Co-producing digital courses can be an incredibly rewarding venture—especially when you team up with the right expert. As a co-producer, your job is to handle the business side of things: marketing, platform setup, sales funnels, and strategy. But without a knowledgeable and charismatic expert to provide the actual content, there’s no product to sell.
So how do you find the right expert? Someone who is not only qualified in their field but also open to collaboration and aligned with your business goals? In this article, we’ll walk through a proven process to find, evaluate, and partner with the ideal experts for digital course co-production.
Why Finding the Right Expert Matters
An expert isn’t just someone with a certificate or a few years of experience. The ideal partner for a course co-production must bring more than just knowledge to the table. They need:
- Authority and credibility in their niche
- A unique perspective or method to teach
- Willingness to appear on camera or use their voice
- Reliability and professionalism
- A passion for helping others learn
Your expert is the face of the course, and your success will depend on how well they connect with the audience and deliver transformational content.
Step 1: Define Your Ideal Expert Profile
Before you start searching, get clear on what kind of expert you’re looking for:
- Niche: Health? Finance? Digital skills? Parenting?
- Experience level: Are you targeting beginners, intermediates, or advanced learners?
- Teaching style: Structured? Conversational? Visual?
- Language and region: Are you targeting a global or local audience?
Having a clear profile will help you filter candidates and make better outreach decisions.
Step 2: Look in the Right Places
Here are the best places to find potential course experts:
1. LinkedIn
Use keyword searches like:
- “Fitness coach”
- “Personal finance expert”
- “Career consultant”
Filter by activity and location. Reach out via direct message with a clear proposal (we’ll cover that shortly).
2. YouTube
Creators who already teach and explain concepts well on YouTube are ideal candidates. Look for:
- Good engagement and clear teaching style
- Low to mid-tier channels (less likely to already be saturated with sponsorships)
- Channels where the creator answers comments and engages with viewers
3. Instagram & TikTok
Micro-influencers who offer educational content often seek new ways to monetize. Search hashtags like:
- #nutritioncoach
- #digitalmarketingtips
- #musicteacher
DM them with a personalized message and co-production opportunity.
4. Facebook Groups
Look for groups where experts gather to share ideas or promote their services. Join and observe before reaching out. Some examples:
- Online course creation communities
- Coaches and consultants forums
- Freelancers in specific industries
Be sure to follow group rules before pitching.
5. Freelance Platforms
Use platforms like:
- Upwork
- Fiverr
- Workana
Post a job or directly message freelancers who offer coaching or consulting services.
6. Webinars and Virtual Events
Attend free and paid online events where experts are invited to speak. These individuals are already positioning themselves as authorities and may be open to collaboration.
Step 3: Evaluate the Expert’s Potential
Don’t rush into a partnership. Vet potential experts by looking for:
1. Credibility
- Certifications or professional background
- Testimonials or online reviews
- Publications or case studies
2. Teaching Ability
- Watch them explain something on video
- Ask for a 10-minute demo or sample recording
- Check clarity, tone, and engagement
3. Communication Skills
- Do they respond to messages promptly?
- Are they open to collaboration and feedback?
- Are they proactive or passive?
4. Motivation and Availability
- Do they have the time to co-create a course?
- Are they excited by the topic and audience?
If they’re only interested in “quick money,” that’s a red flag. Look for passion and professionalism.
Step 4: Craft a Compelling Proposal
When reaching out, avoid vague or generic messages. Instead, offer a clear, win-win opportunity:
Message Structure:
- Intro – Briefly introduce yourself and your background.
- Praise – Mention something specific about their work you admire.
- Proposal – Outline the co-production idea (course topic, platform, revenue split).
- Benefits – Explain what’s in it for them (visibility, passive income, growth).
- Call to action – Invite them for a short call or Zoom meeting to explore further.
Sample Message:
Hi [Name],
I’ve been following your content on [Platform] and really appreciate how clearly you explain [Topic].
I’m a digital marketer and course co-producer, and I’d love to explore a collaboration where I handle all the tech and marketing while you bring your expertise. We could co-create a course on [Topic] and share the profits.
Would you be open to a quick call to discuss? I think this could be a great opportunity for both of us.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Step 5: Start Small and Test the Waters
Once a potential partner agrees, start with a mini project to test compatibility. For example:
- Create a short video lesson
- Build a free lead magnet or webinar
- Launch a low-ticket course (e.g., $27–$49)
This allows both of you to evaluate the collaboration before investing months into a full-scale course.
Step 6: Set Expectations and Sign an Agreement
If the trial project goes well, move forward with a clear agreement covering:
- Revenue split (e.g., 50/50 or 60/40 depending on input)
- Responsibilities (who does what and when)
- Rights (who owns the content, use of image/voice)
- Communication plan
- Timeline and delivery milestones
Use tools like PandaDoc or simply draft a PDF and sign it digitally to keep things professional.
Step 7: Maintain a Healthy Partnership
Once the course is live, the relationship doesn’t end. Continue to:
- Communicate openly about sales, feedback, and improvements
- Share marketing insights and ideas
- Plan future versions or related courses together
Trust and transparency will help both partners thrive long term.
Final Thoughts: Great Experts Are Out There — You Just Need a Strategy
Finding the right expert for your digital course co-production isn’t about luck. It’s about strategy, preparation, and persistence. When you take the time to research, reach out with intention, and propose clear value, you’ll attract partners who can help you build profitable and impactful educational products.
Remember: your success as a co-producer is directly tied to the quality of your expert. So choose wisely, build strong relationships, and focus on delivering value together.