The Affiliate Lab
Review

A comprehensive affiliate marketing and SEO course for building, ranking, and potentially flipping profitable websites

Medium
  • Last updated 17/06/2025
by Matt Diggity

What you'll learn ? Overview

The Affiliate Lab, created by SEO expert Matt Diggity, is a methodical and in-depth course that teaches you how to build, rank, monetize, and eventually sell affiliate websites. The core program includes over 210 videos, with more than 45 hours of content. It’s actively maintained and regularly updated to keep pace with Google’s evolving algorithm.

What makes the course stand out is its full-cycle approach. It walks you through every key phase of the affiliate site journey: choosing a niche, doing keyword research, building and structuring your site, creating SEO-optimized content, building backlinks (including advanced tactics like PBNs), improving conversion rates, and eventually flipping the site for profit.

In addition to the main modules, students get access to a well-stocked Bonus Vault. This includes targeted masterclasses such as The Beginner’s Lab, the AI Content Generation Playbook, a Topical Authority Masterclass, a Website Flipping Masterclass, and more. There are also focused trainings on outreach, featured snippets, penalty recovery, and other advanced strategies.

The course doesn’t push any single method as the only way. Techniques like 301 redirects or PBNs are covered, but clearly labeled as optional. You’re given the tools, the logic, and the trade-offs, and left to choose your own path based on risk tolerance and goals.

Lastly, students get access to a private Facebook community with over 3,800 members. It’s a lively hub for questions, feedback, and ongoing support, with Matt and his team contributing regularly.

Overall, The Affiliate Lab feels less like a trendy SEO course and more like a well-oiled system for building affiliate sites that actually perform and sell!

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Is this course for you?

👉

Prior experience needed

Intermediate (Some Foundational Knowledge Recommended)

👉

Learning style

Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)

👉

Goal

Make Money

Best suited for:

Ideal for aspiring affiliate marketers serious about building sustainable online businesses. Perfect for those willing to invest in tools and implement data-driven strategies. Also valuable for existing website owners looking to improve SEO and monetization, or entrepreneurs interested in the website flipping business model.

Instructor

Matt Diggity

Affiliate SEO Legitimacy Score: 9/10
Matt Diggity is a renowned SEO expert, digital nomad, and entrepreneur. With a background in electrical engineering, he transitioned to SEO in 2009 and has since become a leading figure in the industry. Diggity is known for his data-driven approach to SEO, conducting extensive tests to develop and refine strategies. He has founded multiple successful businesses, including Diggity Marketing, The Search Initiative, and Authority Builders. His expertise spans affiliate marketing, link building, and website flipping.
Diggity's career in SEO began in 2009 when he left his job in Silicon Valley to pursue digital marketing. He quickly gained traction in affiliate marketing, developing innovative SEO techniques. In 2012, he co-founded Diggity Links, a high-quality PBN service. He later established The Search Initiative and LeadSpring LLC, expanding his influence in the SEO industry. Diggity is also the founder of the annual Chiang Mai SEO Conference, which attracts over 900 attendees worldwide.
• Featured in Search Engine Journal and The New York Post
• Listed in Ahrefs' 'Top SEO Blogs to Follow'
• Founder of the Chiang Mai SEO Conference
• Creator of The Affiliate Lab, a highly regarded SEO course
• Developed Keyword Dog, an AI-powered keyword research tool
• Author of the bestselling book 'The Art of SEO', now in its 4th edition
• Keynote speaker at numerous SEO conferences worldwide
• Regular guest on popular digital marketing podcasts
• Hosted '13 Millionaire Advice of the World's Top SEOs' video series
• Presenter at the Chiang Mai SEO Conference
• Featured speaker at various online SEO summits and webinars
Matt Diggity maintains an active digital footprint, regularly sharing SEO insights across various platforms. He frequently posts on his blog, YouTube channel, and social media accounts, covering topics ranging from technical SEO to affiliate marketing strategies.

Course Details

  • ⏱ Duration45
  • 📶 DifficultyMedium
  • ⌛ Access Lifetime
  • ⏰ Time investmentModerate (5–10 Hours/Week)

🧠 Prerequisites

No formal prerequisites required, though basic computer literacy helps. The Beginner's Lab module specifically caters to those new to websites and SEO.


💻 Requirements

Computer with internet access, budget for additional tools and services


💸 Hidden Costs

Domain registration ($10-20/year), web hosting ($5-30+/month), SEO tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush ($99+/month), content creation (varies if outsourced), link building expenses (varies widely)


🙋‍♂️ Support Options

Primary support through private Facebook mastermind group (3,800+ members). Matt Diggity and team participate actively. No direct 1-on-1 coaching included in standard package.

Course content

  • Module 1: Introduction & Mindset - Course structure, expectations, success principles
  • Module 2: Niche Selection - Market research, competition analysis, profitability assessment
  • Module 3: Keyword Research - Tools, techniques, content planning strategies
  • Module 4: Domains and Hosting - Domain selection, hosting setup, technical foundations
  • Module 5: Site Architecture - Silo structure, URL optimization, authority planning
  • Module 6: Content Creation - Writing strategies, outsourcing, quality standards
  • Module 7: On-Page Optimization - LSI keywords, TF-IDF, Surfer SEO implementation
  • Module 8: Link Building Fundamentals - Link types, velocity, foundational strategies
  • Module 9: Anchor Text Strategy - Ratios, diversification, penalty avoidance
  • Module 10: Basic Link Building - Citations, social profiles, guestographics
  • Module 11: Advanced Link Building - Guest posting, niche edits, HARO, PBNs
  • Module 12: Technical SEO - Site speed, schema markup, crawlability
  • Module 13: Conversion Optimization - A/B testing, user experience, sales optimization
  • Module 14: Authority Site Development - Brand building, long-term strategies
  • Module 15: Penalty Recovery - Identifying issues, recovery strategies
  • Module 16: Business Scaling - SOPs, team building, automation
  • Module 17: Website Flipping - Valuation, preparation, finding buyers
  • Bonus Modules Include: Beginner's Lab, Outreach Masterclass, AI Content Playbook, Topical Authority Masterclass, Email Marketing, SEO Testing, Featured Snippets, and more

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Feedbacks

Overall sentiment

After analyzing numerous reviews and community discussions, we found The Affiliate Lab enjoys overwhelmingly positive feedback. Students consistently praise its depth and actionable strategies, though some express concerns about the price point and refund policy ambiguity.

Praised points

  • Comprehensive content coverage that leaves no stone unturned in affiliate SEO
  • Data-driven strategies based on real-world testing rather than theory
  • Active community support through the 3,800+ member Facebook group

Criticisms

  • Production value doesn't match some newer, more polished courses
  • Overwhelming scope can intimidate complete beginners
  • Hidden costs for tools, hosting, and domain names add up quickly

Testimonials

- "The sheer amount of content and value packed into The Affiliate Lab is astounding. It's truly a masterclass" - Niche Pursuits
- "Matt's test-driven approach sets this course apart. You're learning what actually works, not just theory "- On Reddit's r/SEO and r/juststart
- "The Facebook group is worth the price of admission alone. The support and insights from Matt and other members are invaluable." - CaptainFI

Social insights

Reddit discussions in r/SEO and r/juststart generally reflect positive experiences. Users frequently compare it favorably to other high-ticket SEO courses, particularly praising Matt's transparency about grey-hat techniques. The community appreciates his data-driven approach and willingness to share both successes and failures.

Video review

Marketing Analysis

Claim Verification

The tagline "The Last Affiliate Marketing Course You'll Ever Need" is bold but not entirely unrealistic given the comprehensive coverage and continuous updates. Income claims are carefully avoided, focusing instead on teaching proven strategies.

Price History

The course has maintained its $997 price point consistently since launch, with occasional promotional discounts during Black Friday or special events.

Upsell Practices

No aggressive upselling within the course. Matt's other businesses (Surfer SEO, Diggity Links) are mentioned as complementary tools but remain separate purchases.

Student Success

While specific income data isn't published, the active Facebook group regularly features student wins and progress updates. Success stories appear genuine but results clearly vary based on individual effort and market conditions.

Platform & Delivery

Learning Platform

Professional course platform (likely Kajabi or Teachable) with intuitive navigation and reliable performance

Content Accessibility

Streamable videos, downloadable SOPs, templates, and checklists. Lifetime access includes all future updates.

Mobile Compatibility

Platform is mobile-responsive for tablets and smartphones, though desktop recommended for implementation work

Technical Requirements

Standard high-speed internet, modern web browser, no special software required beyond SEO tools for implementation

Red flags check

😬

Complaints

Our investigation revealed minimal serious complaints. The most common "complaint," if you can call it that, often boils down to the time and effort investment required. Some individuals might express frustration if they don't see immediate results, but this is less a complaint about the course content itself and more about the reality of SEO, which is a long-game strategy. Occasionally, users might mention that certain advanced sections assume a base level of technical comfort that might still challenge a complete novice, even with the beginner modules.

😬

Refund policy issues

"The Affiliate Lab" typically operates with a no-refund policy. This is a common practice for high-value digital courses, especially those with extensive content, immediately accessible resources, and private community access. The rationale usually is that once you've gained access to the proprietary strategies and the community, the value has been delivered.

Potential "issues" arise when:

  • Expectations aren't aligned: Some buyers might overlook this policy or realize after purchase that the commitment level (time, additional tools) is more than they anticipated, leading to disappointment.
  • Buyer's remorse: Deciding the course isn't for them after reviewing the initial modules, but being unable to get a refund due to the stated policy.

😬

Marketing practices

Matt Diggity's marketing practices for "The Affiliate Lab" are generally perceived as transparent and grounded in reality, which is refreshing in the "make money online" space. He doesn't typically rely on high-pressure sales tactics, inflated income screenshots, or "get rich quick" promises. Instead, his marketing leans heavily on:

  • Showcasing real SEO tests and data: This aligns with his brand as a data-driven practitioner.
  • Highlighting the comprehensive and advanced nature of the course: Attracting serious students willing to put in the work.
  • Leveraging his strong personal brand: Built through consistent valuable content on his blog and YouTube channel, where he gives away a lot of advanced SEO insights for free.
His approach is more about attracting dedicated learners who understand that building an online business requires significant effort, rather than selling a dream.

😬

Community feedback

The "Community Feedback" for "The Affiliate Lab" is overwhelmingly positive and often cited as one of the strongest assets of the course. The private Facebook group (or similar community platform) is highly active and provides a valuable ecosystem for students:

  • Active Support: Members, including Matt Diggity himself and his team, are generally responsive to questions, offering guidance on specific SEO challenges.
  • Peer-to-Peer Learning: Students openly share their experiences, test results, and offer constructive criticism, creating a collaborative learning environment.
  • Networking: It provides a space for like-minded individuals to connect, form partnerships, or just discuss the latest SEO changes.
  • Updates & Announcements: It's often where Matt shares insights on Google updates or course-related announcements, keeping members current.

Is this course legit?

Value For Money

At $997, The Affiliate Lab sits firmly in the high-ticket category. For this investment, you're getting over 45 hours of training, continuous updates, comprehensive resources, and access to an active community. When compared to hiring an SEO consultant or agency, the knowledge transfer represents solid value for committed students.

Conclusion

After thorough analysis, we can confirm The Affiliate Lab is a legitimate, high-quality course that delivers on most of its promises. With an overall score of 8.3/10, it ranks among the top affiliate marketing courses available. Matt Diggity's expertise and transparency shine through the comprehensive curriculum, which covers everything from basic setup to advanced strategies like site flipping. The active community of 3,800+ members provides ongoing support beyond the course materials. The main concerns involve the confusing refund policy (which needs clarification) and the potentially overwhelming scope for complete beginners. Additional costs for tools and services can also surprise budget-conscious students. However, for those serious about building a sustainable affiliate marketing business and willing to invest both time and money, The Affiliate Lab provides exceptional value. The course's longevity (running since 2017 with continuous updates) and Matt's ongoing involvement demonstrate commitment to student success. We recommend it for intermediate marketers or motivated beginners ready to commit to the journey.

FAQs about this course

The Affiliate Lab is a comprehensive online course by Matt Diggity teaching how to build, rank, monetize, and flip affiliate marketing websites. It includes over 45 hours of video training, templates, SOPs, and access to a private Facebook community of 3,800+ members.

Yes, contrary to some outdated information, The Affiliate Lab remains available for purchase as of June 2025 at its standard price of $997 or two payments of $597.

There's an inconsistency between marketing materials showing a 30-day money-back guarantee and disclaimers stating 'all sales are final.' We strongly recommend contacting support for written clarification before purchasing.

Plan for 5-10 hours per week to effectively work through the material and implement strategies. The course contains over 45 hours of video content plus additional resources and implementation time.

Beyond the course fee, budget for domain names ($10-20/year), web hosting ($5-30+/month), SEO tools like Ahrefs ($99+/month), and potentially content creation and link building expenses.

While the course includes 'The Beginner's Lab' module, the comprehensive scope can be overwhelming for absolute beginners. Those with basic website knowledge or strong motivation tend to succeed better.

Support comes primarily through the private Facebook mastermind group where Matt Diggity and his team participate actively. There's no direct 1-on-1 coaching in the standard package.

The course transparently discusses grey-hat techniques including PBNs, presenting them as options rather than requirements. Matt emphasizes understanding all approaches while letting students choose their path.

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The Affiliate Lab screenshot
The Affiliate Lab Review
$ 997
Total score: 8,2/10 ⭐
  • Duration45
  • DifficultyMedium
  • Release Date01/2017
  • Format Self-Paced or Membership
  • AccessLifetime
  • Time InvestmentModerate (5–10 Hours/Week)
  • Payment Options Installments
  • LanguageEnglish
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Our Methodology

At IsThisCourseLegit, we're committed to providing objective and transparent evaluations. Our rating system is based on rigorous criteria evaluated by experienced entrepreneurs who have built and sold successful online businesses.

Our Rating System

Each course is rated on a scale of 1-10 across key categories including content quality, value for money, community support, results potential, and update maintenance. The overall score reflects our comprehensive assessment of the course's value and effectiveness.

Our Process

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Thorough Testing:

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Long-term Monitoring:

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The Affiliate Lab Review