Course co-production is a powerful business model that allows experts and marketers to collaborate and create profitable online courses. However, many co-producers make mistakes that can lead to poor sales, low student engagement, or even business failure.
If you want to succeed in this field, you need to be aware of these common mistakes and learn how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Choosing the Wrong Expert to Partner With
One of the biggest mistakes in course co-production is selecting an expert without proper evaluation. Many people assume that just because someone is knowledgeable, they will be a good course instructor.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Look for experts who already engage with an audience (YouTubers, bloggers, or speakers).
- Choose someone who is comfortable on camera and can teach in a clear and structured way.
- Check their reputation and credibility in their field.
A great expert doesn’t just have knowledge—they also need to be able to communicate and teach effectively.
Mistake #2: Failing to Validate the Course Idea
Many course co-producers assume that a course idea is good just because they like it. However, without market validation, you risk launching a course that nobody wants to buy.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Use Google Trends and keyword research tools to check demand.
- Analyze competitor courses on Udemy, Teachable, and Thinkific.
- Run a survey or pre-sale campaign to measure interest before producing the full course.
Always ensure that your course idea has real market demand before investing time and money.
Mistake #3: Poor Course Structure and Organization
A disorganized course can lead to frustrated students and negative reviews. Some common structural mistakes include:
- Overloading students with too much information at once.
- Creating lessons that lack a logical sequence.
- Using low-quality video and audio, making it hard to follow.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Follow a step-by-step structure, moving from beginner to advanced topics.
- Keep video lessons between 5 to 15 minutes for better engagement.
- Use high-quality audio and visuals to enhance the learning experience.
A well-structured course improves student satisfaction and completion rates, leading to better testimonials and more sales.
Mistake #4: Not Investing in a Strong Sales and Marketing Strategy
Many course co-producers believe that “if you build it, they will come”, but launching a course without marketing is a recipe for failure.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Build an email list before launching the course.
- Use Facebook and Google Ads to reach a larger audience.
- Create high-converting sales pages with testimonials and compelling copy.
- Leverage affiliate marketing and influencer partnerships to boost sales.
A well-executed marketing strategy is essential for turning a great course into a profitable business.
Mistake #5: Pricing the Course Incorrectly
Pricing too low can make your course seem low-quality, while pricing too high without justification can drive away potential buyers.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Research competitor pricing and find a balance.
- Offer tiered pricing options (basic, premium, VIP).
- Provide bonuses and exclusive content to justify higher prices.
- Test different price points and adjust based on sales performance.
A well-priced course increases perceived value and maximizes revenue.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Student Engagement and Support
Many course creators launch their course and disappear, leaving students without guidance. This leads to low completion rates and negative feedback.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Create a private community (Facebook group, Slack, Discord) for students.
- Host live Q&A sessions to answer student questions.
- Send follow-up emails to keep students engaged.
Students who feel supported are more likely to complete the course, leave positive reviews, and recommend it to others.
Mistake #7: Not Optimizing for Long-Term Success
Some course co-producers treat their course as a one-time launch instead of an ongoing business. They don’t update content, improve marketing, or offer additional value.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
- Regularly update the course content to keep it relevant.
- Introduce new bonuses and modules to increase value.
- Offer upsells such as coaching sessions or advanced courses.
- Track student feedback and improve the course based on their suggestions.
By thinking long-term, you can turn your course into a scalable and sustainable business.
Final Thoughts
Course co-production is a highly profitable but complex business. By avoiding these common mistakes—choosing the wrong expert, skipping validation, poor structure, weak marketing, incorrect pricing, low engagement, and lack of long-term vision—you can increase your chances of success.
Take action today: apply these best practices, optimize your course production, and build a thriving online education business! 🚀
