Introduction
In the fast-growing world of online education, more and more creators are asking themselves: should I build my digital course alone, or partner with someone? Both paths—solo creation and co-production—have their advantages and challenges. The best choice depends on your goals, skills, and preferences.
This article will help you compare solo course creation and co-producing digital courses side by side, so you can decide which model is best for you—and maximize your chances of success in the online education space.
1. Content Creation: Independence vs. Shared Expertise
Solo Creation:
- You have complete creative control.
- The course reflects your personal teaching style and vision.
- You manage all the research, writing, filming, and editing yourself.
Co-Production:
- You benefit from combined skills and knowledge.
- Partners can divide content creation by topic or module.
- Diverse perspectives can enrich course quality.
Verdict: If you enjoy working alone and have a broad skill set, solo may work well. But if you want to deliver more in-depth content or you’re not an expert in every area, co-production allows you to build a stronger course.
2. Workload and Time Investment
Solo Creation:
- Expect to wear all hats: teacher, editor, marketer, support agent.
- It can be overwhelming and lead to burnout if not managed well.
- You’re entirely responsible for deadlines.
Co-Production:
- Work is divided based on strengths, saving time.
- You can progress faster with two people working simultaneously.
- Shared accountability can keep you motivated.
Verdict: Co-production significantly reduces the individual workload, making it ideal if you have limited time or need accountability.
3. Revenue: 100% Ownership vs. Shared Profits
Solo Creation:
- You keep 100% of the revenue.
- You decide pricing, promotions, and monetization strategies.
- All profits go to you—but so do all costs.
Co-Production:
- Revenue is split between partners (commonly 50/50 or based on contributions).
- Profits are shared, but so are expenses and financial risks.
- You must agree on a pricing model and profit distribution.
Verdict: Solo creators earn more per sale, but co-production often leads to higher total sales due to increased marketing reach and course quality.
4. Decision-Making: Solo Authority vs. Collaborative Strategy
Solo Creation:
- Decisions are quick—you don’t need approval from anyone.
- You can pivot, update, or rebrand instantly.
Co-Production:
- Every decision requires discussion and agreement.
- Conflicts can arise if partners have different working styles or goals.
- Communication and compromise are essential.
Verdict: If you value total control, solo is the better route. If you’re comfortable with collaboration and enjoy brainstorming as a team, co-production offers fresh perspectives.
5. Marketing Reach and Audience Building
Solo Creation:
- You rely on your own network and audience.
- Building visibility may take longer.
Co-Production:
- Each partner brings their own audience and marketing channels.
- You can cross-promote and benefit from expanded reach.
- Joint campaigns often have stronger impact.
Verdict: Co-production can give your course a head start in reach and credibility, especially if your partner has an established presence in the niche.
6. Risk and Responsibility
Solo Creation:
- All the risk—financial and reputational—is on you.
- You’re solely accountable for success or failure.
Co-Production:
- Risk is shared, which can make large projects less intimidating.
- Responsibility is divided, but mutual accountability is essential.
Verdict: If you’re risk-averse or new to course creation, co-production can provide a safety net and support system.
7. Learning Curve and Skill Development
Solo Creation:
- You’ll learn every aspect of course creation, which builds skills across content, tech, and marketing.
- The learning curve can be steep and time-consuming.
Co-Production:
- You’ll learn from your partner’s strengths and workflow.
- You can stay focused on what you’re best at while still growing collaboratively.
Verdict: Co-production provides a more efficient and specialized learning experience, especially useful for first-time course creators.
8. Long-Term Business Strategy
Solo Creation:
- Easier to brand yourself as an expert in a specific field.
- More flexibility to scale and evolve your course catalog independently.
Co-Production:
- Opens doors to partnerships, recurring collaborations, and shared ventures.
- May lead to co-branded businesses or communities.
Verdict: If you’re building a personal brand, solo is ideal. If you’re focused on collaboration or want to launch a course series with multiple voices, co-production is powerful.
Conclusion
Both solo and co-produced digital courses can lead to success, but they cater to different types of creators. If you crave independence, have a wide skill set, and prefer total control, solo course creation may be your path. On the other hand, if you thrive on collaboration, want to share the workload, and value multiple perspectives, co-producing a course offers a unique opportunity for growth and impact.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your goals, personality, and vision. Whichever route you choose, remember this: great courses aren’t built alone or in pairs—they’re built with purpose.