Digital Marketing Course Scams: MLM Schemes in Disguise
Exposing the MLM Core of Courses Like Legacy Builder and Roadmap
Digital marketing course scams have become increasingly prevalent, often operating under a multi-level marketing (MLM) model that focuses more on recruitment than genuine education. Two prominent examples are the Legacy Builder and Roadmap programs. This article explores how these programs, along with others, function primarily as MLM scams that emphasize reselling the course rather than providing valuable marketing education. Here are some links to read other people’s experiences or take on these programs so you don’t have to take my word.
The Legacy Collective pyramid scheme?
byu/nzkiwi223 inPersonalFinanceNZ
Are the online digital marketing courses like the Roadmap and legacy builders program actually any good?
byu/flipsnapnet inDigitalMarketing
https://www.reddit.com/r/marketing/comments/17nrj9f/sooo_many_scams_that_claim_to_be_digital_marketing/
If you google them you will usually only find amazing and hard to believe reviews stuffed at the top of the results because the people marketing them know how to get their links to dominate the search results and push down any of the actual reviews that are not as sparkly. Let’s get into specific programs now.
The Legacy Builder Program
- Master Resell Rights (MRR)
- The Legacy Builder program allows participants to resell the course and retain 100% of the profits. This structure strongly incentivizes recruitment over the application of digital marketing skills. Participants are encouraged to focus on enrolling new members rather than using the techniques supposedly taught in the course.
- Exaggerated Earnings Claims
- The program often promotes testimonials of users making significant income quickly. These claims are typically extraordinary and not representative of the average user’s experience. Such promises can lure in individuals hoping for quick financial success. I keep hearing them say “$900 per day, only working TWO hours!” And it’s always people who have zero experience in digital marketing and now all of a sudden they are claiming to make six figures overnight. But as someone who has done this for well over a decade I can tell you they are making the majority of their money reselling the course. PERIOD.
- Focus on Recruitment
- The primary goal of the Legacy Builder program is to recruit new members to buy and resell the course. This creates a cycle where the main objective is enrolling more participants, rather than genuine skill development in digital marketing.
The Roadmap Program
- Master Resell Rights (MRR)
- Similar to the Legacy Builder program, the Roadmap program offers Master Resell Rights, allowing participants to resell the course for a profit. This model creates a strong incentive to recruit new members, as the primary source of income is from selling the course itself.
- High Income Claims
- The Roadmap program also promotes high income potential through reselling the course. While some users may achieve significant earnings, these results are not typical and should be viewed with skepticism.
- Community and Coaching
- The program includes access to a community and monthly coaching calls, which can be appealing. However, the ultimate goal remains reselling the course, making it more about expanding the network than developing actual digital marketing skills.
Similar Programs to Legacy Builder and Roadmap
- Digital Growth Community
- This program operates similarly, with a heavy focus on recruitment and reselling the course. High entry costs and continuous upselling are common practices.
- Online Business Builder Challenge
- Participants are encouraged to recruit others to join, with significant emphasis on the income potential from reselling the course. Genuine marketing education often takes a backseat to recruitment efforts.
- Six Figure Mentors (SFM)
- SFM also follows an MLM model, requiring substantial upfront fees and emphasizing recruitment over practical marketing skills. The focus on enrolling new members can overshadow the actual content of the course.
Red Flags of MLM-Like Digital Marketing Courses
- Emphasis on Recruitment Over Education
- Programs that prioritize signing up new members over teaching valuable skills are a significant red flag. If the primary way to earn money is by recruiting others, it’s likely an MLM scam.
- High Upfront Costs and Upselling
- Be cautious of programs that require substantial initial investments and continuously push additional, expensive courses or memberships.
- Unrealistic Income Promises
- Programs that promise quick and significant earnings with minimal effort are typically scams. Genuine digital marketing success requires time, effort, and consistent application of skills.
- Lack of Genuine Educational Value
- Many of these courses offer generic information that is readily available online for free. The true focus remains on selling the course rather than providing in-depth, actionable digital marketing education.
Protecting Yourself from Digital Marketing Scams
- Conduct Thorough Research
- Look for independent reviews and testimonials from multiple sources to verify the legitimacy of the course. Websites like ScamAdviser and forums can provide insights into the credibility of the program.
- Ask for Transparency
- Ensure the course providers are transparent about the content, the qualifications of the instructors, and the realistic outcomes. Avoid programs that are vague about what they offer.
- Evaluate the Refund Policy
- A legitimate program will offer a clear and fair refund policy. Be wary of those that do not provide refunds or have restrictive terms.
- Avoid High-Pressure Sales Tactics
- Take your time to evaluate the program without succumbing to pressure to join quickly. Genuine programs will allow you to make an informed decision.
By recognizing these red flags and conducting thorough research, you can protect yourself from falling victim to digital marketing course scams like the Legacy Builder and Roadmap programs. Remember, true success in digital marketing comes from genuine learning and the application of skills, not from recruiting others into the same scheme.
The Value of Real-Life Experience and Genuine Marketing Education
When it comes to mastering digital marketing, there is no substitute for real-life experience and comprehensive education. While programs like the Legacy Builder and Roadmap often promise quick fixes and shortcuts to success, the reality is that true expertise in digital marketing requires time, effort, and hands-on practice.
- Hands-On Experience
- Learning by Doing: The most effective way to learn digital marketing is by applying techniques in real-world scenarios. This includes running actual campaigns, analyzing real data, and adjusting strategies based on results. Practical experience helps marketers understand the nuances and complexities of different platforms and tools.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Real-life marketing challenges develop critical problem-solving skills. Marketers learn to adapt to unexpected changes, troubleshoot issues, and optimize campaigns for better performance.
- Comprehensive Education
- Foundational Knowledge: A solid foundation in marketing principles is essential. This includes understanding consumer behavior, market research, branding, and strategic planning. Accredited marketing courses and degrees provide this foundational knowledge, which is crucial for long-term success.
- Continuous Learning: Digital marketing is an ever-evolving field. Staying updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices requires ongoing education. This can be achieved through professional courses, certifications, webinars, and industry conferences.
- Time and Commitment
- Building Expertise: Mastery in digital marketing does not happen overnight. It involves continuous learning and practice. Dedicating time to understand and apply various marketing strategies, measure their effectiveness, and refine techniques is crucial.
- Realistic Expectations: Success in digital marketing requires setting realistic goals and understanding that results take time. Quick fixes and guaranteed instant success are often red flags for scams.
In conclusion, while programs like Legacy Builder and Roadmap may offer attractive shortcuts, they cannot replace the value of real-life experience and comprehensive education. Genuine success in digital marketing is built on a foundation of practical experience, continuous learning, and dedicated effort over time. Investing in legitimate education and gaining hands-on experience are the true keys to achieving lasting success in the digital marketing world.
