promises of overnight riches or instant gratification, SBI! fosters meticulous—and at times exasperating—attention to detail from the start.
You won’t commit to a niche or domain name until halfway through the course, and you’ll be repeatedly told that you can always go back to square one if you discover flaws in your idea. This methodical approach may test your patience, but it ultimately ensures you have a clear business blueprint and content plan before building your website.
SBI! ’s philosophy emphasizes creating valuable content that resonates with your target audience while building a sustainable and legally compliant website. You’ll have access to expert advice and guidance from experienced online entrepreneurs who have already achieved success with the platform.
There’s a wealth of resources to support your journey, including detailed tutorials, webinars, knowledge banks, and a supportive community forum. Finding your way around is the hardest part, but exploring these resources at your leisure can lead to eye-opening discoveries and valuable insights that might not be explicitly covered in the step-by-step course.
SBI! ’s Block Builder (for those using the full platform) makes it easy to create and customize your website without any technical expertise. This lets you focus on your content and business strategy rather than getting bogged down in the technical details. The Tai AI integration will speed things up for you, too, but only if you put in the initial effort to get worthwhile output from your prompts.
The steady path to success isn’t as glamorous as the get-rich-quick schemes we see online, but it’s more realistic and sustainable. SBI! ’s focus on building a solid foundation, creating valuable content, and using proven strategies will help you form a business that stands the test of time.
Flawed Genius: Where Solo Build It! Falls Short
Solo Build It! is not without its pain points, and it’s essential to understand these potential drawbacks before you commit. As can be gleaned from my review, there is genius at work here, but age has uncovered several flaws in the system that it’s best to know now.
The emphasis on simplicity and ease of use can sometimes come at the expense of flexibility. While user-friendly, the platform’s proprietary site builder might feel limiting to those who want more control over the design and customization of their website.
SBI! offers a selection of design templates and features but is limited compared to open-source platforms like WordPress, where you can choose from thousands of themes and plugins. It’s pretty obvious when a site has been made using Solo Build It!, which means creating a unique and distinctive website that genuinely reflects your brand is challenging.
SBI! ’s comprehensive training program holds a wealth of information and guidance but can feel overwhelming. At first, the sheer volume of content makes it difficult to know where to start or what to focus on. The training materials can also be repetitive and overly verbose at times. This can lead to frustration and feeling stuck, especially for those who prefer a more concise and to-the-point approach. Be sure to reach out if you’re struggling!
My overriding feeling is that the platform doesn’t realize how good it is because the value at SBI! is extraordinary but isn’t always easy to find or navigate. You’ll feel like you’re in the eerie quiet of a vast library where the dust has settled on copious tomes of knowledge. The look and feel are tired, and you’ll long for someone to come along and stick the music on. In short, Solo Build It! hasn’t aged well and could do with streamlined content and more energetic (and shorter) video tutorials.
SBI! doesn’t offer a free trial. This means you have to commit to a paid membership before you can fully experience the platform and determine if it’s right for you. However, they do offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. On the balance of things, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if you put the BAM! into your time there.
Solo Build It! Pricing
Solo Build It! and SBI! for WP offer monthly or annual billing. There are significant savings to be made by paying yearly, but the monthly subscriptions are also competitively priced:
Solo Build It! (All-Inclusive)
Price: $39.99 per month (or save with annual billing)
What’s Included:
- Action Guide: Step-by-step process to guide your online business-building journey.
- Brainstorm It!: Keyword research tool to help you find profitable niches.
- Massive library: Website and business-building resources.
- Exclusive forums: Private community for support and networking.
- 24/7 support: Get help whenever you need it.
- Weekly newsletter: Stay updated on the latest tips and strategies.
- Hosting, domain, and website tools: Everything you need to get your website up and running.
- Beautiful templates and site builder: Easily create and customize your website.
- Forms, autoresponders, and email lists: Essential tools for marketing and communication.
- 80+ business-building tools and modules: A comprehensive suite of resources to help you grow your business.
Solo Build It! for WP (WordPress)
Price: $24.99 per month (or save with annual billing)
What’s Included:
- Action Guide: Step-by-step process to guide your online business-building journey.
- Brainstorm It!: Keyword research tool to help you find profitable niches.
- Massive library: Website and business-building resources.
- Exclusive forums: Private community for support and networking.
- 24/7 support: Get help whenever you need it.
- Weekly newsletter: Stay updated on the latest tips and strategies.
- WordPress Plugin: Connects to your keyword research.
Refund Policy
Solo Build It! offers a 90-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the platform within the first 90 days, you can request a full refund.
Solo Build It! vs. Wealthy Affiliate
Solo Build It! (SBI!) and Wealthy Affiliate (WA) have similar products. They offer affordable online affiliate marketing training programs with all-inclusive platforms for the same target audience. Consequently, there is a heated and bitter rivalry between the pair, which fails to acknowledge that they complement each other very well.
SBI! for WP plus WA Premium is the route I took, but I totally understand that most people don’t want simultaneous subscriptions and prefer to pick one over the other. Let the wars begin!
Here, I’ve broken down the key differences and similarities to help you decide which suits you better. As I write this, there’s no heat or affiliate bias (Wealthy Affiliate’s affiliate program wins hands down if that’s on your scorecard); I just want to keep it factual.
Training Approach
SBI!: SBI! emphasizes a structured, step-by-step approach with its Action Guide. It provides a clear roadmap for building your business, focusing on proven strategies and actionable steps. The training is comprehensive, covering all aspects of online business building, but it can be pretty text-heavy and might not appeal to everyone’s learning style.
Wealthy Affiliate: WA takes a more flexible and open-ended approach to its training, integrating lessons with its Hubs system. Short video tutorials are user-friendly and don’t need to be followed in order. Users can take ownership of their progression, but some may balk at the lack of structure.
Community Support
SBI!: SBI! has a smaller but dedicated community of users. The forums are active, and members are generally helpful and supportive. However, the community might not be as large or diverse as WA’s, which could limit the range of perspectives and experiences available.
Wealthy Affiliate: WA has a vibrant community and far more activity. You can find support and advice on almost any topic, but there’s a potential for distraction if you’re not focused on your goals.
Website Building Tools
SBI!: The complete SBI! platform comes with a proprietary website builder designed to be simple and user-friendly. However, it lacks the flexibility and customization options of other platforms. SBI! for WP allows you to use WordPress, giving you more control over your website’s design and functionality.
Wealthy Affiliate: WA says it can build you a profit-ready website in seconds, but this only means it will host your domain and install WordPress. Nonetheless, it’s a convenient service, and the platform’s content editor can publish articles directly on your website.
Pricing
SBI!: SBI! offers a single pricing tier at $39.99 per month (or discounted annual billing) for the entire platform and $24.99 per month (or discounted yearly billing) for SBI! for WP. No free trial is available, but they offer a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Wealthy Affiliate: WA offers a free starter membership, and a Premium Plus+ membership at $49 for the first month (limited time introductory offer), and $99 per month thereafter. A substantially discounted annual billing option is also available.
One key difference is that the SBI! subscription is for each site you own, whereas you can build up to 10 websites with Wealthy Affiliate.
Which Platform is Right for You?
Wealthy Affiliate’s high-energy approach may appeal to your instincts if you want to get started and learn from your mistakes on the go. However, if you prefer to avoid mistakes by taking a strategic route to a clear end, Solo Build It! is a better option.
Another important consideration is your desired level of engagement on the platform. Wealthy Affiliate has the better vibes if you want a community-driven environment, while Solo Build It! works well for self-led learners.
Ultimately, the most essential factor is choosing a platform you’re comfortable with that aligns with your long-term goals. Both SBI! and Wealthy Affiliate have their strengths and weaknesses, but both offer the potential to help you build a successful online business.
Is Solo Build It! Worth Your Time and Money?
We’ve explored Solo Build It! ’s shortcomings, but the platform is stacked with high-value content, and you shouldn’t dismiss the potential it might unleash in you out of hand. For beginners who want a structured approach, comprehensive training, and great support, SBI! is a tool I can confidently recommend. Your patience may wear thin if you’re after a shorter learning curve or quick wins. The training program isn’t structured that way, but it does have proven merit.
After going through Solo Build It! ’s features, pros, and cons, it’s time to answer the big question: Is it worth your investment? The answer, as always, is not a simple yes or no. It really depends on you, but perhaps this will help:
Who Solo Build It! Is Tailor-Made For:
- Small Business Owners: SBI! is a game changer for small business owners who don’t have the technical expertise or resources to create a professional online presence. Its all-in-one solution simplifies website building, attracting customers, and generating leads.
- Niche Website Builders: If you have a specific passion or interest in building a business, SBI! ’s training and tools can guide you through creating a profitable niche website. The platform’s emphasis on keyword research and content creation aligns well with the needs of niche site builders.
- Action-Takers: You need dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn and implement the strategies taught in Solo Build It! ’s Action Guide. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and put in the effort, SBI! provides the roadmap and support you need to succeed.
Who Solo Build It! Might Not Be For:
- Experienced Marketers: Seasoned online marketers might find SBI! ’s training too basic and its website builder too restrictive. They might prefer more advanced tools and the flexibility offered by other platforms.
- Those Seeking Quick Results: Building a successful online business takes time and effort. If you’re looking for quick results, SBI! is not for you.
- Tech-Savvy Individuals: If you’re comfortable with website design and development, you might prefer WordPress’s flexibility and customization options. However, SBI! for WP is worth considering.
The Verdict: Flawed Genius or a Steady Path to Success?
I asked in this review’s title, is Solo Build It! a flawed genius or a steady path to success? In my experience, it’s a bit of both.
Ken Evoy’s company was a revered e-book publisher, releasing “Make Your Site Sell” and similar titles in the late 1990s/early 2000s. Since the mid-2000s, he has evolved Site Build It! into the AI-embracing solopreneur platform, now called Solo Build It!. There’s no doubting his credentials, but the platform is starting to tire in some respects, and its site builder hasn’t gained the traction that his genius perhaps hoped for. Limitations regarding flexibility, the potential for information overload, and the lack of a free trial are undeniable drawbacks.
However, overall, I’d say SBI! leans more towards being a steady path to success. It’s not a flashy platform that promises overnight riches, but it offers a solid foundation and a proven process for building a sustainable online business. If you’re a beginner willing to invest time and effort into learning the ropes and following a structured approach, SBI! is a foundational step in the right direction. It comes with my recommendation.
Avoid Solo Build It! and all affiliate marketing training programs if you expect to be on the money train within a few weeks or less. Success cannot be guaranteed, and you may pay more for SBI!’s services than you earn from your website. Ten Steps Away recommends considering whether you and your family can afford the ongoing financial commitment, though you can cancel anytime.
Solo Build It! Affiliate Program
Full Disclosure: I am a member of SiteSell Inc.’s affiliate program, the company that owns and operates Solo Build It!. I’ll earn a commission if you click on my affiliate links and purchase Solo Build It! or SBI! for WP. However, this does not affect my opinion of the products or my commitment to providing an honest and unbiased review.
SBI! offers these commissions for successful referrals:
- 60% commission on new Solo Build It! (SBI!) and SBI! for WP annual sales.
- 200% commission on new Solo Build It! (SBI!) monthly sales.
- 100% commission on new SBI! for WP monthly sales.
It’s important to note these are one-time commissions, not recurring payments. You earn when the referred user makes their initial purchase. Sitesell pays monthly, either by cheque or via PayPal.
If you’re interested in joining the SBI! affiliate program, you can find more information and sign up on their affiliate page: https://affiliates.sitesell.com/.
Next Steps: Weigh Up the Competition
Your next steps are important, so tread wisely! Solo Build It! has many virtues, but I encourage you to read my Wealthy Affiliate review. It provides an in-depth look at WA’s features, training, community, and pricing to help you make an informed comparison.
If you’re a Solo Build It! veteran, wetting your toes there, or have questions, please share your thoughts in the comments. I’ll always respond, and I’m sure fellow affiliate marketers would love to hear what you think!