The demand for online courses is growing rapidly, making e-learning one of the most lucrative digital markets today. However, not everyone who wants to enter this industry has the knowledge or expertise to create a course from scratch. That’s where course co-production comes in.
By partnering with experts in specific fields, you can leverage their knowledge while handling the business, marketing, and technical aspects of the course. But how do you find the right experts to collaborate with? In this guide, we’ll explore the best strategies to identify, approach, and build successful partnerships with subject matter experts for profitable digital courses.
Why Work with an Expert?
Collaborating with an expert has several advantages that can make your course stand out in a competitive market.
Higher Credibility and Authority
Courses taught by recognized experts are more likely to attract students. People trust professionals who have proven experience in their field.
Better Course Quality
A knowledgeable expert ensures that the course content is accurate, valuable, and well-structured. This improves student satisfaction and increases the likelihood of positive reviews.
Stronger Marketing Appeal
An expert with an established reputation can bring their existing audience, making it easier to promote and sell the course.
More Business Opportunities
Successful co-productions can lead to long-term partnerships, expanding your reach in the e-learning industry.
Now that we understand the benefits, let’s explore how to find the right experts.
Where to Find Experts for Course Co-Production
1. LinkedIn: The Professional Networking Hub
LinkedIn is one of the best platforms for finding industry experts. You can search for professionals based on skills, job titles, or industries.
How to Use LinkedIn to Find Experts:
- Use Advanced Search: Look for keywords like “consultant,” “coach,” or “trainer” in your desired niche.
- Join Industry Groups: Many professionals share insights and seek collaboration opportunities in LinkedIn groups.
- Engage with Their Content: Comment on their posts, share their insights, and start meaningful conversations before pitching your idea.
2. Online Communities and Forums
Many experts participate in online communities related to their field. These forums are great places to identify potential course creators.
Best Places to Look:
- Reddit – Subreddits like r/Entrepreneur, r/Marketing, or niche-specific groups.
- Facebook Groups – Many industry professionals share tips and seek collaboration opportunities.
- Quora – Experts answer questions related to their expertise, which can help you identify potential course creators.
3. Networking Events and Webinars
Experts frequently attend and speak at industry events. Participating in these events helps you connect with professionals who are passionate about teaching.
How to Leverage Events for Partnerships:
- Attend Webinars & Workshops: Engage with speakers and ask thoughtful questions.
- Speak at Events: If you have expertise in digital marketing or course creation, position yourself as a knowledgeable partner.
- Use Event Networking Platforms: Conferences often have apps that allow attendees to connect and chat.
4. Course Marketplaces (Udemy, Teachable, Kajabi)
Many course creators struggle with marketing and selling their courses, making them excellent candidates for co-production.
How to Find Experts on These Platforms:
- Search for Top-Rated Instructors: Look at courses with good reviews but low visibility outside the platform.
- Check for Instructors with Limited Course Offerings: Some experts create one or two courses but don’t expand due to lack of time or marketing knowledge.
- Reach Out with a Proposal: Send a message highlighting how you can help scale their course sales.
5. YouTube and Podcasts
Content creators who teach on YouTube or podcasts often have deep expertise but may not have monetized their knowledge through online courses.
How to Approach YouTube and Podcast Experts:
- Find Niche Educators: Look for creators with valuable content in your target subject.
- Engage with Their Content: Comment on their videos, join their live streams, and build rapport.
- Present a Business Case: Show them how turning their content into an online course can generate passive income.
6. Business Coaches and Consultants
Many business coaches and consultants have specialized knowledge that can be turned into a course. They often seek ways to scale their expertise without spending extra hours coaching.
How to Find Coaches and Consultants:
- Check Coaching Directories: Websites like Coach.me and Noomii list professionals by industry.
- Follow Thought Leaders on Social Media: Many coaches share insights on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Attend Masterminds or Coaching Groups: Many coaches participate in paid communities where they discuss business growth.
How to Approach Experts for Course Co-Production
Finding an expert is just the first step. You also need to convince them to collaborate with you. Here’s how to do it effectively:
1. Build a Relationship First
Instead of sending a cold pitch, take the time to engage with their content and establish rapport. Show genuine interest in their work.
2. Highlight the Benefits for Them
Experts are busy professionals, so your pitch should clearly outline why co-producing a course benefits them. Focus on:
- Generating passive income.
- Expanding their reach.
- Allowing them to focus on teaching while you handle business and marketing.
3. Show Your Expertise
Demonstrate that you have the skills and knowledge to manage course production, marketing, and sales. If you have case studies or past success stories, share them.
4. Offer a Fair Revenue Split
Clearly define how revenue will be shared. A typical co-production agreement may involve:
- 50/50 split if both parties contribute equally.
- 60/40 or 70/30 if one party does most of the work.
Ensure that the terms are fair and transparent.
5. Provide a Simple Collaboration Plan
Outline how the course will be created, marketed, and sold. Experts will be more likely to say yes if they see a clear roadmap.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right expert is a key step in creating a profitable online course. By leveraging platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, and course marketplaces, you can identify potential partners who have valuable knowledge but need help with course production and marketing.
Approaching them the right way—by building a relationship, showcasing your value, and offering a fair deal—can lead to successful partnerships that generate long-term revenue.
Now that you know how to find and collaborate with experts, are you ready to start building your first co-produced course?