If you’re starting out as a digital course co-producer, one of the first questions you’ll face is: “How do I get clients if I don’t have a portfolio — and how do I build a portfolio without clients?”
It’s the classic chicken-and-egg problem. But here’s the good news: in the world of digital co-production, you can create a strong, persuasive portfolio without needing to wait for your first “official” client. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to build a professional co-producer portfolio from scratch, even if you’re brand new. You’ll also get practical tips on what to include, how to structure it, and how to use it to land real partnerships.
Why You Need a Portfolio as a Co-Producer
Unlike freelancers who might offer one-off services, co-producers are strategic partners. That means people won’t just hire you — they’re choosing to collaborate with you, often over several weeks or months.
A great portfolio shows potential partners that you understand the course creation process, you’ve developed real skills (even if from personal or sample projects), you take your role seriously and act like a business, and you can make their life easier and their course more successful.
Most experts won’t ask for a diploma — but they will ask for proof that you can deliver. Your portfolio is that proof.
What Makes a Great Co-Producer Portfolio
Here’s what a strong beginner portfolio should include:
- A clear, confident introduction (Who you are and what you do)
- Sample work or case studies (Real or simulated)
- Process overview (How you work and what they can expect)
- Tools and skills (Show you’re tech-ready and strategic)
- Testimonials or endorsements (Optional, but powerful)
- Contact or booking info (Make it easy to reach you)
Craft a Powerful Introduction
This is your opening message — a short paragraph that explains who you are, what you do, what type of expert you help, and what results you aim to deliver.
Example:
Hi, I’m Alex, a digital course co-producer who helps coaches and consultants turn their knowledge into high-converting online programs. I specialize in organizing your content, building launch strategies, and managing all the tech — so you can focus on teaching while I handle the rest.
Keep it warm, confident, and free of technical jargon. You’re not just “available for work” — you’re offering a valuable partnership.
Showcase Sample Projects (Even If They’re Not Real)
Your first portfolio items don’t need to be from real clients. You can build sample projects that demonstrate your skills just as effectively.
Sample Project Ideas:
- Design a mock sales page for a fictional course
- Create a lesson plan or course structure for a pretend expert
- Build a sample email sequence for a fake launch
- Design a funnel map or workflow using Canva or Miro
- Record a Loom walkthrough explaining a launch strategy
- Create a video showing your process on Hotmart or Teachable
Label them clearly as “Sample Project” or “Concept Demo.”
Example Project Entry:
Sales Funnel Design – Sample Project for Fitness Coach Launch
- Platform: Systeme.io
- Funnel includes: Landing page, lead magnet delivery, checkout page, thank you page
- Goal: Build a clean funnel with 3%+ conversion rate based on free eBook offer
You don’t need dozens of examples. Three to five strong samples are enough to impress.
Explain Your Co-Production Process
A simple process outline builds trust and shows you work strategically.
Example:
My Co-Production Process
- Discovery & Strategy Call – We map your course idea and define the best format
- Course Structure & Planning – I help organize your modules and materials
- Platform Setup & Tech – I handle setup in Hotmart, Kajabi, or Teachable
- Marketing & Launch – I build funnels, write emails, and create launch assets
- Optimization & Scale – After launch, I help analyze results and improve
Icons or visuals can make this even more appealing.
Highlight Tools and Skills
Make it easy for experts to see what you’re comfortable with.
Tools I Use:
Notion, Trello, ClickUp, Canva, Figma, Hotmart, Teachable, Kajabi, Systeme.io, WordPress, Elementor, ConvertKit, MailerLite, ActiveCampaign, Loom, CapCut, Descript, Zapier, Make (Integromat).
Skills:
Course Structuring, Email Copywriting, Funnel Building, Basic Video Editing, Tech Automation, Project Management, Launch Strategy.
The more specific you are, the more confident the expert feels.
Include Testimonials (If You Have Any)
Even one testimonial helps.
Example:
“Alex helped me map out and organize my first online course. I was overwhelmed before, but after one call I had total clarity. Highly recommended!” — Laura M., Life Coach
If you don’t have testimonials yet, leave this section out and add them after your first project.
Add Clear Contact Options
Don’t make people guess how to reach you. Include:
- A link to book a call
- Your email
- A simple inquiry form
If you’re using Notion or Canva, embed Calendly or Google Forms for a professional touch.
Portfolio Platforms You Can Use
You don’t need a full website to start. Great free options include Canva Website, Notion, Google Sites, Carrd, or WordPress with Elementor. Keep it simple. Your goal is to prove value.
How to Use Your Portfolio to Land Partnerships
Once live, put your portfolio to work:
- Share it in outreach messages
- Add it to your email signature and bios
- Mention it in communities when relevant
- Link it in pitches to experts
It shows you’re professional and prepared.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need Clients to Prove Your Value
Your portfolio is not just a showcase — it’s a sales tool. By creating high-quality sample work, outlining your process, and presenting your skills clearly, you prove that you’re ready to collaborate and deliver results.
Don’t wait for permission. Don’t wait for “real” clients. Start today, and let your portfolio open the doors to your first co-production opportunities.