Hey guys, and welcome back to Make that Sea Change. As you are probably aware, one of the main focuses of this site is to assist you in finding good ways to earn money online so that you can fund your own sea change in whatever fashion that may be for you. Those of you familiar with my work will also know that I like to point out what it good and not so good out there so in terms of tools and resources that may assist. Hence, when I find a nice little WordPress Plugin that I have used, I like to share some details about it in case it may or may not assist you as well.
So with that in mind – welcome to my GenerateBlocks Pro Review.
Ok, so there are two main things I want to check out here – firstly, can it meet the extra needs I had for my website? – And secondly, is the base annual $39 cost worth the money?
For this review, I will run you through:
- What it is
- How it works
- Pros and Cons
- Cost
- My recommendations
Quick results
Can it meet the extra needs I had for my website? Absolutely it did – I did try others but this one just worked for me.
Is it worth the annual $39 fee? – Absolutely – the time it saves me in terms of template reuse alone is worth way more than $39.
Do I recommend it? – Yes
Now, in full disclosure I am an affiliate of GenerateBlocks. I did however only become so after using their plugin on my websites over a long period and found it to do everything I needed with ease and without bugs.
I will elaborate more on all of this with my GenerateBlocks review below…
GenerateBlocks Pro Review – What is it?
GenerateBlock Pro is the paid upgrade version to the GenerateBlocks WordPress plugin. As with most WordPress plugins, pro versions are available that provide access to greater functionality and customisation options.
What are WordPress plugins?
WordPress plugins form part of the WordPress website creation platform that once loaded onto your site, add additional website capabilities such as:
- E-Commerce capabilities
- Social Media Sharing
- Advert embedding and creation
- Call To Action setups
- Email integration
- Site health and security
- SEO
- And so much more
This means that you can add all manner of functionality to your website via the addition of plugins specific to that task or need.
There are 1000s of plugins available that can be added to a WordPress site with many available in both free, and paid upgrade versions. One thing to keep in mind here however is that in general, most WordPress plugins are created and sold by third party developers as compatible addons found within the plugins section of the WordPress editor.
Why upgrade to a paid plugin?
As above, almost all WordPress plugins are available in two versions – free and pro (some call them ‘premium' or similar). Pro plugins provide access to greater customisation and functionality options in similar fashion to most software platforms where basic functions are provided for free with advanced options available at a price.
These are not always required and are usually only considered as your site grows and more options are needed (such as in my case). Additionally, many new websites chop and change between plugins a number of times until the developer settles on one they like. Only then would I recommend upgrading to the pro version of your chosen plugin.
Note: In this instance we are discussing the process of paying for an upgraded version of your plugin in order to add some extra functionality and customisation. This does not include updates which are implemented by the developer from time to time for reasons such as fixing bugs, improving functionality or enhancing user interfaces etc.- you should never be charged for a plugin update.
GenerateBlocks Free features
In order to make a comparison between the GenerateBlocks Free and Pro versions, let's quickly just list the basic customisation options that it adds. In short, GenerateBlocks adds greater functionality to the Block Editor with the inclusion of the following functions:
These work as follows:
Containers
In the general block editor, blocks are added and worked on one by one. Containers allow for these blocks to added inside one larger block (called the container) where you can format such areas as the container width, padding, and margin etc. which will adjust everything inside it as well.
Essentially, this function allows for greater graphic design capabilities with your web pages.
Grids
The Grid Block allows for greater control over columns within web page content. This includes:
- The ability to wrap columns on multiple lines.
- Functionality to keep adding columns forever to build multi-line grids.
- Creation of portfolio displays, sales boxes and so on.
- Multi grid formatting and alignment.
Headline
The Headline element enhances the generic block editor functions with the addition of greater formatting and control. It also makes it easier to convert to CTAs etc as well.
Buttons
As with the Headline feature above, the Buttons feature also allows for greater control over functionality, formatting and placement on the screen. I personally use this function to really enhance sales CTAs etc.
Additionally, the following is also included:
What do you get with Pro?
Ok, so once you purchase and install the GenerateBlocks Pro upgrade, you are then able to access the following:
- Full access to pro templates
- Updates
- Premium support
- Use on up to 250 websites
Pro Features
The GenerateBlocks Pro plugin includes the following enhanced features:
As you can see from the graphic above, the new addition here is the generateblocks templates option. This, in my opinion is the real key to the Pro version (and why I upgraded) with the ability to create customised headers, CTAs, and landing pages from the pre-created list as below:
I have also created my own templates which save me countless hours of recreation as you can see below:
I will elaborate on this below however just to round this section out, the pro version also contains the following enhancements as well:
At a glance
Product Name: GenerateBlocks Pro WordPress plugin
Founder: Tom Usborne
Product Type: WordPress Plugin
Price: $39 – $99 Per annum dependent on needs
Best For: Those who work within the WordPress block editor and are looking for the extra functionality around templates and page formatting control.
Recommended: Yes
That's right! Wealthy Affiliate provided me with all of the tools and training I needed to get this post in front of my audience - a.k.a YOU!
You too can start your very own online business here that can make you money from anywhere in the world!!
Pros
These are the pros based on my experience (note that some are inclusive of the free version as well)
- Free version customisation options are better than many others
- Templates are well-built and easy to use
- Site has no plugin based speed issues
- Pro version customisation options are very good
Cons
- Cost is a little higher than many other plugins
- I would like to see some full page templates
Why did I upgrade?
Ok, so in short, I use a lot of headings, CTA buttons and tables on one of my sites that I found that I had to re-create everytime I went to publish a post. This was not only time consuming, but also required back checking to ensure consistency. I also wanted to create headings that relate better to my site.
Once I realised that I wanted to do this, I essentially have two options:
- Finding another free plugin that allowed me to do what I can do.
- Upgrade to the Pro version of the plugin to allow me to create templates.
I chose option 1 – twice. And each time whilst I could indeed add templates, I lost some of the other customisation options that GenerateBlocks had given me even with the free version – such as container use and typography settings. So I upgraded and went to town with my templates.
For example, I am now able to add a heading as follows in each post without the need to create a new version every time (oh, and the CTA button under the pricing table below is also a template):
However, since then I have actually taken advantage of some of the other features including:
- Increased font and typography customisation
- Landing page creation for my Training modules (as below):
How much does it cost?
Costs to upgrade to the Pro version of GenerateBlocks are as follows:
Do I recommend it?
I have used a lot of plugins in my time and have found this one to be the best for my sites (blog sites) in both the free and pro versions. For those of you looking to set yourself up with a clean, easy to use and customise (even within the free version) plugin to really enhance your web page graphics and design, then you could do a lot worse than this one.
Conclusion
So there you have it, my honest review and appraisal of the GenerateBlocks Pro plugin. I hope it has been of assistance but as usual, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out by commenting below.
Are there any other programs you have been looking at but want to know more about? If so, please comment below and I will do my best to get some details for you.
Until next time
Have fun
Paul
Note: If you make a purchase from this page, there is a very good chance that I make a commission from it – these commissions do not increase your sale price. This many include sales made via Wealthy Affiliate or GenerateBlocks. I am an affiliate of GenerateBlocks and this site is built using the GenerateBlocks Pro Plugin.
Introducing Wealthy Affiliate, My #1 Recommendation for Setting Up Your Own Online Business
When I started, I knew I wanted to work online, but had absolutely no idea where to begin! You see I had watched friends of mine run a sales party to sell essential oils and someone asked if they could just sell them online?
Then, as I sat on the bus heading into my office job, I started to wonder if I could do just that, sell essential oils online.
Anything to stop having to catch this bus to and from work every day right!
The trouble was, as I mentioned above, I had no idea how to even start.
So of course I started to look around online and found all these courses! They all promised me riches then took my money but left me with no riches!
Then I stumbled across the program that didn’t promise me riches, but told me it could help me get started even with no experience!
So I did that, joined Wealthy Affiliate that was it, and the rest as they say, is history!
But it doesn’t come without work!
That is the key here! I began on their starter membership and did the training! I then joined as a member and did some more training!
Each night after work, I would do a little more, then a little more.
And to cut a long story short, after 10 months I realized I didn’t really like writing about essential oils, so I sold the site for about $2000. But I had learned so much that I started another – about fishing and camping!
Then, after 18 months (by which time it had earned me close to $10k), I was offered $17k for the site, so I sold it too.
Now, through my travel blog, I’ve been able to fund my passion for travel and explore different places around the world.
In the past few months, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to some amazing destinations, including Bali, Los Angeles, Dallas, Vancouver and Las Vegas.
The success of my travel blog has allowed me to fully fund my travels and explore new destinations with my family.
Try the Wealthy Affiliate as a Starter Member and Build your First Hub!
As you start your journey, Wealthy Affiliate is there for you with the most comprehensive training package I have ever seen – And as I have mentioned, I have used a few in my professional career trust me.
To get you started, Wealthy Affiliate has recently introduced the Hub.
The Hub
The hub is an AI based niche and website creation tool that will get you up and running with the foundation of your OWN business in just a few minutes. This includes:
- Your website – hosted and inclusive of a WordPress editor
- Your brand
- Your ‘done-for-you’ research
- Your blueprint
- A task list that is going to help you drive the creation and growth of your business moving forward.
The hub makes the website creation process simple which allows you to get started on the training with a solid base and understanding of the processes.
All you need to do is choose your subject – which is known as your ‘niche’ – and follow the steps on the screen.
Oh, and as you run through the training below you may realize that what you created above is not exactly what you want. That’s ok, you can just create a new hub!
Wealthy Affiliate Training
Then as you continue your journey, the Wealthy Affiliate Hub is there for you with the most comprehensive training package I have ever seen – And I have used a few in my professional career trust me.
Above we discussed the use of the Hub to set up a website. Once you have done this, you will be able to access the “Step-by-Step Core Training”.
This is available to all members including starter members and will give you everything you need to know to continue to create your online business.
Member Training
There are also Live weekly classes taught by REAL industry experts on a range of topics like artificial intelligence (AI), SEO, YouTube, WordPress, PPC marketing and more.
Great, What Else Does Wealthy Affiliate Have To Help You?
So, let’s keep this short, Wealthy Affiliate is a one-stop-shop platform that provides:
- The Hub – this is the starting point and uses AI processes to assist you in determining your niche and creating your brand.
- Complete training programs to assist with the development of your own affiliate marketing website in your own niche.
- Website creation and publishing tools including access to WordPress editors and themes.
- AI Content article design and content creation
- Domain name purchasing (you get a free domain when you upgrade to the Premium membership).
- Website hosting, security and backup.
- Online help and chat forums.
- Weekly live training events.
- 24/7 support.
- Keyword access tools.
- SEO assistance.
The platform has been active for over 15 years with the original developers and owners, Kyle and Carson, still extremely active in its day to day operations – especially as they rollout their AI capabilities.
You Can Try it Yourself For Free
Now of course I can tell you all about how Wealthy Affiliate works (because it does) until I am blue in the face. But every other program out there – including the shams and scams – will tell you the same thing!
So how about you just try it for free yourself. The Wealthy Affiliate Starter membership is free to join and gives you access to everything you need to get started – all without the need to spend a cent!
With the starter membership, you get:
- 1 Limited Business Hub
- 1,500 AI Word Credits
- Try the AI Author Platform (BETA)
- 1 Practice Website
- Jaaxy Starter
- Limited Help & Support
- Core Niche Training (8 Classes)
And of course I will be there to help you every step of the way as well!
Look, in the interest of transparency, whilst Wealthy Affiliate does offer a free starter membership, this is designed to give you a look around, have a practice and see if it is worthwhile for you – which is a really great option.
However, as with all new businesses, you will need to make some investment so if you are serious about making money online , you will need to upgrade to a premium membership as this will give you access to all the tools you need in the one spot to succeed!
Afterall, every business needs tools to grow!
So How Much Does This Really Cost?
Wealthy Affiliate does not use upsells once you join – but as I mentioned in the video, to succeed here you will need to invest in a membership. There are a couple of options that provide access to all the tools, training and assistance that you could need – and a free domain as well.
Wealthy Affiliate offers a trio of membership tiers, as detailed on their pricing page.
You can opt for the Starter membership at no cost, the Premium membership for $49 per month or the Premium Plus+ membership for $99 per month. That’s the full extent of it – and you can absolutely build your website without having to spend another cent.
You won’t encounter any unexpected additional charges or covert fees and as a Premium member, you’re equipped with all the essentials to initiate, develop and expand a thriving online enterprise.
Those who opt for the Premium membership are provided with
- Hosting for their websites
- A complimentary domain name
- Access to hundreds of hours of current expert tutorials
- Various marketing and research tools
- Personal guidance from seasoned professionals in the field
- And much much more
And for those of you who want to make a serious investment into your future, there are some yearly options as well below to give you peace of mind that you have a whole year ahead of you to get stuff done!
And Don’t Forget the Personal Coaching
Once you join, not only do you get plenty of assistance from me, but you also have access to expert coaching, support and mentorship from real industry experts.
I mean, you can have access to all of the top-tier affiliate marketing training in the world, but inevitably, questions arise, particularly during the initial stages.
With an exceptionally dynamic and engaged community that boasts over 2.7 million members, Wealthy Affiliate offers an environment where you, as a member, can fully immerse and leverage this network.
You’re never alone; you have the collective wisdom of an entire community at your fingertips, ready to assist at any moment.
Plus, there’s always-on, rapid-response website support to handle any technical queries you may encounter.
Wealthy Affiliate Works: Real Results From Real People
As I have mentioned a number of times, Wealthy Affiliate has helped me make real money online though its training and tools.
I have made money each month as well as a sale for $17,000.
But again, those promoting other programs will tell you the same thing!
So let’s get away from me and see what others are saying:
To start with, Wealthy Affiliate has a 4.9 out of 5 Star TrustPilot rating, which is a remarkable accomplishment in any industry, let alone the online business industry.
And here are some of those reviews:
And this is what people are saying within Wealthy Affiliate as well:
So, Let’s Make a Decision!
Let’s be frank, you have read this far so why not go all in, click on the button below to get started on the way to your very online business.
And once you are in and have had a play around with the hub, look for the little envelope on the top right and there will be a message from me. It is of course automated so respond to let me know you are there and we can start this journey together.
(oh, and the profile is mine so you can find me that way as well)
See you there
Paul
