I love taking online courses—from writing to business to self-development. Not only do these courses help me grow my skills, but they also give me insight into what works (and what doesn’t) when designing my own courses.
If you’re looking for an online writing course, you’ll quickly find there’s no shortage of options. The challenge is to figure out which one is right for you. To make the best choice, you need to consider how you learn best, how much time you have, and what kind of support you want.
Here are the key factors to consider when choosing the perfect online writing course for your goals.
1. What Learning Format Works Best for You?
Online courses come in different formats, and the first step in choosing the right one is understanding how you best absorb information. Do you prefer watching videos, listening to audio lessons, or reading text-based lessons?
Some people love video courses because they can see the instructor and follow along visually. Others find videos distracting and prefer to read the material at their own pace. Audio lessons work well if you like to learn while doing other things, like commuting or exercising.
Ask yourself:
- Do I learn best through watching, listening, or reading?
- Would I benefit from a mix of all three?
- Will I realistically engage with the material if it’s in a format I don’t love?
If you know you struggle with sitting through long videos, a text-based course might be a better fit. If you find reading dry and uninspiring, a course with engaging videos and live lectures may keep you motivated.
2. Do You Want Access to the Course All at Once or in Stages?
Some courses give you immediate access to all the content, allowing you to move through it at your own pace. Others release lessons over time, which can help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Think about:
- Do you prefer to binge-learn at your own speed?
- Would you rather follow a structured schedule with new lessons released weekly?
- Do you need deadlines to stay motivated, or do you work better when you can take your time?
If you tend to start courses but never finish them, a structured course with scheduled releases might help keep you accountable. On the other hand, if you have an unpredictable schedule, having access to everything upfront gives you the flexibility to learn on your own time.
3. How Much Live Interaction Do You Want?
Some courses include live lectures, Q&A sessions, or coaching calls with the instructor. These interactive elements can be invaluable because they give you the chance to ask questions, receive personalized feedback, and connect with other students.
However, live components also mean you have to show up at specific times. If your schedule is unpredictable or you’re in a different time zone than the instructor, this could be a deal-breaker.
Consider:
- Do I enjoy live interaction and accountability, or do I prefer self-paced learning?
- Can I commit to attending live sessions, or will scheduling be an issue?
- Would I benefit from direct feedback from an instructor and other students?
Live courses are great if you want the energy of real-time interaction, but if you prefer flexibility, a fully on-demand course might be a better fit.
4. What Course Platform Works for You?
Courses are delivered through different platforms, each with its own setup and user experience. Some courses are delivered via email, where you receive lessons and assignments in your inbox. Others use learning platforms like Kajabi, Teachable, or Thinkific, where you log in to watch videos, read lessons, and interact with other students.
Ask yourself:
- Do I like logging into a platform, or do I prefer course material delivered directly to me?
- Do I want a community or forum where I can engage with others?
- Am I comfortable navigating an online learning platform?
If you’re someone who prefers a structured course experience, platforms like Teachable and Kajabi can provide an interactive and engaging way to learn. If you like simplicity, an email-based course might be a better fit.
5. Do You Want Lectures or Hands-On Exercises?
Writing courses can be lecture-based, where the instructor teaches concepts and you apply them on your own, or hands-on, where you complete exercises and projects as part of the course.
For example, a lecture-style course might walk you through the fundamentals of storytelling, while a hands-on course might require you to draft scenes and get feedback.
Think about:
- Do I prefer to learn through listening and note-taking or by doing?
- Will I implement what I learn if there are no built-in exercises?
- Am I looking for a practical course where I create something as I go?
If you’re someone who learns best by doing, look for courses that include prompts, exercises, and real-world applications.
6. How Do You Want to Interact with Other Students?
Many online courses include a community aspect, such as a Facebook group, Discourse message board, or a private forum where students can connect, share their work, and support each other.
Ask yourself:
- Do I want a community where I can ask questions and share progress?
- Would I benefit from networking with other writers?
- Do I prefer working solo, or does having a group keep me accountable?
If you thrive in a group setting, look for courses that include an active community where you can engage with other students. If you prefer to work alone, a community feature might not be necessary for you.
7. Do You Want Feedback on Your Work?
Some courses include instructor or peer feedback, which can be invaluable for improving your writing. However, it also means you’ll likely be expected to give feedback to others.
Think about:
- Am I open to receiving constructive criticism on f work?
- Do I have time to give feedback to others?
- Will feedback help me stay motivated and improve my writing?
Giving feedback is one of the best ways to learn, as it forces you to analyze other people’s writing and apply those insights to your own work. But if time is tight, you might prefer a self-study course without a feedback component.
8. How Much Time Can You Commit?
Before enrolling in a course, be realistic about how much time you have. Some courses require only 10-15 minutes a day, while others demand several hours a week.
For example, I once found a sales course I was really interested in. The price was great, and the content looked valuable. But it required attending two full days of live lectures. Since I wasn’t available on those days, I had to pass.
On the other hand, courses that require long video or audio lessons before I can take action don’t work for me either. I prefer short, digestible lessons (10 minutes or less) so I can implement them as I go without feeling overwhelmed.
Ask yourself:
- How many hours per week can I realistically devote to this course?
- Will long lessons overwhelm me, or do I prefer deep-dive content?
- Am I looking for a quick win, or am I ready to commit to a long-term program?
Choose a course that fits your schedule and energy levels so you can stay engaged and complete it successfully.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect online writing course isn’t just about picking the most popular or highly rated one—it’s about choosing one that fits your learning style, schedule, and goals.
By considering your preferred format, level of interaction, feedback options, and time commitment, you’ll be able to choose a course that truly supports your growth as a writer.
The best course for you is the one that you’ll actually finish and apply, so choose wisely and get ready to learn!
