What I learned from spending over $1,000 on online courses
The hard truth about the “make money online” industry.
Suppose you’ve ever browsed YouTube or Instagram.
In that case, you’ve probably seen the ads: flashy cars, exotic vacations, and promises of making millions online — all thanks to a foolproof course you can buy.
I’ll admit, I fell for it. I spent over $1,000 on online classes, chasing one shiny thing after another.
From blogging to SEO, social media marketing (SMMA), and online business strategies, I invested in the dream of creating additional income streams.
But here’s the hard truth: Most online courses don’t deliver any real value.
The harsh reality behind most online courses
Let’s start with the obvious.
Many courses are created by people who don’t do the thing they’re teaching.
Instead, they make their money selling courses with the help of great marketing teams.
It’s a profitable business model: package some basic information, slap on a few testimonials, throw in some flashy visuals, and sell it to hopeful people like me.
Sure, the promise of making thousands — or even millions — by following a few simple steps sounds amazing.
But in reality, the creators of these courses often make their living selling the lifestyle rather than the actual knowledge or skills they claim to teach.
The red flags I ignored (and you shouldn’t)
Looking back, there were clear red flags that I missed, and these are the warning signs you should look out for:
- The Flex Lifestyle: Fancy cars, high-end apartments, and tropical vacations. If someone is selling you a dream lifestyle and using it to market a course, click away. More often than not, they are selling the appearance of success, not the steps to achieve it.
- Vague Income Claims: You’ve probably seen those lines: “I made $100,000 in one month, and I’ll show you how!” Be cautious of anyone flaunting huge earnings without showing concrete proof. And no, a screenshot of a PayPal account isn’t evidence. If someone claims to run a highly successful business but spends all their time marketing courses instead, something doesn’t add up.
- Long YouTube Sales Funnels: We’ve all clicked on a video, only to realize it’s a 30-minute long sales pitch. If someone is more focused on dragging you into their paid course rather than offering value upfront, that’s a major red flag. Truly successful people don’t need to spend hours convincing you to pay for their secrets — they’re busy running their businesses.
The power of free information
After a while, I had to ask myself: Why am I spending so much money on courses when I can find incredible, free information on platforms like Google and YouTube?
And that’s when things began to change for me.
You see, there are countless creators out there — many of whom are flying under the radar — who offer real, valuable insights for free.
These are the people not worried about production value, fancy backgrounds, or selling a glamorous lifestyle.
They’re sitting at their desks, recording on their phones, just sharing what they know.
The editing is basic, the visuals are raw, but the content is pure gold.
This is where I found the real value.
Not in polished sales funnels but in genuine creators who are focused on teaching, not selling.
How to spot real value
Here’s what I learned after spending over $1,000 on online courses and finally finding where the real value lies:
- Beware of the Lifestyle Flex: If someone is selling you their lifestyle more than their knowledge, walk away. They’re likely making money off you, not their supposed business.
- Trust Creators Who Don’t Flaunt Wealth: Look for people who focus on providing value. These creators are often less polished, with no flashy editing or expensive props. They may shoot videos in their workspace or car (without showing off the brand), and that’s a good sign — they’re authentic.
- Free Content is Often Better: Google, YouTube, and even forums are packed with free, high-quality information. Many creators share everything you need to know without charging you a cent. For beginners or even advanced learners, these resources can be just as valuable — if not more — than any paid course.
- Question Income Claims: If someone tells you they make $500,000 a month from an eCommerce store but doesn’t share a link to the store, it’s a huge red flag. If their business is that successful, why aren’t they promoting it instead of selling courses?
Final thoughts
The online course industry is filled with slick marketing and empty promises.
While there are some legitimate, value-packed courses out there, many are created by people who are more skilled at selling dreams than teaching you real, actionable skills.
So, before you hit “buy,” take a moment. Check if the person behind the course is living the life they preach — or just selling it.
And remember, there’s a wealth of free, valuable content available at your fingertips.
In the end, the best investment you can make is in your ability to discern value.
That’s a lesson no course can teach.
If you’ve had similar experiences with online courses, I’d love to hear about them in the comments.
And if you’re tired of chasing the next big thing, follow me for more insights on navigating the online business world with a healthy dose of skepticism.
