Monitor online course discount periods

Monitoring online course discount periods can be a strategic way to save money or maximize the return on investment for your education. Many online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, and Skillshare offer discounts throughout the year. These discounts may align with holidays, sales events, or special promotions. Here are some ways you can effectively monitor online course discount periods:

1. Subscribe to Newsletters

Most online learning platforms offer newsletters to keep you updated on upcoming discounts, promotions, and sales. Signing up for newsletters ensures you don’t miss any limited-time offers or discounts.

• How it helps: Direct information about sales and discounts straight to your inbox.

• Tips: Set up a dedicated email for these newsletters to avoid inbox clutter.

2. Follow Social Media Accounts

Online platforms often announce flash sales or special promotions on their social media pages. Follow your preferred learning platforms on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

• How it helps: Social media is often the first place new discounts are shared.

• Tips: Enable notifications so you get alerted when discounts are posted.

3. Use Deal Websites and Apps

Websites like RetailMeNot, Honey, and Coupons.com frequently feature promo codes for online courses. Some apps even let you track discounts across multiple platforms.

• How it helps: You get access to promo codes, coupons, and discounts that are specific to online courses.

• Tips: Install a browser extension (e.g., Honey) that automatically finds coupon codes for you during checkout.

4. Set Price Alerts

For platforms like Udemy, you can set price alerts on individual courses. Once a course goes on sale, you’ll be notified.

• How it helps: You don’t have to constantly check for discounts.

• Tips: Use websites like PriceAlert (for Udemy) or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) to set specific price points for courses you are interested in.

5. Check During Major Sales Events

Certain times of the year are more likely to have major discounts, such as:

• Black Friday/Cyber Monday: Most platforms run huge discounts on courses during this period.

• Back-to-School Season: Some platforms offer discounts to encourage enrollment in professional development during late summer or early fall.

• Holiday Season: December typically brings discounts as the year winds down.

• End-of-Year Sales: Some platforms run sales at the end of the fiscal year to clear inventory or attract new users.

• How it helps: You can plan ahead and save a substantial amount by buying during major sale periods.

• Tips: Keep a list of courses you’re interested in and wait for these sale periods to make the purchase.

6. Sign Up for Referral Programs

Many platforms offer referral programs where you can get discounts by referring a friend or being referred. Sometimes these discounts are limited, so taking advantage of them early can save you money.

• How it helps: Get a discount without waiting for a formal sale.

• Tips: Take advantage of referral links from influencers or friends who already use the platform.

7. Join Course Bundles

Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Pluralsight offer course bundles where you can buy multiple courses at a discounted price.

• How it helps: You pay less per course when you purchase a bundle.

• Tips: Wait for bundle deals that include courses you’re interested in.

8. Utilize Affiliate Discounts

Many course creators or affiliate marketers share special discounts on courses through their websites or blogs. By using their affiliate links, you often get a better price.

• How it helps: Access special deals that aren’t available on the platform’s main site.

• Tips: Follow influencers or bloggers in your field of interest who share exclusive course discounts.

9. Monitor for Free Periods or Trial Offers

Some online platforms offer free access to certain courses for a limited time or provide trial periods during which you can access content at no cost.

• How it helps: You can access high-value content without spending anything.

• Tips: Take advantage of free trials for platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Skillshare to access content for a limited period.

10. Compare Prices Across Platforms

Some courses are available on multiple platforms, often at different prices. Before purchasing, compare prices across websites like Coursera, Udemy, or EdX. Many platforms allow you to buy the same course at different price points depending on when you buy.

• How it helps: You may find a better deal on a course by shopping around.

• Tips: Consider the platform’s reputation, course reviews, and potential additional costs (like certificates) before making your decision.

By keeping these strategies in mind, you can make sure you’re getting the best possible deal when purchasing online courses. Whether you’re looking to upskill for your career or learn something new, monitoring discount periods helps you stretch your education budget further.