7 questions to consider when buying an online course.
Buying an online course is like a minefield right?
You have to navigate through;
- Which course platform do you choose Udemy or Coursera?
- Which course topic is actually right for you?
- Which teachers do you think has the most relevant experience and does their teaching style suit you?
Like I said a minefield right!
As a course creator and buyer, I wanted to share with you some tips (things to look out for) when buying an online to ensure it’s a perfect match!
First things first, the platform host really doesn’t matter (Teach:able, Udemy, Coursera), as the T&C’s mainly sit with the course creator. So really your choice here is broad. The key difference as a user really comes down to the functionality of the site, therefore you simply need to choose one to suit your learning style. A way to do this is to ask to preview the course before buying it!
Now, let us move onto the niggy gritty the actual course and the creator themselves.
I’m going to run through all the major questions buyers ask and that ‘we’ (the course creators) get asked …
- Why is it only $15? Or why are you offering such a huge % off?!
- In a 50 min video course will I really learn everything I need to know?
- Who is this person that calls themselves a fashion brand launch expert? Do they really know their stuff!?
- Who has actually taken this course? Can I see ‘real’ testimonials?
- What content will they exactly cover like every lesson?
- For the price what do I actually get? Workbooks, videos, 1:2:1 etc
- What are the course T&C’s? What happens if I’m not happy with my purchase?
- Can I trust them?
Why is it only $15? Or why are you offering such a huge % off?!
Ok so I’m letting you in on a little trade secret …
Very few courses sell at their full price value. Fact.
Most courses creators continually run promotions and hypes around their course based on their sales strategy that season, quarter even month.
The best way you can think about it just like retail. There’s nothing wrong with the clothes you buy, they are not faulty, they just need a helping hand to sell and to do that ‘retailers’ (sellers of a product) offer a promo to entice the customer into their ‘shop’ (online store).
However! … I do have a caveat.
You need to measure the selling price vs the amount you’re getting for that price.
For example:
- $15 course that gives you 30 mins content and a workbook make sense.
- Therefore a course offering 15.5hrs content, workbook, templates, 1:2:1 coaching calls, + bonus material + money-back shouldn’t be worth $15 it should be at least x100 more = $1,500.
Assess the value you are getting for your price and less isn’t more in the case of buying a course.
Value your creator and their content and remember this is an investment in you and you’re priceless!
In a 50 min video course will I really learn everything I need to know?
If you’re looking to launch your 1st clothing line and learn how to launch your fashion brand online then I’d say the honest answer is no!
How within 50 mins can you learn how to:
- Find your niche in the market and validate it.
- Plan your collection.
- Design, make and ship your collection.
- Manage your business.
- Build and launch your brand.
- Grow your brand to a global audience.
Generally, the longer the course content the more comprehensive and detailed the learning is.
So if you’re looking to launch your 1st business or your 1st collection I would look for a course with a content of 9hrs+.
"Assess the value you are getting for your price and less isn’t more in the case of buying a course. Value your creator and their content and remember this is an investment in you and you’re priceless!"
Unzipped
Who is this person that calls themselves a fashion brand launch expert? Do they really know their stuff!?
This is such a critical question that you need to ask yourself and research beyond what their landing page says.
Ways that you can validate your teacher’s credentials is by:
- Checking their Linkedin profile to see their career achievements.
- Checking their website services to understand what type of business they run.
- Searching for existing free content that shows their teaching style as well as their expertise/knowledge.
- Checking their google (business) reviews.
Again you should treat this like any purchase – Who is the brand? What’s the brand’s history? What is the brand known for? Can I trust them?
It simply takes a bit of research on your part to discover if they are the right teacher for you.
P.S. also whilst you’re checking them out connect with them too and say hi and get to know them first!
Who has actually taken this course? Can I see ‘real’ testimonials?
If a course is brand new, it may not have testimonials but most do.
Most course landing pages will detail previous students testimonials so this is the first place you should look.
Second to this check for course testimonials by running through user/customer comments across all social channels. For example: in their closed FB group, YouTube pieces of training as well as Instagram testimonial posts.
If you’re looking to launch your own fashion brand and looking for the right course to help you do that, a key way to see ‘real’ proof is to know the brand names that the course has helped to launch. For example; Petite Femme Label – a sustainable petite brand that took Our launch & sell course in 2020 and is due to launch Sept 2021.
What content will they exactly cover? Like every lesson?
You do really need to know the answer to this and if you can’t see a specific topic being mentioned on their sales page don’t be afraid to ask if they cover it.
Most course creators offer a free Q&A call just like us! So drop them a line and gain the exact ins and outs of their course content.
A comprehensive launch course should have at least 6-10 modules and each module should be broken into topics and micro lessons.
Did you know that our course How to Launch a Fashion Brand Online has
- 6 modules
- 33 topics
- 150+ lessons!
For the price what do I actually get? Workbooks, videos, 1:2:1 etc
Since COVID struck and online courses peaked in 2020 it really has become a buyers market!
Course creators now sell their courses along with the kitchen sink!!
You will now never just find a course for X amount but a course + X, Y and Z for X amount!
Therefore my advice for you is to look out for courses that offer that extra added value, however dont let this be the deciding point. At the end of the day the course and the creator and their expertise and suited match to your needs should be the major reason as to why you buy.
So don’t be dazzled by the diamonds and stick with the jewels!
A major change in 2021 has been the rise in courses that now offer a package of course and coaching. I think this is a fantastic version for those that want to DIY, but with a side of expert help to use as and when they like.
That’s why we offer all of our students 3 hrs of 1:2:1 coaching to use upon completion of the course 🙂
What are the course T&C’s? What happens if I’m not happy with my purchase?
Let’s face it, it happens. We rush into an impulse decision that simply wasn’t right.
I’ve had this happen to me with my online course, however thankfully only once, where they bought the course and had second thoughts. It didn’t suit their current priorities and expenses so they used our 30-day money-back guarantee and gained a full refund.
Either way, if you’re considering buying a course 100% check out their FAQs and T&C’s before investing your hard-earned cash!
Can I trust them?
Finally the killer questions we all ask ourselves when buying an online course.
Can I trust this person and business?
Will they actually teach me How To launch A Fashion Brand Online …
I believe that if you follow my 7 methods listed in this post, mixed in with common sense and a gut feeling that you can. And remember most reputable courses offer a money-back guarantee too so you can feel extra safe!
I hope this post has given you the tools and confidence when buying an online course.
If you have any further questions or would like to learn more about Carley Johnson Fashion Courses then leave your comments below or reach out and say hello here.
