Digital Products, Online Courses

How To Choose Which Digital Product or Online Course to Buy In 2025

August 15, 2024
By itssophiebiggerstaff.com

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Are Digital Products And Courses Worth Buying In 2025?

There’s a lot of hype online about digital products, but here’s what no one tells you…

If you’ve been on TikTok or Instagram recently, you’ll know – everyone is shouting about digital products and online courses right now. And honestly, I get it. Done right, they’re one of the most accessible ways to start and scale an online business without spending a fortune on mentors or masterminds.

But in reality, the market is flooded and there’s a lot of deception because frankly, there are so many low-quality products out there that it’s becoming harder and harder to know who’s selling something legit, who’s just cash-grabbing, and who actually gives a sh*t about helping you get results.

How do you know what digital products to buy in to? Let alone how do you create one that will be credible enough to sell?

I Tested A Handful Of Digital Products

I decided to test the waters for myself. I signed up for a mix of digital products – some free, some paid – some that would be perfect for me, and some to check out what’s being offered to the online business community. Think cheat sheets, free trainings, lead magnets, and mini-courses.

Here’s what I found:
🟢 Around 60% offered genuine value.
🔴 The other 40%? Complete waste of time.

What shocked me most? Some of the worst ones were from creators with huge followings. Meanwhile, the most useful offers came from people you probably haven’t even heard of yet – but who clearly know their stuff and care about delivering value.

How To Know If A Digital Product Is Worth It?

There’s a growing distrust in the digital product world. People are burnt out from buying programs that promise the world and deliver a glorified Canva PDF with zero strategy. That sucks – and it’s making people miss out on the good ones because they’ve been burned before.

If you’re considering investing in any digital product – whether it’s a course, a toolkit, a training, or a bundle – here’s what I’d recommend:

1. Do a vibe check (aka research the creator) – Before handing over your email (or credit card), find out who the creator actually is. Do they have real-world experience? Do they show up consistently? Do they share useful free content that’s more than just fluff?

2. Don’t trust follower counts – Some of the worst offers I saw were from creators with hundreds of thousands of followers. You can’t judge the quality of a product based on someone’s reach. Look for substance over aesthetic.

3. Try before you buy – If they have a freebie – download it. If they offer a free class or workshop – watch it. That way, you can feel into their style, see how they teach, and decide if they’re someone you want to learn from.

Why I Created Digital Products (And What Makes Mine Different)

I’ve been building online businesses for years – my own, and for other people. I’ve lived the mistakes, learnt the lessons, and packaged everything I know into resources that are actually useful, not just pretty PDFs.

I’ve also learnt that most people don’t need more information – they need clarity, direction, and a strategy that works for their life and their goals.

So that’s what I create now.

Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own offer, leaving your 9–5, or building a business that doesn’t burn you out – I’ve got free and paid resources to help you do it with less noise and more alignment.

My FREE digital product offering (try me before you buy):

✅ Not sure what kind of business is right for you? Take the Freedom Seekers Quiz and find your aligned business model: https://onlinebusinessschool.itssophiebiggerstaff.com/freedom-seekers-quiz

✅ Ready to start an online business but feel overwhelmed and don’t know how to make it work for your lifestyle? Join my free masterclass: “Find Your Freedom Model” https://onlinebusinessschool.itssophiebiggerstaff.com/registration-page

Then if you like my vibe – here’s my paid digital products:

✅ Want the full online business strategy + support? Apply for The Freedom Model Method – my signature course/group coaching hybrid: https://onlinebusinessschool.itssophiebiggerstaff.com/Freedom-Model-Method

Digital products aren’t dead – but the way we use them has to change.

You deserve resources that meet you where you are, and help you move forward. No fluff, no false promises, no one-size-fits-all nonsense. Just clear, honest support from someone who’s been where you are – and actually gives a damn.

meet the writer

I'm Sophie

Online business coach, podcast host, mental health advocate, speaker, founder of TINAH, community builder, full-time digital nomad, and general trailblazing, rule breaker…

I tried to live a “normal” life: I spent 11+ years working my way up in the fashion industry, working for brands like Ralph Lauren and Burberry. I had the apartment in the city, I lived for going out at the weekends, spent money on designer bags and holidays – until I realized this lifestyle DID NOT FULFIL ME – I was waking up with anxiety every day – surviving, but definitely not thriving.

So I quit. I left my 9-to-5 behind to start an online business that supported the lifestyle I actually wanted. Now that looks like slow mornings, daily beach walks, co-working with like-minded entrepreneurs, yoga, meditation, and lots of social connections.

Since 2020, I’ve built multiple online business offers – from online business coaching and consulting to online courses, digital products, and a mental health marketplace – all while travelling the world and living life, and earning money on my own terms.

Now… I’m on a mission to help more people break free from lives that don’t feel good for them and create more freedom through starting and growing an online business.