The Internet is full of writing courses, but are they worth taking? Can’t you simply take to Google and learn all that you need to be successful? It’s possible, but well-developed courses can drastically cut down the time it takes for you to get there.
Yes, I built a very successful writing career based on what I learned through search results. However, I can say wholeheartedly that I would have had an easier time and would probably be more successful today if I had taken courses in the beginning.
Sure, you can learn enough to get by and possibly write a few things that get someone’s attention. But there’s nothing like taking a concentrated course on what you’re trying to learn.
Why Spend Time and Money on Courses?
I understand not having the money to invest in some online learning systems. Not everyone has enough disposable income in the hopes of making more money down the road.
Let’s face it; there is no guarantee you’ll make money as a writer or blogger. So, it’s difficult for some people to put money toward something that won’t have an immediate result.
However, the time and money spent to learn various topics is essentially investing in your future. And there are some great benefits to be had as long as you’re taking a well-developed course.
Not Knowing What to Ask
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of courses is learning the material that you wouldn’t think to ask. Sure, there are some blog posts and videos out there that are effective at breaking down a topic. However, not every piece of content is going to dive deep enough.
Plus, most content online today is hyper-focused on specific queries to get searchers to click. And sometimes, the creator of the content doesn’t think to add specific elements or doesn’t know them.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Nobody knows absolutely 100% of every topic, not even PhD holders.
Anyway, courses often show the things that you may not have bothered to ask or stumbled across in Google.
Take me, for example. I learned quite a bit about writing a book from the masterclass course from Reedsy. The instructor, Tom Bromley, shared all kinds of things I would never have thought to search for or learn.
Learning Correct Information
Although the Internet holds nearly the sum of human knowledge, a lot of times, you’ll come across information that is completely false. A lot of bloggers and other creators out there don’t take the time to cite sources or provide accurate details. They’re just looking for the clicks.
This is why I am constantly pushing that everyone always cites credible sources. Not only does it look good to Google, but you’re also providing the best information for your audience.
In any case, you have to be very sure of the information you’re learning from any source. Someone can easily speak with authority about a topic and be completely wrong.
One of the best methods for determining whether a course is worthwhile is by reading the reviews. It might not hurt to also look up the instructor online to determine if he or she actually knows what they’re teaching.
Just type someone’s name in Google. All of the most profound elements of the individual should come up on the first page.
For the most part, courses will provide correct information during its curriculum, especially if you’re looking into an accredited college or university.
Saves a Lot of Time
Another great benefit of taking courses is how much time it’ll save you overall. Since most of them are focused on the specific program of study, you’ll get more information quicker than trying to sift through search results.
It took me a little over a year to bring in enough money to quit my job at the school district as a freelance writer. Then, I spent several more years researching and perfecting my skills. In reality, a good three-month-long course could have yielded a similar effect.
Add in the fact of learning correct information as well as things you’d never think to ask, the course is superior to solo research.
Now, don’t get me wrong, solo research is good. It’s a step in the right direction to help you succeed in your field of study. But coursework is often the best route simply because of the things I mentioned above.
Certificates and Degrees
The national average in the United States for a full-time income is around $39,982 (in 2023) annually. However, someone with a master’s degree makes about $86,372 on average. That’s a significant difference from just having a degree.
Certificates and degrees give you a lot of power for negotiating contracts, especially if you have practical background skills. That simple piece of paper denotes obtaining the knowledge to do the job and do it well.
Of course, this only matters if you find a job for which you’re qualified. A lot of people will obtain a degree and never really explore the doors it can open. It also depends on whether there is work in your area or if someone is looking to hire qualified employees.
There are too many variables to guarantee anything. However, certificates and degrees from specific courses give you a great deal of wiggle room when looking for work or to empower your career.
They’re not completely worthless today, especially if you’re learning something you plan on implementing immediately. For instance, I am planning on going back to get my master’s in Creative Writing. That knowledge is going directly into the books I write while taking the course.
Practicing While Learning
I’m a firm believer in practical application. And it’s something that can be utilized in a long list of fields of study. All it takes is a bit of imagination and follow-through.
For example, let’s say you want to go into Astrophysics. Why not apply what you learn in a blog or YouTube channel to help others or to demonstrate your prowess?
When I start the master’s program, I’m not stopping publishing books. I’m going to do the same thing I did with the Reedsy masterclass and implement what I learn into a new novel. This also includes blogging and making videos about the curriculum.
In other words, there is no reason why you can’t start promoting yourself on online platforms from the beginning. People love to watch others strive to succeed. There’s a reason why rags-to-riches is a common trope.
Besides, practicing what you learn helps solidify that knowledge while helping you advance those skills.
Practice, practice, practice.
A Sense of Pride and Accomplishment
Never underestimate the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes from completing courses. It’s not just the paper on your wall or the potential to nearly double your income. The feeling you get when finishing something worthwhile is a boost to your confidence.
I know my dad is exceptionally proud of his bachelor’s degree. In fact, I don’t know a single person who doesn’t have some kind of pride in themselves when looking at certificates and degrees hanging on the wall.
It’s well-earned, actually. That piece of paper demonstrates that you stuck with it and pushed yourself to learn something great. Even if you never use it to further your career, it’s still an amazing accomplishment that will last you a lifetime.
Should You Trust Online Courses?
As I mentioned earlier, you want to be careful of some online courses. I’ve seen some that were put together using nothing more than the most popular search terms in Google. In other words, they regurgitate the same information you can find spending fewer than five minutes searching keywords.
Back in the day, this was actually quite a common practice. Since 2010, though, Google and others have put a kibosh on ripping people off in such a manner. So, they’re not as prolific as they used to be. Still, never underestimate the greed of others.
When looking for an online course, take into consideration:
- whether the instructor is searchable. Those who teach specific topics are often experts and promote themselves on social media or through blogging and video content.
- the platform of the course. Places like Udemy are full of quality instructors. If you’re looking at courses found on blogs, however, research the site thoroughly before committing.
- any complaints the individual has had from others. If someone has a bad experience with an instructor, you can bet he or she will take to social media or blog about it.
- the curriculum involved. The best courses lay out exactly what you’ll learn and what materials you’ll receive. If there is no curriculum listed, that’s a red flag.
- the cost of the course. Keep in mind that low-cost courses don’t necessarily mean they suck. Some of us just want to share what we know and have no interest in buying sports cars. On the flip side, high-priced courses don’t mean they are any better, either. Compare those prices and the curriculum of each.
When all is said and done, there are a lot of credible people out there looking to share their knowledge with you. Just make sure you’re learning from someone who actually knows what the hell they’re teaching.
Does a Degree or Certificate Really Matter Today?
Although there are a lot of companies out there who prefer experience over degrees, that piece of paper is still an obvious boost to a well-paying career. In 2024, both men and women ages 25 to 34 have seen a significant increase in earnings while having a bachelor’s degree or better over those who simply had a high school diploma.
Nowadays, there are so many ways to make money online that a lot of folks don’t see a need to spend the time and money to acquire degrees and certificates. Why worry about courses when you can just flex your muscles on Instagram?
Nonetheless, degrees consistently provide more opportunities for growth and income. And they are relevant throughout your entire life, not just when you’re in your physical prime in your 20s.
That was a dig at social media influencers and OF models, in case you’re wondering.
Of course, a degree doesn’t mean much if you’re going into a career that can’t benefit from your education. For instance, a master’s degree in Creative Writing means nothing as a Journeyman Electrician. That’s why it’s important to plan your next steps before the courses are completed.
How are you going to implement what you’ve learned to improve your lifestyle? Are you just going to take a job because it pays the bills regardless of what it is? How much effort are you going to put into using your degree or certificate?
Depending on your course of study, there are all kinds of ways you can use what you learned online. As a writer, I put everything I’ve learned into self-publishing, blogging, and writing stories on Wattpad and Inkitt.
The opportunities for writing are quite extensive on the Internet, and some of them could become quite lucrative in one form or another.
Would I Ever Create Online Courses?
I’ve been asked several times throughout my career to create online courses for everything from freelancing to WordPress. I have quite an extensive career involving all forms of writing, and I bet I could do a lesson plan justice.
My biggest issue is time.
I would want to make sure students are getting what they paid for, meaning putting in a lot of time to create an in-depth curriculum. It would be far more in-depth than what you could find through Google searches. All of that preparation would eat up a lot of my days and weeks.
Nonetheless, it’s still something I seriously consider every time I have a free moment to myself. And there is a bit of interest in doing so.
The best part is that if successful, creating online courses would provide a ton of content for both this blog and its YouTube channel. From setting up the courses to certain plugins for WordPress, a single course could deliver 20 to 30 individual blog posts and videos at the very minimum.
That’s what happens when you view everything as content, I suppose.
For now, though, let’s just say it won’t never happen. But I would have to figure out a way to carve out some time throughout the week to work on the curriculum. And that’s something that I can’t do at this moment.
How Often Do You Learn Something New?
I am a fan of learning in all forms. From researching through Google to paying for a $25 WordPress course, knowledge is empowering. If not for spending several years learning all I could about AP Style writing and SEO, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I have no doubt that taking certain courses earlier on would have propelled my career forward much faster, though.
Today, I’m still constantly searching through Google or considering extra courses and degrees. That’s the best way to stay relevant, really. Constant growth and development keep you ahead of those who sit on their laurels.
Don’t be arrogant to think that you know enough to be successful. There is always more you can learn that will make you even more valuable than you are today.
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