Entrepreneur. Investor. CEO of Awesome Motive.
Download Syed’s free Growth Toolkit and receive exclusive business advice.
About
Hello, my name is Syed Balkhi. I’m a 32 year old entrepreneur turned investor. I created a bootstrapped software holding company called Awesome Motive. Today over 25 million websites use my software.
This is my personal blog. It is focused on entrepreneurship where I share my journey and experiences with you. My goal is to create insightful and relevant content that you can put to work in your personal and professional life. If you have an online business — or want to have one, then this blog is for you.
I was born in Karachi, Pakistan. Ever since I can remember, I have been extremely competitive which makes me work hard at everything that I do. I started my first business when I was 7 years old selling holiday greeting cards for Muslim holiday (Eid). My mom gave me the initial funds to start, and I tripled her investment within a month…
My Companies
I’m the founder and CEO of Awesome Motive. Our software powers over 25+ million websites serving billions of impressions every month. Below are some of my well-known online companies:
![WPBeginner - Largest Free WordPress Resource Site - Syed Balkhi WPBeginner - Largest Free WordPress Resource Site](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wpbeginner-sb.png)
WPBeginner
Largest free WordPress resource site for non-techy users.
![OptinMonster - Convert Abandoning Visitors into Subscribers and Customers - Syed Balkhi OptinMonster - Convert Abandoning Visitors into Subscribers and Customers](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/optinmonster-sb.png)
OptinMonster
Convert abandoning visitors into subscribers & customers.
![WPForms - Best WordPress Form Builder - Syed Balkhi WPForms - Best WordPress Form Builder](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wpforms-sb.png)
WPForms
The best drag & drop online form builder for WordPress.
![MonsterInsights - Google Analytics Plugin for WordPress - Syed Balkhi MonsterInsights - Google Analytics Plugin for WordPress](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/monsterinsights-sb.png)
MonsterInsights
The most popular Google Analytics plugin for WordPress.
![seedprod-sb - Syed Balkhi](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/seedprod-sb.png)
SeedProd
The #1 landing page builder for WordPress.
![RafflePress - Best WordPress Giveaway Plugin - Syed Balkhi RafflePress - Best WordPress Giveaway Plugin](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/rafflepress-sb.png)
RafflePress
The best WordPress contest and giveaway plugin.
![WP Mail SMTP - Best SMTP Plugin for WordPress - Syed Balkhi WP Mail SMTP - Best SMTP Plugin for WordPress](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/wpmailsmtp-sb.png)
WP Mail SMTP
The #1 SMTP email delivery plugin for WordPress.
![TrustPulse - Social Proof and FOMO app for eCommerce - Syed Balkhi TrustPulse - Social Proof and FOMO app for eCommerce](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/trustpulse-sb.png)
TrustPulse
Use FOMO and social proof notifications to grow your sales.
![AIOSEO - All in One SEO for WordPress - Syed Balkhi AIOSEO - All in One SEO for WordPress](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/aioseologo.png)
All In One SEO
The best WordPress SEO plugin to increase your rankings.
![Smash Balloon - Syed Balkhi Smash Balloon](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Smash-Balloon.png)
Smash Balloon
Create custom social media feeds and display it in WordPress.
![PushEngage Logo - Syed Balkhi PushEngage Logo](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Logo-1-e1626715870903.png)
PushEngage
Automatically send web push messages.
![SearchWP - Syed Balkhi SearchWP](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/searchwp.png)
SearchWP
Most advanced WordPress search plugin.
![Easy Digital Downloads - Syed Balkhi Easy Digital Downloads](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/easydigitaldownloads-e1632936739898.png)
Easy Digital Downloads
A complete eCommerce solution for WordPress.
![Affiliate WP - Syed Balkhi Affiliate WP](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/affiliatewp.png)
Affiliate WP
An affiliate marketing tool that helps grow your business.
![WP Simple Pay - Syed Balkhi WP Simple Pay](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/WP-Simple-Pay.png)
WP Simple Pay
A simple way to set up a payment form on your WordPress site.
![Sugar Calendar - Syed Balkhi Sugar Calendar](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/sugarcalendar.png)
Sugar Calendar
A sweet, simple event calendar plugin for WordPress.
![WP Charitable - WordPress Donation and Fundraising Plugin - Syed Balkhi WP Charitable - WordPress Donation and Fundraising Plugin](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/charitable-sb.jpg)
WP Charitable
Top-rated WordPress donation and fundraising plugin.
![WPCode - #1 WordPress Code Snippets Plugin - Syed Balkhi WPCode - #1 WordPress Code Snippets Plugin](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/wpcode-logo.png)
WPCode
The best WordPress code snippets plugin.
![SendLayer - Transactional Email SMTP Service - Syed Balkhi SendLayer - Transactional Email SMTP Service](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/sendlayer-logo.png)
SendLayer
Reliable email delivery service and API for website owners.
![Thrive Themes - Growth Tool Suite for WordPress to Help Boost Conversions - Syed Balkhi Thrive Themes - Growth Tool Suite for WordPress to Help Boost Conversions](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Thrive-Themes.webp)
Thrive Themes
Growth Tool Suite for WordPress to Help Boost Conversions.
![Duplicator - The best WordPress backup and migration plugin. - Syed Balkhi Duplicator - The best WordPress backup and migration plugin.](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Duplicator-Logo-e1681998337400.png)
Duplicator
The best WordPress backup and migration plugin.
![UserFeedback - Easily Collect Feedback From Your WordPress Website - Syed Balkhi UserFeedback - Easily Collect Feedback From Your WordPress Website](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/UserFeedback.png)
UserFeedback
Easily Collect Feedback From Your WordPress Website
My Investments
I also invest in online companies through my growth fund. Here are some of the companies that I’m an investor in:
![MemberPress - WordPress Membership Plugin - Syed Balkhi MemberPress - WordPress Membership Plugin](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/memberpress-sb-1.png)
MemberPress
The best membership website plugin for WordPress.
![Formidable Forms - Syed Balkhi Formidable Forms](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/formidable-sb.png)
Formidable Forms
Advanced WordPress form builder for developers.
![Pretty Links - Best Affiliate plugin for WordPress - Syed Balkhi Pretty Links - Best Affiliate plugin for WordPress](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/prettylinks-sb.png)
Pretty Links
Best link shortener and affiliate link plugin for WordPress.
![Easy Affiliate - WordPress Affiliate Plugin - Syed Balkhi Easy Affiliate - WordPress Affiliate Plugin](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/easyaffiliate.png)
Easy Affiliate
Affiliate management plugin for WordPress & WooCommerce.
![Screen Shot 2019-12-16 at 1.14.38 PM 2 - Syed Balkhi](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Screen-Shot-2019-12-16-at-1.14.38-PM-2-e1576520389943.png)
Wholesale Suite
Best collection of WooCommerce wholesale extensions.
![Advanced Coupons - Wordpress easy cart conditions for coupon codes - Syed Balkhi Advanced Coupons - Wordpress easy cart conditions for coupon codes](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Advanced-Coupons.png)
Advanced Coupons
Generate easy cart conditions before applying coupon codes.
![Thirsty Affiliates (1) - Syed Balkhi](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Thirsty-Affiliates-1.png)
Thirsty Affiliates
Insert affiliate links into your post and pages.
![Uncanny Owl - Syed Balkhi Uncanny Owl](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/uncannyowl-sb.png)
Uncanny Owl
Toolkit to help you build better course websites in WordPress.
![UncannyAutomator - Syed Balkhi UncannyAutomator](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/download-e1610379168967.png)
Uncanny Automator
Connect your existing WordPress plugins together with no code.
![Business Directory Plugin - Syed Balkhi Business Directory Plugin](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Business-Directory-Plugin.png)
Business Directory Plugin
Easily create any kind of directory on your WordPress site.
![FunnelKit - Wordpress Sales funnel and eCommerce automation plugin - Syed Balkhi FunnelKit - Wordpress Sales funnel and eCommerce automation plugin](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/FunnelKit.png)
WooFunnels
Sales funnel and eCommerce automation plugin for WordPress.
![WP Tasty - WordPress Plugin for Food Blogs - Syed Balkhi WP Tasty - WordPress Plugin for Food Blogs](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/WPTasty.png)
WP Tasty
WordPress plugins made specifically for food blogs.
![Nutrifox - WordPress Plugin for Nutrition Labels - Syed Balkhi Nutrifox - WordPress Plugin for Nutrition Labels](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Nutrifox.png)
Nutrifox
Create, customize, and embed nutrition labels on any website.
![MemberMouse - WordPress membership plugin - Syed Balkhi MemberMouse - WordPress membership plugin](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/wordpress-membership-plugin.png)
MemberMouse
An easy to use WordPress membership plugin.
![HeroThemes - The leading WordPress customer support solution provider. - Syed Balkhi HeroThemes - The leading WordPress customer support solution provider.](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/HeroThemes-Logo.png)
HeroThemes
The leading WordPress customer support solution provider.
![WishList Member - Protect your membership digital downloads, online courses & content. - Syed Balkhi WishList Member - Protect your membership digital downloads, online courses & content.](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WishList-Member.png)
WishList Member
Securely protect your membership site with this plugin.
![WCVendors - Turn your WooCommerce store into a marketplace with multivendors. - Syed Balkhi WCVendors - Turn your WooCommerce store into a marketplace with multivendors.](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20230920124858im_/https://syedbalkhi.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WCVendors-e1685660552791.png)
WC Vendors
Turn your WooCommerce store into a marketplace with multivendors.
Work With Me
I do a limited number of keynote speaking engagements and business investments each year.
Syed has a knack for making the complex simple. His keynote was full of actionable insights backed by real results. He is a true practitioner, and one of the best in the industry. We are still get raving reviews, months later.– Ryan Deiss, Traffic & Conversion Summit
Speaking
With multiple business ventures on his resume and years of speaking experience, Syed can inspire and enlighten the crowd at your next event!
Syed has spoken at business conferences, universities, corporate events, and masterminds. He caters his keynotes to the audience, industry, and business level.
When booking Syed to speak at your event, you’re getting a true business practitioner who shares actionable insights and is not afraid of telling it like he sees it (no fluff).
Take the next step to enlighten, educate, and inspire your audience while driving traffic to your event.
Growth Accelerator Fund
Syed loves solving challenging business problems and identifying untapped extreme growth opportunities.
Growth Accelerator Fund is Syed’s own capital fund that invests in businesses that have already found their product-market fit and are ready to scale up / experience significant rapid growth.
Aside from capital, you also get strategy, resources, and execution assistance in growing your business.
Syed works closely with each entrepreneur and utilizes the power of his broad network in helping them turn their most ambitious goals into reality.
Unlike other funds, Growth Accelerator Fund is very selective because Syed only partners with entrepreneurs that align with his core values.
I’ve watched Syed grow businesses with a level of skill and thoughtfulness I haven’t seen anywhere else. He can effortlessly break down complex challenges, regardless of industry, and turn them into actionable growth opportunities. It’s incredible to watch. He’s also a great human being, which makes him a particularly winning partner for all entrepreneurs.– Yaniv Masjedi, CMO Nextiva
Blog
My personal blog is focused on sharing my journey and experiences including lessons learned, mistakes made, and big-wins!
This happened to me in 2022 – Year in Review
Wow, this year flew by so fast. I can’t even believe we’re already at the end of December.…
This happened to me in 2021 – Year in Review
2021 is ending on a high note, but if I had one word to describe this year, it…
This happened to me in 2020 – Year in Review
2020 has finally come to an end. If I had one word to describe this year, it would…