Are Online Courses Dead? What's Selling (+ What's NOT) in 2025

In Episode 151 of the Best Coach Ever podcast, we’re tackling the million-dollar question that’s been making the rounds in the online coaching world: Are online courses officially six feet under? A DM from a former client lit the fire for this conversation, asking if courses just aren’t flying off the (virtual) shelves like they used to—and let’s just say, we’ve got thoughts.We’re diving all the way in on why selling courses is harder than ever, how the avalanche of free content and AI-generated everything is shaking up the industry, and what buyers actually want right now. Spoiler alert: people are over paying for glorified Google searches. They want real support, personalized solutions, and actual accountability. We’re also breaking down what’s selling right now—from high-touch coaching to micro-offers that build trust without making clients swipe their entire bank account.If your course sales have been flatter than a week-old soda, or you’re trying to figure out what to offer next, this episode is your go-to playbook for staying ahead of the game and making real money in 2025. Tune in and get ready to pivot like a pro! In this episode, we cover:1) The DM That Started It All: Are Courses Dying? [0:00 - 3:42]-A client’s question sparks this episode: Are online courses still profitable?-Why course sales have slowed and the market isn’t what it used to be.2) Why Courses Are Harder to Sell Now [3:43 - 10:12]-The oversaturation of free content on social media and YouTube.-How AI and tools like ChatGPT have made information more accessible than ever.3) What Buyers Actually Want Right Now [10:13 - 15:28]-The shift from information-based courses to high-touch, support-driven offers.-Why people are willing to invest more for coaching that includes accountability, feedback, and real interaction.4) The Best-Selling Coaching Offers in 2025 [15:29 - 21:41]-High-ticket 1:1 coaching and why it’s still the easiest offer to sell.-Group coaching programs that include access, customization, and community.5) How to Create More Sellable Offers (Without Burning Out) [21:42 - 26:59]-The key to making group coaching scalable while keeping high-value touchpoints.-How to balance accessibility and exclusivity in your coaching business.6) The Rise of Micro-Offers & Trust-Building Strategies [27:00 - 32:15]-How smaller, lower-cost offers can help skeptical buyers take the first step.-Why trust in the coaching industry has taken a hit and how to stand out as a credible expert.7) Final Thoughts: Should You Still Launch a Course? [32:16 - End]-When a course can still work and how to position it for success.-The importance of adapting to what buyers want instead of sticking to what used to work.Connect with Lynette:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynettemarieh Fitness Coaching Business Accelerator: https://fcbaprogram.comThe Wellness CEO Mastermind: https://wcmprogram.com