Income School Project 24 Review: Should You Join?

If you had told me a decade ago that I’d be earning a comfortable six-figure income online, I probably would have laughed. My journey to full-time internet entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight line—it was a winding road paved with late-night side hustles, failed experiments, and more than a few “get rich quick” schemes that never quite delivered. Like many, I started out juggling my day job with every online opportunity I could find: dropshipping, freelancing, affiliate marketing, even the odd survey site. Some paid a little, most paid nothing, but every attempt taught me something new about what actually works in the world of digital business.

Fast forward to today, and building profitable websites is not just my passion—it’s my livelihood. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for training programs that promise to help others achieve the same freedom I now enjoy. Income School’s Project 24 kept popping up in conversations with fellow entrepreneurs and in online forums, touted as a step-by-step system for turning blogs and YouTube channels into full-time income streams within two years. As someone who’s seen both the hype and the hard work behind online success, I decided to take a closer look at Project 24—not just as a reviewer, but as someone who’s walked the path from side hustler to full-time online business owner.

In this review, I’ll share my honest, hands-on perspective on Project 24: what it gets right, where it falls short, and whether it’s truly worth your time and investment if you’re serious about building a sustainable income online.

What is Income School Project 24?

Project 24 is Income School’s flagship training program, designed to guide you step-by-step through building a profitable blog or YouTube channel that can realistically replace a full-time income within 24 months. As someone who’s tried just about every online side hustle out there, what immediately stood out to me is how comprehensive and actionable the curriculum is. The core of Project 24 revolves around two main “paths”: content websites (blogs) and YouTube channels, both of which are taught with a focus on long-term, sustainable income—not quick wins or hacks.

The program breaks down the process into 60 clear steps for each path, covering everything from niche selection and keyword research, to content creation, SEO, monetization, and scaling. You’ll learn how to set up a WordPress site, write and optimize articles that attract organic traffic, and monetize through display ads, affiliate marketing, info products, and even lead generation. If YouTube is more your style, there’s a parallel course that covers channel setup, video production, audience growth, and multiple monetization strategies. What I appreciate is that the training doesn’t just stop at the basics—it dives into advanced topics like outsourcing, building a team, and maximizing your site’s earning potential.

Project 24 isn’t about overnight riches. The name itself is a nod to the realistic timeline: expect to put in consistent work for up to two years before you see the kind of income that could replace your day job. But if you follow the system, the milestones are clear—by month 6, you might be covering a pizza night; by month 12, you could be earning a few hundred dollars a month; and by month 24, the program aims to get you into the four-figure monthly income range, with some members exceeding that.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Who Created Income School Project 24?

Project 24 was created by Ricky Kesler and Jim Harmer, two entrepreneurs with a proven track record in building successful online businesses. Ricky, who now leads Income School, brings a mix of technical expertise and hands-on experience, having built and monetized numerous niche websites and YouTube channels over the past decade. He’s earned recognition in the industry for his transparency—publicly sharing site case studies, income reports, and even the occasional flop, which is rare in this space.

Jim Harmer, the original co-founder, was known for his practical approach and for building the popular Improve Photography website before moving on from Income School in 2021. Both founders have always been upfront about the realities of online business, steering clear of hype and focusing on what actually works. Their reputation is built on authenticity, transparency, and a genuine desire to help others succeed. They’re known for regularly launching new projects from scratch to prove their methods still work, and for fostering a supportive, down-to-earth community.

Who is Income School Project 24 For?

From my perspective as an experienced online entrepreneur, Project 24 is best suited for:

• Beginners who want a clear, step-by-step roadmap for building a blog or YouTube channel from scratch, without getting lost in technical jargon or shiny object distractions.
• Those who’ve tried and failed with other online business models or courses that overpromised and underdelivered. Project 24 offers a refreshing level of transparency and realistic expectations.
• Intermediate marketers who have some experience but struggle with SEO, content strategy, or scaling their income. The program’s advanced modules and community support can help fill those gaps.
• Busy parents and professionals looking to build a side income that could eventually become a full-time business. The course is structured to fit into a busy lifestyle, with clear milestones and actionable tasks.
• Anyone seeking a supportive community—the members-only forum and mastermind sessions are a goldmine for networking, accountability, and troubleshooting.

On the flip side, Project 24 isn’t for anyone looking for instant results or unwilling to put in the work. If you’re chasing the next “get rich quick” scheme, you’ll be disappointed. But if you’re ready to commit to a proven system, learn from real practitioners, and build something that lasts, Project 24 is one of the most practical and honest programs I’ve come across in my years online.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How is Income School Project 24 Structured?

When I first joined Project 24, I was impressed by how organized and thorough the course content is. The structure is designed to take you from absolute beginner to profitable site or channel owner, with step-by-step modules and a wealth of supporting resources. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you get inside:

• The 60-Step Blogging Course: This flagship roadmap walks you through everything from niche selection and setting up your WordPress site, to creating content, SEO, and monetization. Each step is actionable and builds on the last, making it easy to follow even if you’re starting from scratch.
• YouTube Success System: A parallel 60-step course for launching and growing a YouTube channel, including niche selection, video production, editing, and audience growth.
• Monetization Modules: Dedicated lessons on earning through ads, info products, and lead generation, so you can diversify your income streams.
• Advanced Blogging Courses: Topics like improving writing speed, hiring and managing writers, advanced SEO, and building authority (E-A-T).
• Marketing and Traffic Modules: Social media strategies, email marketing, and content promotion to help you drive more visitors to your site.
• Community and Support: Access to a private, forum-style community (not just a Facebook group), where you can get feedback from experienced members and the Income School team. There are also mastermind sessions, live Q&As, and a members-only podcast.
• Additional Resources: Templates, checklists, the Acabado WordPress theme, progress tracking tools, and regular content updates keep you on the cutting edge.

The entire curriculum is self-paced, so you can move as quickly or slowly as your schedule allows, and new lessons are added regularly to keep up with changes in the digital marketing landscape.

Are Income School Project 24 Students Getting Results?

One thing I always look for in a course is real-world results from actual students—not just marketing hype. Project 24 has a solid track record of helping people build profitable websites and YouTube channels, but as with any business model, results vary depending on effort and consistency.

Here are some direct testimonials from Project 24 members that stood out to me:

“I’ve had multiple months of over $1,000 income for monetization and my best month was over $5,000 as a small channel! I wouldn’t have been able to do it without Project 24!”
— Verified Project 24 member

“Income School and now Project 24 have completely changed my life and allowed me to gain financial freedom. I now have two successful websites and one YouTube channel that’s giving me a yearly six-figure salary, making membership of this program a great ROI!”
— Verified Project 24 member

“The course was easy to understand and implement, and with practice and support from the community, I’ve managed to reach my goal of full-time income within 17 months of being in Project 24 (as opposed to the 24 months that they mentioned). I had no internet marketing experience prior to P24. So, if I can do it, I’m sure you can be successful too!”
— Verified Project 24 member

Of course, not every review is glowing—some students mention that the course can feel overwhelming or that advanced SEO topics could go deeper. But the overall consensus is that Project 24 delivers on its promise if you’re willing to put in the work. The community aspect is frequently praised as a major driver of motivation and accountability.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

How Much Does Income School Project 24 Cost?

Project 24 is a membership program with an upfront annual fee and a lower renewal rate for subsequent years. Here’s the current pricing:

• First Year: $449 USD
• Renewal: $249–$299 USD per year (depending on when you join)

This gives you full access to all courses, resources, community, and updates for the duration of your membership.

Refund Policy:

Project 24 offers a 7-day money-back guarantee for new sign-ups. If you decide within the first week that the program isn’t for you, you can request a full refund—no questions asked. For renewals, if you forget to cancel and are charged, you can request a refund within 30 days of the renewal date. After the initial 7-day window for new members, refunds are not offered, which is common for digital training programs to protect the integrity of the community and course materials.

In my experience, the value you get—especially with the ongoing updates and support—makes the cost justifiable if you’re serious about building a real online business. But as always, make sure you’re ready to commit before jumping in.

Praises For Income School Project 24

Looking back on my experience and what I’ve seen from other members, there are several standout strengths that make Project 24 a compelling choice for aspiring online entrepreneurs:

• Beginner-Friendly, Step-by-Step Guidance
  Project 24 is exceptionally well-structured for beginners. The lessons break down complex topics into clear, actionable steps, making it easy to follow even if you’ve never built a website or YouTube channel before. Many students have highlighted how the roadmap removes the overwhelm and confusion that often comes with starting out in the online business world.

• Realistic Expectations and Honest Marketing
  I appreciate that the program sets a realistic timeline—24 months—to build a full-time income. There’s no hype or “get rich quick” nonsense. This honesty not only builds trust but also helps students stay motivated for the long haul, knowing that slow and steady progress is both normal and expected.

• Comprehensive and Up-to-Date Content
  The course covers a broad spectrum: SEO, content creation, monetization, YouTube, and more. It’s regularly updated to reflect changes in the digital landscape, which means you’re not left with outdated strategies. I’ve personally benefited from new modules and live updates that address recent Google algorithm changes and evolving best practices.

• Supportive and Active Community
  The Project 24 community is one of its biggest assets. Whether you’re stuck on a technical issue or just need encouragement, there’s always someone willing to help. The forums, mastermind groups, and live Q&As create a sense of camaraderie that’s rare in online courses. I’ve found answers to tough questions and even made a few friends along the way.

• Practical, Actionable Advice
  The strategies taught are not just theory—they’re practical and easy to implement. The focus is on creating quality content and building real assets, rather than chasing shortcuts or trendy hacks. This approach has helped me (and many others) see consistent, sustainable growth.

• Transparent Instructors
  Ricky and Jim have always been open about their own successes and failures, sharing real case studies and analytics from their own sites. This transparency builds credibility and shows that they’re in the trenches with their students, not just selling a dream from the sidelines.

• Proven Track Record of Student Success
  The milestone tracker and testimonials speak for themselves. Hundreds of students have reached significant income milestones, with some even surpassing full-time income within the promised timeline. I’ve seen members celebrate $1,000+ months, and some have gone on to earn six figures a year—all by following the system.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Criticisms For Income School Project 24

No course is perfect, and Project 24 certainly has its drawbacks. Here are some of the main criticisms I’ve encountered—both personally and from other members:

• Lack of Depth in Advanced Strategies
  While the course is fantastic for beginners, those with more experience may find it lacking in advanced tactics—especially when it comes to things like backlinking, technical SEO, and scaling beyond the basics. If you’re already running a profitable site, you might “outgrow” the material faster than with other, more advanced programs.

• Overwhelming Amount of Content
  The sheer volume of lessons, resources, and community threads can be daunting. Newcomers sometimes feel lost or unsure where to focus, especially if they try to consume everything at once. It takes discipline to pace yourself and follow the roadmap step by step.

• No Refund Policy (In Most Cases)
  The refund policy is strict. While there have been exceptions, generally, once you pay, you’re in for the year. This can be a downside if you realize early on that the course isn’t the right fit for you. I’ve seen a few frustrated members who wished they could get their money back after finding the course too challenging or not what they expected.

• Mixed Reviews on Community Experience
  While many praise the community, others have found it less personal or harder to navigate than they hoped. Some members have struggled to get timely responses, and there have been reports of censorship or removal of critical voices, which can be discouraging if you’re seeking open dialogue.

• Internal Company Drama and Reputation Concerns
  There’s been some behind-the-scenes drama following Jim’s departure, and speculation about the effectiveness of the current leadership. Some in the community question whether the methods are as effective post-2023, especially after major Google updates. While much of this is online chatter, it has affected the program’s reputation in certain circles.

• Old School or Outdated Strategies
  A few critics argue that some of the SEO and content strategies taught feel dated or less effective in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. With Google’s algorithms changing frequently, it’s crucial to adapt—and some students feel Project 24 hasn’t always kept pace.

• Takes Significant Time and Effort
  This isn’t a criticism of the course itself, but it’s worth reiterating: success with Project 24 requires serious commitment. If you can’t dedicate 10+ hours a week or expect quick wins, you’ll likely be disappointed.

Despite these criticisms, I still believe Project 24 offers tremendous value—especially for those starting out or looking for a supportive, structured path to building real online income. Just go in with your eyes open and be ready to put in the work.

Should You Join Income School Project 24?

After spending significant time inside Project 24 and seeing the journeys of countless other members, I can confidently say that this program is a solid investment—if you’re the right fit. Project 24 is not a magic bullet, but it does offer a proven, step-by-step roadmap to building a real online business through blogging or YouTube.

If you’re someone who’s willing to put in consistent effort, learn new skills, and stick with it for the long haul, Project 24 can absolutely deliver life-changing results. I’ve seen members go from total beginners to earning thousands of dollars a month, and the milestone tracker is full of stories like mine—people who replaced their day jobs or built a strong side income within two years. The community is active and supportive, the course content is actionable, and the live help through masterminds and webinars is a huge plus.

However, it’s not for everyone. If you need instant results, get overwhelmed easily, or aren’t prepared to adapt to the ever-changing world of SEO and online content, you might find the journey frustrating. The sheer volume of information can be daunting, and the refund policy is strict, so you need to be ready to commit. But if you’re serious about building a sustainable online income and want a transparent, honest system, I genuinely believe Project 24 is one of the best programs out there.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Income School Project 24 Alternative

If you’re still on the fence or want to explore other options before making a decision, Wealthy Affiliate stands out as the best alternative for learning how to make money online—especially if you’re budget-conscious or want to test the waters before investing heavily.

Wealthy Affiliate is an all-in-one affiliate marketing and blogging platform that’s been around since 2005. It offers step-by-step training, built-in tools (like hosting and keyword research), and a massive, active community of over two million members. The best part? You can get started with a free Starter membership, which lets you experience the platform and even build your first website without spending a dime. Their premium plans are also more affordable than Project 24, making it a great choice if you’re just starting out or want to minimize your upfront costs.

While Wealthy Affiliate’s training isn’t as focused or structured as Project 24’s, especially when it comes to YouTube, it’s a fantastic platform for learning the basics of blogging, affiliate marketing, and building authority sites. The community support is top-notch, and the built-in tools save you the hassle of piecing together different services. If you’re looking for a lower-risk way to learn the ropes or want access to a broader range of digital marketing topics, Wealthy Affiliate is well worth considering.

Recommendation: Here’s The Best Alternative

Anthony Smith

Anthony Smith is an internet entrepreneur. He created the Side Hustle Ideas Database to help people find side hustles for making extra money, with the potential of turning into a full-time income.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania with a business degree, he gained business experience at a consulting firm. At the same time, he tried various side hustles including freelance writing, blogging, and eCommerce. He managed to turn his side hustles into a full-time business, earning over $3 million. Now, he enjoys financial freedom and travels around the world as a digital nomad.