If you’re interested in building a business in the digital education world, you’ve likely come across two main models: creating your own course (solo infoproduct) or partnering with an expert (co-production). Both can be highly profitable and rewarding — but each has different advantages, challenges, and skill requirements.
In this article, we’ll break down the differences between co-production and solo course creation to help you decide which model is the right starting point for you.
What Is a Solo Info Product?
A solo info product is when you are the expert and creator of the course. You build everything — the content, the branding, the marketing, the funnel — on your own or with hired help.
Examples of Solo Info Products:
- A fitness coach creates a 6-week workout program
- A copywriter launches a course on persuasive emails
- A designer sells templates and design training
In this case, you are the brand and the face of the product.
What Is Co-Production?
Co-production is a strategic partnership where you work with a subject matter expert to build and launch a course. The expert brings the knowledge; you handle the strategy, structure, and execution.
This model is common in platforms like Hotmart, Eduzz, and even among high-ticket courses sold via webinars or email launches.
In Co-Production, You Might Handle:
- Project management
- Market research
- Funnel building and ad campaigns
- Sales pages and email sequences
- Post-launch follow-up and metrics
You are behind the scenes, helping bring the product to life and reach the market.
Key Differences Between the Two Models
Let’s break down the main differences between solo info products and co-production:
| Feature | Solo Info Product | Co-Production |
|---|---|---|
| Content creation | You are the expert | The expert creates the content |
| Marketing strategy | You build the strategy | You build the strategy |
| Visibility | You are the face of the brand | The expert is usually the face |
| Investment of time | High (you do everything) | Shared (based on roles) |
| Control | Full control | Shared control |
| Revenue | 100% (minus costs) | Shared with the expert |
| Personal branding | Necessary | Optional |
| Risk level | Higher (you own all the risk) | Shared risk |
Pros and Cons of Each Model
Solo Info Product: Pros
✅ You own the entire brand and audience
✅ You can build your authority as a thought leader
✅ 100% of the revenue is yours
✅ You make all the creative decisions
Solo Info Product: Cons
❌ You must be the expert and the face
❌ Takes more time and effort to create content
❌ Harder to build trust without proof of expertise
❌ Higher pressure and full responsibility
Co-Production: Pros
✅ You don’t need to be the expert
✅ You can focus on marketing, tech, and strategy
✅ Access to the expert’s audience
✅ Shared workload and mutual accountability
Co-Production: Cons
❌ You don’t own the course or full revenue
❌ You rely on the expert’s commitment and performance
❌ You may need to handle interpersonal or creative conflicts
❌ You have less personal branding exposure
How to Decide Which Is Right for You
Here are a few self-assessment questions that can guide your decision:
1. Do you already have expertise that people would pay to learn?
If yes, a solo course could make sense. If not, start with co-production to learn the ropes and build experience.
2. Are you comfortable being on camera and leading content?
If you enjoy teaching and being visible, solo is great. If you prefer staying behind the scenes, co-production is ideal.
3. Do you enjoy collaboration?
Co-production requires strong communication, compromise, and teamwork. If you prefer to work alone, a solo info product may be a better fit.
4. What are your strengths?
- Marketing, tech, organization: Co-production
- Teaching, communication, leadership: Solo course
Start with your strengths — you can always evolve later.
Can You Do Both?
Absolutely. In fact, many successful digital entrepreneurs start with co-production to build skills, case studies, and income — then transition into launching their own courses later.
You can also run both models simultaneously if you’re organized and have the bandwidth.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Model
🚫 Thinking solo equals more freedom (it often means more pressure)
🚫 Thinking co-production is passive (it requires strategy and action)
🚫 Choosing based on ego or pride, not alignment
🚫 Not clarifying roles and revenue splits in partnerships
🚫 Underestimating the amount of work either model requires
Choose based on what suits your current stage, goals, and preferences — not what’s trending.
Final Thoughts: There’s No Wrong Choice — Only Your Choice
There’s no “better” model between co-production and solo courses. There’s only the one that fits your goals, skills, and risk profile right now.
If you’re starting from scratch and want to build real-world experience without being the face of the brand, co-production is a powerful path.
If you have strong expertise and a desire to teach, a solo info product puts you fully in control.
Whichever you choose, focus on solving real problems, building genuine value, and launching — not just planning.
Because in the digital world, done is better than perfect, and action builds momentum.