Back in 2009, I wrote about a tool called Firepow that helped manage multiple WordPress blogs from a single dashboard. I had 74 blogs at the time, and the tool saved me roughly 18 hours a month on updates alone. At any reasonable hourly rate, the tool paid for itself many times over.
Firepow no longer exists. But the framework I used to evaluate it is one I still apply to every business tool I consider purchasing today.
The Time Value Framework
Here is how I evaluate any tool or subscription for my business:
Step 1: Calculate the time the tool saves. Be specific. How many hours per month does this tool save compared to doing the task manually or with your current solution? If you cannot quantify the time savings, the tool may not be worth the cost.
Step 2: Assign a value to your time. What is your effective hourly rate? For part-time entrepreneurs, think about what you could earn in those hours doing revenue-generating activities. Even at a modest $25 per hour, a tool that saves you 10 hours per month is worth $250 in recovered productivity.
Step 3: Compare the cost to the value. If the tool costs $50 per month and saves you $250 worth of time, that is an easy yes. If the math is close, consider whether the tool also reduces errors, improves quality, or provides capabilities you could not achieve manually.
Wide vs. Narrow Business Models
One insight from my original article that I still find valuable is the distinction between wide and narrow business models. A wide model means multiple revenue streams, multiple websites, and diversified income. A narrow model means focusing deeply on one or two income sources.
Tools that automate repetitive tasks across many properties become more valuable the wider your business model is. If you run 50 niche sites, a management dashboard that saves 15 minutes per site per month is saving you over 12 hours. If you run one blog, the same tool saves 15 minutes. The business model dictates the tool's value.
Questions to Ask Before Subscribing
- What is my actual time savings? Not the theoretical maximum, but realistic savings based on how you will actually use the tool.
- What happens if this tool disappears? My experience with Firepow taught me this lesson. Build your business on tools you can replace, and always have a migration plan.
- Am I paying for features I will not use? Many tools are priced for their most advanced features. If you only need basic functionality, a simpler and cheaper alternative may serve you better.
- Does this tool lock me in? Proprietary formats, non-exportable data, and single-vendor dependencies create risk. Prefer tools that play well with others.
The Bottom Line
Every dollar you spend on tools should return more than a dollar in saved time, increased revenue, or reduced risk. If you cannot make that math work, save your money. And always remember that tools come and go, but the skills and processes you build around them endure.
I think my jaw about fell off when you said you have 74 blogs …. holy schmoley.
Thanks Mark good points. I love Firepow but have some issues with it. Its great as long as you stick to the default themes. But I tend to tweak my themes have them layout in a way that suites me.
It never fails I have had trouble with firepow re-writing my blog code and totally hosing up my blogs. (just my experience – and a frustrating one)
If I were to create a lot of generic blogs this is a fantastic tool to use and well worth the month
I had never heard of Firepow. I will definitely check in out. As someone who updates lots of blogs for all of my clients, this could come in handy! Thank you!
74 blogs? That’s a lot to keep up with. My little 2 keep me busy and somedays I think i need help with them. Great post Mark . Thanks for the information.
Gail J Richardson
Hi Mark, just wanted to make you some questions regarding Firepow:
I want to “attack” the spanish market too as I’m Mexican and know some business opportunities on this language, is Firepow able to help me using spanish content and adding it to it’s blog network?.
Could you say what’s your avg income fromfirepow’s blogs?
Does Firepow Features any kind of “niche shopping” blogs like the ones created with “wordpress mage” or “build a niche store” ??
Could you share any thoughts about wordpress mage vs firepow?
Rogelio;
Thanks for your comment. As far as I know, the auto content features of Firepow are limited to English. Income from FP blogs varies depending on the business model and your level of effort. People make anywhere from zero to thousands per month with blogs that are on Firepow. In my opinion, your first goal should be to make enough from the service to make it pay for itself. Then it does not matter….
Regarding niche stores, no. I personally use phpbay for that.
I am not familiar with Mage in detail.
Hope that helps.
you never explained if it is worth getting firepow if you have only a few blogs? I only have 4 blogs as of now. I do not mind updating my info. I do see your point with the many you have but is this software truly worth getting if you are happy with 4 blogs. will it make a difference.?