The world of online education has exploded in recent years, creating vast opportunities for creators and entrepreneurs alike. But as the industry grows, so does the complexity of launching a successful online course. From writing the script and recording videos to marketing and sales, the process can be overwhelming—especially for subject-matter experts who may not have the time or technical skills to handle everything themselves.
That’s where course co-production comes in.
This beginner-friendly guide will show you what course co-production is, why it’s a valuable opportunity, and how you can get started even if you have no prior experience in the online education space.
What Is Course Co-Production?
Course co-production is a collaborative process in which two or more people team up to create and launch an online course. Typically, one partner brings the knowledge or expertise, while the other brings marketing, tech, design, or business skills.
The goal is to split responsibilities based on strengths, so both parties can contribute effectively—and share the rewards.
It’s like co-directing a movie: one person may be the face on the screen, but the other is orchestrating everything behind the scenes to make it a success.
Who Is Course Co-Production For?
This model works for a variety of people:
- Digital marketers who want to use their skills to earn passive income
- Project managers who are great at organizing and launching ideas
- Designers or video editors who want to collaborate instead of freelance
- Writers or copywriters who can contribute to course content and promotions
- Entrepreneurs looking to build a scalable business in education
You don’t need to be an expert in a subject to co-produce a course—you just need to bring value to the process.
Why Co-Production Is a Smart Business Model
Here’s why many people are turning to co-production as a long-term digital business strategy:
1. Low Startup Costs
You don’t need a lot of capital to get started. With the right skills and the right partner, you can launch with just your laptop and a few affordable tools.
2. Shared Risk and Reward
You’re not alone. Sharing responsibility and revenue helps reduce the pressure and makes it easier to manage setbacks or surprises.
3. Recurring Revenue Potential
Once a course is live, it can continue to sell on autopilot, especially if set up as an evergreen offer. You benefit from ongoing revenue even months after the launch.
4. Builds a Scalable Portfolio
Each course you co-produce becomes a part of your portfolio and reputation. The more you do, the more leverage and credibility you gain.
5. You’re Not the Face (Unless You Want to Be)
Many entrepreneurs don’t want to be on camera or teach. Co-producing allows you to stay behind the scenes and still profit from education.
Common Roles and Responsibilities
A typical co-production partnership divides tasks between content and execution:
The Expert may handle:
- Outlining the curriculum
- Creating the core course content (videos, slides, etc.)
- Hosting live sessions or Q&A
- Being the face of the brand
The Co-Producer may handle:
- Market research and idea validation
- Branding and design
- Tech setup (course platform, automations, etc.)
- Sales funnel creation
- Email marketing
- Customer support and logistics
These roles can be flexible depending on the skills of each partner.
How to Find a Course Creator to Partner With
If you’re just starting out, finding a good partner is key. Here are a few places to look:
1. YouTube
Creators who already educate for free may be ready to monetize their audience through a course.
2. Instagram and TikTok
Look for micro-influencers or niche educators with strong engagement but no paid product yet.
3. Podcasts and Blogs
Subject-matter experts who are regularly sharing knowledge but haven’t launched a course are prime candidates.
4. Facebook Groups and Online Communities
Many creators hang out in niche communities. Build relationships first, then pitch your idea.
5. Referrals and Networking
Let people know what you’re doing. One connection could lead to multiple opportunities.
What to Look for in a Partner
- Are they passionate and consistent in their content?
- Do they already have an audience?
- Are they open to collaboration and feedback?
- Are they organized and reliable?
A bad partnership can make or break your launch—choose wisely.
How to Pitch Yourself as a Co-Producer
You don’t need to be an expert, but you do need to show that you bring value.
Here’s a simple pitch format:
“Hi [Name], I love the content you share about [topic]. I noticed you haven’t launched a course yet, and I think there’s a huge opportunity. I specialize in [your skill], and I’d love to help you turn your knowledge into a course that actually sells. Want to hop on a quick call to explore the idea?”
Be clear, confident, and respectful of their time. You’re offering to make them more money with less effort—highlight that benefit.
Choosing the Right Tools
You’ll need a basic tech stack to manage your projects. Here are some beginner-friendly tools:
Course Platforms:
- Teachable
- Thinkific
- Kajabi
- Podia
Sales Funnels:
- Systeme.io
- ClickFunnels
- Leadpages
Email Marketing:
- MailerLite
- ConvertKit
- ActiveCampaign
Design and Video:
- Canva (for graphics)
- CapCut or Descript (for editing)
- Zoom or Loom (for recording)
Project Management:
- Trello
- Notion
- Asana
Start simple and only upgrade when necessary.
Planning Your First Course
When co-producing your first course, keep it lean. You don’t need a massive 20-module curriculum. Start with a minimum viable course—a product that delivers a clear transformation in 2–4 hours of content.
Example course types:
- A beginner’s guide to a specific tool (like Canva, Excel, or Notion)
- A 30-day challenge format (great for fitness or habits)
- A skill-based course (like public speaking or resume writing)
Work with your partner to:
- Outline the transformation
- Decide on modules and lessons
- Create the recording plan
- Build the course skeleton on your chosen platform
Launching and Marketing the Course
Once your course is ready, plan your launch. This could be:
- A live webinar with an offer at the end
- A limited-time open cart sale
- A mini challenge that leads into the course
- An evergreen funnel with email sequences
As the co-producer, you’ll likely lead the launch process, including:
- Writing the sales page
- Creating promotional content
- Managing the email campaign
- Setting up payment and checkout
- Tracking analytics and adjusting if needed
Revenue Sharing and Contracts
Set clear expectations from day one.
Common revenue splits:
- 50/50 when both sides are contributing equally
- 60/40 if one partner is doing significantly more work
- Flat fee + % of revenue (especially if one side is only consulting)
Use a basic contract or agreement to define:
- Revenue split and payout frequency
- Ownership of course content and materials
- Responsibilities during and after launch
- Duration of partnership
Free tools like HelloSign or DocuSign can help you formalize it.
What Success Looks Like
Here’s what’s possible with a successful co-production:
- A $99 mini-course that brings in $5,000+ from a small audience
- A $297 flagship course that becomes a stable source of monthly income
- A $997 premium course launched through a webinar that generates $30,000+ in 30 days
With just a few solid co-productions, you can replace a full-time income or grow a scalable business in the education space.
You Don’t Need to Be an Expert—You Just Need to Be Valuable
Course co-production is one of the most overlooked business models in the digital space. While everyone talks about becoming the next influencer or launching your own product, co-producing allows you to partner with existing creators and build together—sharing the risk and reward.
You don’t need followers. You don’t need to be on camera. You don’t even need a website to begin. All you need is a skill set that helps someone else bring their course to life.
Start small. Deliver results. Build relationships. And over time, you’ll create a portfolio of digital assets that generate income, impact, and freedom.