Launching a co-produced digital course is just the beginning—the real impact comes when students stay engaged, complete the course, and apply what they’ve learned. A polished, thoughtful onboarding process sets the tone for the entire journey.
When two creators work together, a shared onboarding experience builds trust and unity, showing students why your collaboration matters. In this article, we explore how to design an onboarding sequence that accelerates results, balances both instructor voices, and boosts course retention.
1. Begin With a Welcoming Joint Introduction
First impressions matter. On Day 1, welcome students with a co‑presented video or message that:
- Introduces both instructors by name and role
- Explains why you co-created the course
- Shares your combined vision and motivation
- Previews what students will gain
Use authentic and friendly tone—set the expectation that they’re in a supportive partnership.
2. Send a Personalized Welcome Email Sequence
Welcome emails reinforce onboarding:
Email 1 (Day 0):
A joint “We’re thrilled you’re here” message with quick steps to access the course, download resources, and join the community.
Email 2 (Day 2–3):
Highlight each instructor’s module overview and teaching style.
Email 3 (Day 5):
Common “start tracking your progress” reminder, with motivational quotes from both you and your co-producer.
Email 4 (Day 7):
Invite them to a co-hosted welcome webinar or live Q&A.
Each email reflects both voices and reinforces partnership continuity.
3. Host a Live Welcome Webinar or Orientation
Around Day 7, host a live session:
- Introduce yourselves and share your co-teaching process
- Provide course roadmap and expectations
- Offer quick wins (e.g., a mini exercise)
- Set up office hours or regular live catch-ups
- Collect feedback questions or doubts
Live sessions humanize the experience and build community trust.
4. Provide a Co-Branded Onboarding Checklist
Create a designed onboarding PDF or interactive checklist, including:
- Account setup steps
- Course navigation walkthrough
- Initial module objectives
- Integration welcoming sentences from both partners
- Bonus resources and contact information
Seeing both names and visuals side by side introduces learners to your joint teaching style.
5. Use Starter Assignments to Build Momentum
Encourage immediate engagement:
- Short tasks or reflections in Module 1
- Ask students to post introductions in the community
- Ask “Who has used both styles before?” to spark interaction
Early engagement fosters belonging and accountability.
6. Encourage Peer Interaction from Day One
Use your community as a co-teaching opportunity:
- Prompt learners to respond to both instructors’ introduction
- Set icebreaker threads (“Tell us what led you here”)
- Encourage students to ask both partners questions
- Create prompts with both voices—“What surprised you most?”
Peer interaction strengthens classroom cohesion and embeds both voices into the experience.
7. Share Co-Produced Success Stories Early
Within the first 1–2 weeks:
- Highlight an early student’s progress or feedback
- Feature two testimonial styles: one on process (text/podcast), one with visuals (screenshots/video)
- Show both voices in success quotes (“Thanks to Jane’s and Carlos’s modules…”)
Immediate social proof builds motivation and trust.
8. Integrate Mini Co-Learning Events
Once onboarding is underway, schedule small live or asynchronous sessions:
- “Mini-module” discussion led by one instructor
- “Ask me anything” from the other—pre-recorded or live
- Add dual-instructor follow-up summary
- Encourage reflections through both styles
This reinforces balanced visibility and varied content formats early.
9. Provide Early Feedback Opportunities
Within the first fortnight:
- Offer coaching slots or form-based feedback
- Allow video/audio submissions to either instructor
- Create teacher-specific “office hours” blocks
- Ask for feedback on onboarding experience from both perspectives
Early interaction retains learners and builds connection.
10. Clarify Co-Producer Roles Clearly
Help students recognize each instructor’s domain:
- Use an “Instructor Map”: e.g., “Smith leads Module 2 on strategy; Patel handles the implementation toolkit”
- Add bios near content: “Written and led by…”
- In emails, tag teachers with their social handles or frameworks
- Use predictable module calls-to-action like “Download lesson assets from Jane”
Clarity prevents confusion and builds trust in both voices.
11. Create Milestone Badges Reflecting Co-Production
Encourage progress with badges or certificates:
- “Onboarded” badge with a badge design co-created
- 25% complete badge featuring both visual elements
- All-access certificate with both signatures or seals of accomplishment
Recognition builds momentum and highlights your collaborative presence.
12. Remind Learners of Your United Support Team
Throughout onboarding:
- Mention “weekly co-hosted calls”
- Use joint email signatures
- Remind that discussion posts may be answered by either instructor
- Reinforce that the partnership is ongoing, not just a launch gimmick
Repetition builds familiarity and comfort.
13. Host a Welcome Reception Event
Within the first two weeks:
- Hold a group Zoom social or “coffee chat”
- Option for breakout rooms led by instructor duos
- Offer free feedback to early milestone achievers
- Make it casual—students see you as a supportive team
Social engagement cements retention and loyalty.
14. Track Engagement Analytics During Onboarding
Analyze early course data:
- Week 1 login rates
- Module completion by instructor
- Community participation per weekly thread
- Attendance of live events
Co-review with your co-producer and adjust: lack of one instructor’s modules? Add supportive action.
15. Use Micro-Surveys to Improve Onboarding
After initial events:
- Ask students: “Was onboarding clear? What else do you need?”
- Separate questions about instructor A and B’s content clarity
- Insert quick polls inside course modules or emails
Use feedback quickly—publish “Here’s what we’re adding” to show responsiveness.
16. Provide Additional Resources During Onboarding
Offer bonus guides or deep-dives:
- Templates or frameworks related to your opening modules
- Live Q&A recording early in the timeline
- Collaborative co-produced behind-the-scenes mini-doc
Extra value strengthens perceived investment.
17. Introduce Accountability Partners or Small Groups
Connect learners early:
- Ask them to pair up and introduce each other
- Provide a dual-formatted introduction prompt
- Facilitate first assignments with co-instructor-led guidance
Peer support improves completion and encourages both leaders to remain active.
18. Highlight Co-Producer Consistency in Support
Show that your collaboration is active:
- Tag each other in replies (“As Sarah mentioned earlier…”)
- Use co-anchor visuals in forum posts
- Share joint tips in Q&A threads
- Demonstrate team dynamics publicly
Consistency builds trust and presence.
19. Encourage Early Reflection on Co-Learning Experience
Create reflection prompts:
- “What have you learned from both instructors?”
- “Which teaching style resonates most?”
- “How has working with multiple voices influenced your learning?”
Ask student summaries—in writing or video—and share top responses.
20. Celebrate Onboarding Completion Together
At end of onboarding phase:
- Send joint congratulations email
- Publish celebratory social post with student milestones
- Offer co-hosted “next steps” live to kick off Module Three
- Provide co-branded certificate/badge of completion
Celebrate success and reinforce unity as students move deeper.
Conclusion
Effective onboarding is the gateway to retention—and in a co-produced course, it must reflect the combined power of both instructors. By designing a unified introduction, balanced visibility, early engagement, and joint support, you strengthen student connection and boost completion rates.
An outstanding onboarding experience cements dual credibility, builds community, and primes learners for success. When done right, it transforms student journey from “welcome” into “I’m in the right hands.”