The digital education market is growing rapidly, and new opportunities arise every day. One of the most promising and accessible roles in this ecosystem is that of the digital course co-producer.
But what does this role really involve, and how can someone without experience enter this world and build a solid career?
In this article, we’ll explore the concept of co-production in digital education, the main responsibilities of a co-producer, and a clear step-by-step guide to help you start from zero.
Understanding Co-Production in Digital Courses
Co-production in the context of digital education refers to a partnership between a subject matter expert (who creates the content) and a co-producer (who handles the strategy, marketing, and business aspects of the course).
In most cases, the expert is someone with deep knowledge of a specific topic but little to no experience with launching digital products. That’s where the co-producer steps in — bringing structure, marketing, and business strategy to the table.
Common Roles of a Co-Producer
- Structuring the online course
- Planning and executing the marketing strategy
- Creating or supervising sales pages and landing pages
- Managing the launch calendar
- Coordinating the production and publication process
- Handling student support (depending on the agreement)
- Setting up payment and access platforms
Why Become a Co-Producer?
If you enjoy project management, have interest in marketing or communication, and are motivated by the idea of scaling educational products, co-production might be the perfect path.
Benefits of Working as a Co-Producer
- No need to be the expert: You don’t need to be the face of the course.
- Scalable income: If the course sells, you earn a percentage.
- Flexible work: You can work remotely and manage your own schedule.
- Recurring opportunities: One successful launch often leads to long-term partnerships.
What Skills Do You Need?
You don’t need a degree to become a co-producer, but developing a certain skill set will increase your chances of success significantly.
Core Skills to Focus On
- Digital Marketing: Understanding how to attract and convert leads online.
- Project Management: Keeping all parts of the course on track and on time.
- Communication: Working well with the expert and other stakeholders.
- Sales Funnels: Knowing how to guide potential students from awareness to purchase.
- Copywriting and Content Strategy: Writing persuasive content and emails.
Step-by-Step: How to Start from Scratch
Let’s break down your journey into actionable steps:
Step 1 – Learn the Basics of the Market
Start consuming content about digital products, online courses, and launches. Some good starting points include:
- Podcasts on digital marketing and course creation
- YouTube channels from course creators
- Free and paid online courses on platforms like Hotmart, Udemy, or Domestika
Step 2 – Choose a Niche or Area of Interest
While you don’t need to be an expert in the topic your partner will teach, having affinity or interest in the subject helps you understand the audience better and build a more authentic strategy.
Step 3 – Practice with Personal or Simulated Projects
Try to simulate a product launch: create a mock course, write a sales page, set up a landing page, or even manage a small campaign to promote something online. This will help you build confidence and learn essential tools.
Step 4 – Build a Simple Portfolio
As a beginner, it helps to show that you understand the process. Create a personal website or a LinkedIn profile where you describe:
- What co-production is (many people still don’t know)
- What services you offer
- Case studies or simulations you’ve done
- Your vision and mission as a co-producer
Step 5 – Start Networking
Reach out to experts who are active online but haven’t launched a course yet. Look on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, or even local events. When approaching someone, focus on how you can help them — not just on what you want.
Step 6 – Make Your First Co-Production Proposal
Once you’ve found someone who may benefit from your help, prepare a simple but clear proposal:
- Who you are and what you do
- What you believe the expert could offer as a course
- Your role in the process
- A revenue-sharing model
- A suggested timeline
Keep it honest, professional, and based on research.
Step 7 – Launch and Learn
Your first co-production might not be perfect — and that’s okay. The most important thing is to launch and gather feedback. Every launch teaches you something, and with time, you’ll refine your process, tools, and style.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many beginners give up too soon or fall into avoidable traps. Here are a few mistakes you should be aware of:
- Not having clear agreements with the expert (get everything in writing)
- Overpromising results before testing anything
- Failing to understand the target audience
- Trying to control everything instead of collaborating
- Focusing only on the technical side and forgetting about the human side
How to Stay Motivated and Grow
- Join communities of co-producers and marketers
- Invest in continuous learning (online courses, events, books)
- Celebrate small wins and keep your long-term vision in mind
- Focus on delivering real value, not just profit
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need to Be an Expert to Start
One of the biggest misconceptions about working in the digital education world is that you need to be a guru or appear on camera. Co-production gives you the chance to leverage someone else’s expertise while contributing your own organizational and marketing talents.
Starting from scratch is completely possible if you’re willing to learn, test, and take action.
The digital education market is still expanding, and there’s plenty of room for new co-producers who are ethical, committed, and creative. Take the first step — and make your mark in the knowledge economy.