The success of a digital course largely depends on the expertise and credibility of the instructor. As a course co-producer, your job is to find the right expert who has valuable knowledge but may not have the skills or time to create and market a course on their own. But where do you find these experts, and how do you convince them to partner with you? This guide will show you exactly how to do it.
Why Finding the Right Expert is Crucial
A great expert brings credibility, audience trust, and high-quality content to a course. However, many professionals lack the technical and marketing knowledge needed to turn their expertise into a profitable online course. That’s where you, the co-producer, come in. Your role is to handle the business, marketing, and sales while the expert focuses on delivering valuable content.
If you choose the wrong expert, you may face challenges such as lack of engagement, low-quality content, or credibility issues, which can affect course sales and completion rates.
Where to Find Experts for Course Co-Production
There are several ways to find knowledgeable professionals who would be great course instructors. Here are some of the best strategies:
1. LinkedIn: A Goldmine for Industry Experts
LinkedIn is one of the best places to find professionals with strong expertise. Follow these steps:
- Use LinkedIn Search: Type industry-specific keywords like “digital marketing expert,” “personal finance coach,” or “nutritionist.”
- Check Engagement: Look at their posts. Are they consistently sharing valuable insights? Do people engage with their content?
- Join LinkedIn Groups: Many professionals are active in niche-specific groups. Join discussions and connect with potential experts.
- Send Personalized Messages: When reaching out, mention their expertise and explain how a course could benefit them.
Example Message:
“Hi [Name], I admire your work in [Industry]. I believe your knowledge could make an incredible online course. I specialize in helping experts turn their knowledge into profitable courses while handling all the marketing and tech. Would you be open to discussing this?”
2. YouTube: Experts Already Teaching for Free
Many YouTubers are already sharing educational content but haven’t monetized it through a structured course. Look for:
- Channels with consistent educational content
- Videos with high engagement (likes, comments, shares)
- Creators who respond to comments and engage with their audience
Once you find a promising expert, reach out through:
📌 Their email (usually listed in the “About” section)
📌 Direct messages on social media
📌 Comments on their videos (engaging first before pitching)
3. Facebook Groups & Reddit Communities
Facebook and Reddit have thousands of niche-specific communities where professionals share knowledge. Search for:
- Facebook Groups: Join groups related to business, marketing, health, finance, etc. Engage with experts before pitching your idea.
- Reddit: Subreddits like r/entrepreneur, r/marketing, or r/fitness are filled with knowledgeable individuals.
Pro Tip: Instead of pitching immediately, add value first. Comment on their posts, share insights, and build rapport before suggesting a partnership.
4. Industry Conferences & Online Summits
Experts often speak at industry events, both in-person and virtual. Follow conferences in industries you’re interested in and identify speakers who align with your course idea.
Websites like Eventbrite, Meetup, and TED Talks are great places to discover experts in different fields.
How to Connect:
📌 Attend the event and engage in Q&A sessions
📌 Follow speakers on social media and interact with their content
📌 Send an email after the event complimenting their talk and proposing a collaboration
5. Podcasts: A Hub for Knowledgeable Professionals
Podcast hosts and guests are often subject-matter experts with strong credibility. Search for podcasts in your chosen niche on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
How to Approach Podcast Experts:
- Compliment their insights from a specific episode.
- Highlight how a course could expand their reach and revenue.
- Offer to handle everything so they can focus on teaching.
Example Message:
“Hi [Name], I loved your discussion on [Podcast Episode]. Your expertise in [Topic] is incredible, and I believe it could make a fantastic online course. I help experts create and launch successful courses while they focus on content. Would you be open to discussing this?”
6. Instagram & TikTok: Experts with Engaged Audiences
Short-form content creators often struggle with monetization beyond sponsorships. Many would benefit from creating a structured online course but don’t know where to start.
Look for:
- Accounts consistently sharing educational content
- Engaged followers (comments, shares, discussions)
- Creators asking their audience for feedback or topic suggestions
DM them with a personalized approach. Highlight how they can turn their expertise into a profitable course with your help.
7. Online Course Platforms (Udemy, Coursera, Teachable, Thinkific)
Many instructors on these platforms already create courses but might need better marketing, pricing strategies, and scaling.
Steps to connect with them:
- Check high-rated but low-marketed courses.
- Contact them via social media or LinkedIn.
- Offer them a way to increase revenue and reach with a better marketing approach.
How to Convince an Expert to Partner with You
Once you find a potential expert, you need to sell the idea of co-production. Most experts won’t jump in immediately unless they see clear benefits.
Here’s how to structure your pitch:
1️⃣ Highlight Their Strengths – “Your expertise is valuable, and people are looking for content like yours.”
2️⃣ Show the Opportunity – “Online courses are a great way to monetize knowledge, and I can help you build a profitable one.”
3️⃣ Remove Their Barriers – “You don’t have to worry about the tech, marketing, or sales—I handle everything.”
4️⃣ Share Success Stories – “I’ve helped others launch successful courses, and I believe we can do the same for you.”
5️⃣ Offer a Low-Risk Partnership – “There’s no upfront cost for you; we split the revenue based on performance.”
Common Objections & How to Handle Them
📌 “I don’t have time to create a course.”
➡ “I can help structure it efficiently. We can also record in a way that saves time, like repurposing existing content.”
📌 “I’m not comfortable on camera.”
➡ “There are audio-only courses or slideshow-based options.”
📌 “I’m unsure if people would buy my course.”
➡ “We can validate the demand first by running a test campaign.”
📌 “I don’t know how to price my course.”
➡ “I’ll handle market research and pricing strategy for maximum sales.”
Final Thoughts
Finding the right expert for a digital course requires research, networking, and a compelling pitch. By exploring platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook Groups, and Podcasts, and by effectively communicating the benefits of co-production, you can secure valuable partnerships that lead to successful course launches.
Are you ready to start reaching out to potential experts? Begin today, and soon, you’ll have the perfect collaborator for a high-quality, profitable course! 🚀
