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Ryan's Method: KDP Course
Review

Comprehensive Amazon KDP training for passive income through low-content book publishing

Total score: 7,2/10
Medium
  • Last updated 17/06/2025
Ryan Hogue
by Ryan Hogue
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What you'll learn ? Overview

We took a good look at Ryan’s Method: KDP Course, designed for complete beginners wanting to build passive income through Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, focusing on low-content books like journals, planners, and workbooks that don’t require much writing.

Ryan Hogue, with a Master’s in Applied Information Technology and experience as a web developer and adjunct professor, bases the course on his own KDP journey. The curriculum guides students step-by-step, from setting up their KDP account to researching niches, designing covers and interiors with free tools, optimizing listings for Amazon’s search algorithm, and scaling with advertising.

What stood out to us was Ryan’s realistic approach. Unlike many courses promising quick riches, he openly talks about the competitive nature of low-content publishing in 2025. The course includes clear, over-the-shoulder tutorials, downloadable templates, and frequent updates to keep up with Amazon’s evolving platform, a commitment we really appreciated.

Students get lifetime access to pre-recorded video modules on Ryan’s platform. While the core focus is KDP, some versions also offer bonus courses on print-on-demand platforms like Etsy, Redbubble, and Amazon Merch.

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Is this course for you?

👉

Prior experience needed

Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)

👉

Time commitment

light Light (1–5 Hours/Week)

👉

Learning style

Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)

👉

Goal

Make Money

Best suited for:

Ideal for complete beginners wanting a structured path into KDP publishing, side-hustlers seeking an additional income stream, or anyone overwhelmed by piecing together free YouTube tutorials. Not recommended for experienced publishers seeking cutting-edge strategies or those expecting passive income without effort.

Instructor

Ryan Hogue

Ryan Hogue

7-Figure Amazon Seller & 6-Figure Print on Demand Expert Legitimacy Score: 8/10
Ryan Hogue is a successful e-commerce entrepreneur and educator who transitioned from a career in web development to become a prominent figure in the print-on-demand and Amazon selling space. His journey from a 9-to-5 job to generating substantial passive income has inspired many aspiring entrepreneurs. Hogue's expertise lies in creating and scaling online businesses, particularly in print-on-demand and Amazon FBA, which he shares through his courses and YouTube channel.
Hogue began his career as a Senior Front End Web Developer for 8 years while also working as an adjunct professor teaching web development. In 2017, he started his e-commerce journey, quickly scaling his business to generate significant profits. By 2020, Hogue had built multiple income streams, including print-on-demand and Amazon FBA, allowing him to quit his day job at age 30. His rapid success in e-commerce led him to create educational content and courses to help others replicate his methods.
  • Generated $53K in passive income profit in 2017
  • Scaled to over $130K profit in both 2018 and 2019
  • Achieved $175K profit in 2020
  • Built a YouTube channel with over 100,000 subscribers
  • Created 'Ryan's Passive Income School', a comprehensive e-commerce course
  • Developed a print-on-demand manufacturing facility
  • Featured speaker at Awkward Styles Masters Academy
  • Regular guest on e-commerce and entrepreneurship podcasts
  • Hosted live Q&A sessions on YouTube for his audience
    • Ryan Hogue is a prolific content creator on YouTube, where he regularly posts videos about e-commerce strategies, print-on-demand tips, and passive income methods. His channel serves as a hub for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking guidance in online business. Hogue also engages with his audience through community posts and live streams, offering real-time advice and insights.

    Course Details

    • ⏱ Duration20
    • 📶 DifficultyMedium
    • ⌛ Access Lifetime
    • ⏰ Time investmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)

    🧠 Prerequisites

    None stated, designed for complete beginners

    💻 Requirements

    Computer with internet access, basic computer skills

    💸 Hidden Costs

    Canva Pro ($12.99/month), Book Bolt ($9.99-$19.99/month), Creative Fabrica ($4.99-$29/month), Amazon Ads budget (variable)

    🙋‍♂️ Support Options

    Email support, private Facebook community (no live coaching at this price point)

    Course content

    • Module 1: Introduction - KDP overview, mindset training, niche categories, essential tools, goal setting framework
    • Module 2: Research - Free and paid niche discovery methods, competition analysis, keyword research fundamentals and advanced techniques, international market opportunities
    • Module 3: Design - Pen name strategy, category selection, pricing psychology, book dimensions, Canva tutorials for covers and interiors, outsourcing guidelines, A+ content creation
    • Module 4: Output & Listing - File preparation, step-by-step upload process, full account setup walkthrough, international expansion strategies
    • Module 5: Post-Publishing - Review acquisition strategies, organic marketing methods, brand building fundamentals
    • Module 6: Ads - Amazon Advertising basics, campaign structure, keyword research for ads, launch strategies, ongoing optimization
    • Module 7: Scaling - Process automation, product line expansion, advanced growth tactics
    • Module 8: Outsourcing - Task identification, VA hiring and management, team scaling strategies
    • Module 9: Trademarks - Trademark basics, search techniques, brand protection strategies
    • Module 10: Account Health - Common suspension triggers, rejection handling, terms of service compliance

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    Feedbacks

    Overall sentiment

    After analyzing feedback across Reddit, YouTube comments, and course review platforms, we found students generally appreciate Ryan's straightforward teaching style and comprehensive coverage of KDP basics. The sentiment skews positive among beginners who value structure, though experienced publishers often find the content too elementary.

    Praised points

    • Clear, step-by-step guidance that removes the guesswork for KDP newcomers
    • No-hype approach with realistic income expectations and warnings about market saturation
    • Regular content updates that reflect Amazon's latest policy and algorithm changes

    Criticisms

    • Overlapping free content since Ryan covers similar topics on his YouTube channel
    • Limited advanced strategies for breaking through the increasingly competitive low-content market
    • Affiliate tool recommendations that some students perceive as biased toward paid options

    Testimonials

    "Ryan breaks things down so well, it finally made sense!" — Course Student

     "Solid info, but a lot of it was stuff I pieced together elsewhere for free." — Reddit User

     "Loved the templates and checklists, made it easy to get started." — Verified Buyer

     "Great for absolute beginners, might be basic for advanced users." — YouTube Commenter

     "I made my first sale in 2 weeks using Ryan's approach!" — Facebook Group Member

    Social insights

    Reddit discussions in r/KDPLowContent and r/passive_income reveal an interesting split. Beginners consistently praise the course's organization and time-saving value, while self-directed learners question whether the $497 price tag justifies content they could piece together from free resources. We noticed virtually no scam accusations, which speaks to Ryan's established reputation in the space.

    Video review

    Marketing Analysis

    Claim Verification

    The sales page promises "passive income without writing books," which is technically accurate for low-content publishing. However, we must note that "passive" requires significant upfront work in research, design, and marketing. The "life-changing money" claim deserves skepticism, while some students report decent earnings, replacing a full-time income remains exceptional rather than typical.

    Price History

    Originally launched at $997, the course now sells for $497 with occasional payment plans. We've seen promotional periods drop it to $397, though these appear infrequent.

    Upsell Practices

    Refreshingly minimal. The main pitch includes bonus courses rather than hitting you with upsells post-purchase. Some affiliate tool recommendations exist within the course, but Ryan presents free alternatives.

    Student Success

    We found verified examples of students making their first sales within weeks, though most report modest earnings ($100-$500/month) rather than the implied "life-changing" income. The few high earners we identified had significant prior business or design experience.

    Platform & Delivery

    Learning Platform

    Hosted on Ryan's custom platform (standard course software), functional but basic compared to premium LMS systems

    Content Accessibility

    Lifetime access to all videos and resources, though videos stream only (no downloads)

    Mobile Compatibility

    Platform works on mobile devices but video lessons and design work are better suited for desktop viewing

    Technical Requirements

    Stable internet connection, modern browser, computer capable of running Canva

    Red flags check

    😬

    Complaints

    We found zero reports of refund issues, hidden fees, or access problems during our investigation. The main complaint centers on affiliate tool recommendations within the course, though Ryan does present free alternatives alongside paid options.

    😬

    Refund policy issues

    The course offers a 14-day money-back guarantee, but here's the catch: you must have viewed less than 33% of the content to qualify. While this prevents abuse, it also means you can't fully evaluate the course before the refund window closes. Still, we found evidence of honored refunds when requested within guidelines.

    😬

    Marketing practices

    The sales page uses phrases like "life-changing money" and "passive income," typical of this niche. However, Ryan avoids the worst offenses, no fake countdown timers, no "limited spots available" claims, and no promises of overnight success. We appreciate the transparency about effort required.

    😬

    Community feedback

    The private Facebook group receives consistent praise as an active, helpful community. Members report getting genuine value from peer support and Ryan's periodic participation. No reports of aggressive upselling or spam within the community.

    Is this course legit?

    Value For Money

    At $497, Ryan's Method sits in the mid-ticket range where we expect comprehensive content, some level of support, and proven teaching methods. The course delivers on these basics, providing clear instruction and lifetime access to regularly updated content. However, given that much of this information exists free on YouTube (including Ryan's own channel), the value proposition hinges on whether you need structured learning and community support.

    Conclusion

    We spent 15 hours reviewing Ryan's Method: KDP Course and can confirm it's a legitimate training program that teaches exactly what it promises, how to publish low-content books on Amazon KDP. Ryan Hogue brings genuine expertise and a refreshing lack of hype to a space often plagued by get-rich-quick schemes. The course excels at organizing complex information into digestible steps, saving beginners significant research time. The inclusion of topics like account health and trademark considerations shows thoughtful curriculum design beyond just the basics. At $497, it's reasonably priced compared to similar programs charging $1,000+. However, we can't ignore the elephant in the room, KDP's low-content market has become increasingly saturated since 2020. While the course acknowledges this reality, it doesn't offer breakthrough strategies for standing out in crowded niches. Success will require creativity, persistence, and likely some ad spend beyond what beginners might expect. For self-directed learners comfortable with research, free resources might suffice. But if you value structured learning, clear action steps, and community support, Ryan's Method delivers solid educational value. Just enter with realistic expectations about the effort required and potential returns in today's competitive marketplace.

    FAQs about this course

    It depends on your learning style. The course provides structured, comprehensive training that saves research time, but motivated self-learners can find similar information free on YouTube.

    Most students report earning $100-$500 per month after several months of effort. Higher earnings are possible but require exceptional execution and often paid advertising.

    No, it focuses exclusively on low-content books like journals, planners, and activity books that require minimal writing.

    While marketed as 1-5 hours weekly, initial setup and learning typically require 10-15 hours per week for the first month, then less for maintenance.

    Yes, budget for optional tools like Canva Pro ($12.99/month) and Amazon Ads (minimum $100-200 to test effectively)

    The course includes email support and access to a private Facebook community, but no live coaching or one-on-one mentorship at this price point.

    Ryan provides regular updates to reflect Amazon policy changes, with the last major update in March 2024.

    Yes, there's a 14-day refund policy, but you must have viewed less than 33% of the content to qualify.

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    Ryan's Method: KDP Course screenshot
    Ryan's Method: KDP Course Review
    $ 497
    Total score: 7,2/10 ⭐
    Join now
    • Duration20
    • DifficultyMedium
    • Release Date01/2022
    • Format Self-Paced
    • AccessLifetime
    • Time InvestmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)
    • Payment Options One-Time
    • LanguageEnglish
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