Choosing the Right Marketing Course
The internet is overflowing with marketing courses, and sorting the valuable from the worthless can feel like a full-time job. After nearly two decades in the internet marketing space, I have taken my share of courses — some that were worth every penny and others I wish I could get a refund on. Here is what I have learned about choosing wisely.
Before You Buy Any Course
Ask yourself three questions. First, what specific problem are you trying to solve? Vague goals lead to vague results. Second, have you exhausted the free resources available on this topic? There is an enormous amount of quality free content available through podcasts, blogs, and YouTube. Third, is this the right time to invest in education, or should you be taking action on what you already know?
What Good Marketing Courses Have in Common
- Taught by practitioners — The instructor should be actively doing what they teach, not just teaching about it.
- Practical and action-oriented — The best courses include exercises, templates, and assignments that produce real results.
- Community support — A forum or group where students can ask questions and share progress adds tremendous value.
- Reasonable pricing — Be wary of courses that cost thousands of dollars, especially before you have validated your business idea.
Free Alternatives
The Late Night Internet Marketing podcast covers a wide range of marketing topics in depth, and it is completely free. Many of the strategies I discuss on the show are the same ones taught in expensive courses. Start there, and invest in paid courses only when you need structured, advanced instruction on a specific topic.
