Co-producing a digital course can be one of the most transformative professional experiences—when done right. It allows you to collaborate with experts, build powerful products, and create a scalable business. But it can also feel overwhelming, especially the first time. Where do you begin? What should be done first, second, or tenth? How do you manage timelines, expectations, and tasks?
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll break down exactly how to go from idea to launch in 90 days. Whether you’re a solo producer or part of a small team, this roadmap will help you stay on track and avoid common pitfalls.
We’ll divide the journey into three 30-day phases: Planning, Production, and Launch.
Phase 1: Planning (Days 1–30)
Day 1–3: Define the Vision and Roles
Start with a discovery session between you and the expert. Clarify:
- What transformation the course offers.
- Who the target audience is.
- What success looks like (sales, student outcomes, testimonials).
- Who does what: content, tech, design, support, marketing.
Document it all in a Co-Production Brief.
Day 4–7: Choose the Course Format and Platform
Decide on:
- Video or text-based modules?
- Any live components (Q&A, coaching)?
- Platform (Hotmart, Kajabi, Teachable, etc.)
- Tools you’ll need for email, landing pages, editing, analytics.
Day 8–12: Create the Course Outline
Work with the expert to create a high-level structure:
- Number of modules
- Topics per module
- Format (video, PDF, worksheet, etc.)
- Bonuses or extra materials
Keep it simple at first—avoid overloading.
Day 13–16: Research and Build the Avatar Profile
Define the ideal student in detail:
- Age, background, profession
- Pain points and goals
- Where they spend time online
- What solutions they’ve already tried
- Their language and tone
This guides both content creation and marketing messaging.
Day 17–20: Develop the Lead Magnet and Email Strategy
Plan how you’ll attract leads:
- Will it be a checklist, quiz, mini-course, free workshop?
- What problem does it solve immediately?
- Create an email sequence to warm up leads after they subscribe.
Start setting up your email platform and automations.
Day 21–30: Write Scripts and Plan Production
Start writing or reviewing lesson scripts. At this stage:
- Build a script template for consistency.
- Schedule recording days.
- Create a checklist for video/audio quality.
- Collect any materials the expert will need (slides, visuals).
You’re now ready to move into production.
Phase 2: Production (Days 31–60)
Day 31–35: Record the First Module
Get feedback early. Record the first module, edit it, and test:
- Video/audio quality
- Expert’s delivery style
- Student comprehension
Fix any issues before proceeding with the full course.
Day 36–45: Record Remaining Modules
Batch production is key here. Record:
- 1 module per day or every other day
- B-roll or visual content for transitions
- Bonus materials, intros/outros
Ensure your storage and file naming system is clean.
Day 46–50: Edit and Upload Content
Use this time to:
- Edit videos (or delegate)
- Add branding elements
- Create subtitles, if needed
- Upload content to the platform
- Test playback and user experience
Day 51–55: Build Sales Pages and Funnels
Start designing:
- Course sales page: structure, testimonials, transformation
- Checkout page: clear pricing, guarantees, FAQ
- Thank-you page: onboarding or upsell offer
- Landing page for the lead magnet
Write and design with clarity and urgency in mind.
Day 56–60: Finalize Onboarding and Support
Set up:
- Welcome email with login instructions
- Onboarding lesson
- Student support channel (email, Telegram, community)
- Refund policy, FAQ, terms
This ensures a smooth first impression.
Phase 3: Launch (Days 61–90)
Day 61–65: Start the Pre-Launch Warm-Up
Use content marketing to build interest:
- Social media posts with behind-the-scenes
- Testimonials or case studies
- Expert stories about why this course matters
- Live teaser session or free event
Send 2–3 nurturing emails before opening cart.
Day 66–75: Open Cart and Launch
This is your launch window—make it count.
- Send a launch email series (daily or every 2–3 days)
- Run a live Q&A or webinar to answer objections
- Offer limited-time bonuses or discounts
- Share behind-the-scenes with your audience
Monitor analytics in real time: clicks, sales, drop-offs.
Day 76–80: Close Cart and Celebrate
Close enrollment with energy:
- Final reminder emails
- Instagram countdown or stories
- Celebrate first enrollments publicly
- Send thank-you emails
Also, celebrate your team and expert. You did it!
Day 81–85: Start Course Delivery and Feedback
Open the course to students:
- Send first lessons or access link
- Encourage engagement in the community
- Ask for feedback and testimonials early
- Monitor engagement and offer support
Day 86–90: Analyze and Debrief
Review your launch:
- Total revenue and expenses
- Conversion rate
- Most engaged content
- Testimonials and student wins
- Tech or delivery issues
Meet with your expert for a post-launch debrief. Discuss what worked, what didn’t, and whether you’ll move into an evergreen model or prepare for a second live round.
Bonus: Tips for First-Time Co-Producers
- Simplicity wins. Don’t try to do everything on your first launch.
- Over-communicate. The expert may feel lost—guide with empathy.
- Have a backup plan. Things will go wrong. That’s normal.
- Document the journey. Behind-the-scenes content is gold for marketing.
- Don’t ghost. Stay consistent, especially in slow weeks.
Final Thought
You don’t need a massive team or a perfect funnel to launch your first co-production. You need clarity, structure, and a shared mission. This 90-day roadmap is a starting point—but the magic happens when you show up, iterate, and commit.
Every big course empire started with a first collaboration. Let this be yours.