Idea:
A plethora of eCourses are available online. Every eCourse that you come across claims to offer the best content in them. But when you get full access to these courses, which you get only when you pay a big fat subscription amount, it is then you realize the true worth of it. Choosing a wrong eCourse not just results in a waste of time and money but also deteriorates your confidence to learn new things. So here’s a guide that will help you to decide if the eCourse you are choosing is worth your time, money and efforts.

Have you ever bought an eCourse and then wished you hadn’t?

Well, I guess you have, as they are usually convenient and flexible. The problem is, virtually all online training courses claim to be the best in their niche. Some others claim to be coming from an experienced expert, or a professional raking in tens of thousands of dollars from that skill. These and many more bold claims are usually found in the description of online training courses. And you can only confirm or debunk these claims after parting with some of your precious dollars.

But, what if there are tips you can actually apply when choosing an online course? Let’s help you choose the best online courses with these four questions. After reading this, you can make the best out of your money.

1. Who is selling this?

In 2019, choosing the perfect online training course has become even more daunting. Since 74% of Americans consider themselves lifelong learners, and since 2016 there’s been an almost 50% increase in online course patronage, it’s indeed a big business. Lots of half-baked, and self-acclaimed professionals want to sell their courses online to earn some quick, passive cash. It’s easy to hire a prolific copywriter who’s dexterous in the art of sales via words, so don’t just work with the course description. Research the course instructor.

Here’s how it can be done-

• Read the instructor’s blog to get a general overview of their ability.
• Look up their LinkedIn, Twitter profiles.
• Carry out a Google search for the instructor.

Now, you judge. Do their credentials indicate the ability you’re looking for? Do they have an online presence that equates their credentials? These are pointers to the quality of the instructor in a course.

2. Where am I getting this?

Whether you wish to learn a new skill or improve on the one you already have, there is no shortage of websites offering courses online. Most are just out there to make some quick cash. Some others, care about the quality of service, and they partner with professionals to give you the best. Some renowned learning sites with integrity include:

• Udemy.com

• Coursera

• edX

• Khan Academy

• Lynda.com

• Udacity

• Codecademy

3. Why this course?

There is a myriad of courses online, so why this? On your own part, you need to prove yourself. “Why am I getting this course?”

Sometimes, knowing what you actually want can help solve a large part of the problem. If you’re interested in Python programming, and you log on to, let’s say Dealfuel.com, and while navigating you see a discounted course in web design, you should probably scroll past. You might be tempted to part with a few bucks, and procure the course. However, your apparent disinterest in Web Design might make you regret buying the eCourse, irrespective of the content. After choosing the field you want to learn on, you’ve narrowed your focus. But there’s still a long list to pick from. Some tips to help you choose includes:

• Read the course description: Ignore all the hype, and bloating and concentrate on key points. For every statement that reads, “this is the best quality course in Web design,” you just say “yeah yeah” and try to find a reason to validate their claims. If there’s none, then it’s probably down there with worst quality.
• Meticulously read through the course content: The course content, to a great deal, tells you what you’ll get on the inside. If the course content doesn’t satisfy you, let no one cajole you into hitting the buy button. You won’t be glad you did. If the course doesn’t provide access to adequate information until you pay, you should probably show them a clean pair of heels. Run!
• Course Requirements: If you’re a beginner, and the course requires a level of expertise, as it’s for advanced students you should move on to the next. Don’t think you can catch up. Learn from scratch, and become a pro in no time. Also, if the course requires you to procure a textbook or some sort of reading material you should be skeptical. You might just be signing up for a reading group with an instructor calling the shots. That’s not what you want, and that’s not how a top-quality online course should be.
• Pricing: Don’t go after the cheapest, you might get substandard quality. Don’t look out for the most expensive, it’s not always an indicator of good quality. Prices should be considerable. Look out for discounts, and consider the length of course when comparing prices. When it comes to getting the best courses for the best prices, search the web to find the best deals on online courses.
• Social Proof: All the hype in the description is definitely marketing. Reviews and testimonies of ex-students/professionals who have opted for the course are what really counts. Although there will be some fake testimonials, look out for the credentials of the person sharing his/her comments, it’ll help you decide.

4. When?

Finally, the ‘when’ matters. If you need to learn this skill to apply for a job this December, and an online course kicks off in March. No matter how good it is, you just have to look elsewhere.

With these invaluable tips in mind, you can never go wrong in choosing your next online training course.