Apr 15, 2025
Let’s talk about the legitimacy of online courses we see in our reels, posts, and stories on social media.
Let’s talk about the legitimacy of online courses we see in our reels, posts, and stories on social media. Did you purchase an online course, it looked amazing when we bought it, but we never even opened it. Or maybe we started strong… and fizzled out somewhere along the way.
It’s not that we’re lazy. It’s not that we lack discipline.
The truth? There are real reasons we hesitate to start or finish our online course purchase. Some are personal. Some are psychological. And some? Well, some are based on the reality that not all online courses are created with your success in mind.
Let’s digest this.
Why Do We Hesitate to Start Online Courses
Fear of Fraud, Procrastination, and Overwhelm
1. We’re afraid of being scammed. Unfortunately, this one is real. There’s noise and nonsense in the online course world: flashy ads, fake testimonials, and course creators who don’t deliver. Frankly, it makes people hesitant to trust any online course.
2. We’re overwhelmed. There are so many courses out there promising to change your life. It's hard to know which one to choose or what’s going to help you where you are at, right now.
3. We don’t know where to start. Without a clear road map or guidance, even clicking "buy" can feel like a risk. What if we choose the wrong thing? What if we waste our time or money?
Let’s talk about that.
How do You Tell If an Online Course Is Legit or Not?
Before you enroll, ask yourself:
Does it sound too good to be true? If the promises sound outrageous; like making six figures overnight with no experience… take a step back. Legit courses set realistic expectations and take your effort.
Is it clear what you will walk away with? (Real outcomes, not just hype)
Does the online creator share their background or real experience?
Does the online creator have a legitimate website backing their claims?
Are there testimonials or case studies from real people?
Do they offer support, Q&A, or access to the instructor?
Is there a money-back guarantee?
Do they promise effort-based results — not overnight success?
If you can’t confidently answer “yes” to most of these, it’s worth pausing before you hit purchase.
Why We Don’t Finish the Courses We Start
Life Happens: But You Still Need a Plan!
1. No structure. Without a built-in schedule or accountability, it’s easy to let a course slide down your to-do list.
2. No quick wins. A good course should give you momentum. If you're stuck in the theory by week 2 or lesson 2, motivation can tank.
3. Life gets busy. Enough said. If a course doesn’t align with your life right now, it’s going to get sidelined, even if it's a great course.
4. The course doesn’t feel relevant anymore. Sometimes we buy courses in a moment of inspiration... but when real life hits, we realize it wasn’t the right fit after all.
Choosing the Right Course for You
If you’re considering an online course, start by choosing one that matches where you are right now in your journey.
Set aside dedicated time in your calendar and treat it like an appointment with yourself. Consistency matters more than perfection; even 20 minutes a week can move you forward.
Most importantly, choose a course created by people who genuinely care about your success.
Here are a few ways to tell if a course creator is truly invested in helping their students:
Look at the creator’s background.
Read their bio and explore their experience. Do they have real-world expertise in the subject they teach? Transparent creators share their journey and lessons learned, not just vague credentials.
Read testimonials and reviews.
Look beyond comments about the content itself. Pay attention to feedback about the instructor’s support, responsiveness, and involvement with students.
Evaluate the community.
Courses that include community elements — such as Q&A sessions, private groups, or live discussions — often create a much stronger learning experience. An engaged creator usually leads an engaged community.
Look for ongoing support.
Great course creators continue supporting their students after the lessons end. This might include office hours, updated materials, or additional resources as industries evolve.
Assess their marketing.
If the messaging promises instant results or overnight success, be cautious. The best educators focus on building skills over time and are honest about what it takes to succeed.
These simple checks can help you determine whether a course creator is genuinely invested in your long-term success — or simply trying to sell a quick solution.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about starting a course, or guilty about not finishing one, you’re not alone. At Clever Marketers, we believe learning should empower people to build real businesses with purpose. That begins with trusting yourself, and trusting the process.
If you’d like guidance on where to start, book a free Discovery Session with Jen and Tiffany. We’ll talk about where you are today, what you’re hoping to build, and the next steps that can help you move forward with confidence.