Video Course Guide

Part 1: Finding and Shaping Your Idea

  1. Unlock Course Ideas: 10 Ways to Find Profitable Topics
  2. Validate Your Course Idea Before You Create
  3. Turn Your Idea Into a Lesson Plan
  4. Make Sure Your Course Has a Red Thread
  5. Overcome Imposter Syndrome as a Course Creator

Part 2: Gearing Up to Create

  1. What Gear You Need to Record a Video Course
  2. Set Up a Simple Home Studio
  3. Perform Confidently on Camera
  4. Record Your Screen, Yourself, and Audio at Once
  5. Make Engaging Intros and Outros

Part 3: Creating and Editing Your Course

  1. Edit Your Course Videos Like a Pro
  2. Best Editing Software for PC and Mac
  3. Export Your Course Videos for Publishing
  4. Design Course Materials and Worksheets

Part 4: Selling and Scaling

  1. Create a Course Sales Page That Converts
  2. Price Your Course for Maximum Profit
  3. Where to Host and Sell Your Course (Teeeach!)
  4. Build an Audience for Your Course
  5. Use YouTube to Drive Traffic
  6. Build an Email List for Your Course
  7. Handle Customer Support and Feedback
  8. Keep Your Course Evergreen or Launch in Cohorts
  9. Repurpose Course Content for More Reach
  10. Bring in Guest Experts or Collaborators
  11. What to Do After You Launch Your First Course

Create your first video course

Bring in Guest Experts or Collaborators

Sometimes, the best way to make your course stand out is to bring in guest experts or collaborators. They can add new perspectives, lend credibility, and even help expand your audience. Collaborations don't just add variety — they also show your students that you're invested in giving them the best possible learning experience.

In this guide, we'll walk through how to bring in guest experts or collaborators effectively.

Why Include Guest Experts or Collaborators?

Bringing in others can:

  • Add credibility: Well-known names can boost your course's reputation.
  • Expand your reach: Guests may share the course with their own audiences.
  • Provide diverse expertise: Different perspectives enrich the learning experience.
  • Enhance engagement: Students love fresh voices and insights.

Step 1: Identify the Right Guests or Collaborators

Choose experts or collaborators who:

  • Complement your course content: Look for people who bring unique skills or experiences that align with your topic.
  • Share your values and teaching style: Consistency is key to maintaining course quality.
  • Have a relevant audience: Ideal if they can help you reach new students.
  • Are reliable and communicative: You want partners who will follow through.

Think of guest instructors, industry leaders, practitioners, or even peers with complementary expertise.

Step 2: Define Their Role

Decide how you want them to contribute:

  • Guest lessons or modules: They can record a specific topic within your course.
  • Live Q&A sessions or workshops: Adds a real-time element and student interaction.
  • Bonus materials: Templates, case studies, or mini-courses as value-adds.
  • Joint webinars: Great for promoting your course while showcasing their expertise.

Be clear about expectations, deadlines, and the format they'll provide.

Step 3: Make the Collaboration Smooth

Collaboration should be easy for both sides. To streamline the process:

  • Provide clear guidelines: Share details on format, length, deadlines, and tech requirements.
  • Offer support: Help with recording tools, provide templates, and answer questions.
  • Set up a shared workspace: Use Google Drive, Notion, or similar tools to share files and track progress.
  • Credit them properly: Mention them in course materials, landing pages, and promotional content.

This creates a positive experience and sets the stage for future collaborations.

Step 4: Promote the Collaboration

Make the most of your guest's participation:

  • Highlight their involvement in your course marketing. "Featuring [Expert's Name] on [Topic]."
  • Encourage them to share the course with their audience.
  • Use teasers and previews on social media, YouTube, and emails to build anticipation.

This can create buzz and attract students who are already fans of your collaborator.

A Real-Life Example

Marcus, a coding instructor, invited a UX design expert to contribute a bonus module on user-friendly design. Not only did the guest's expertise enrich the course, but their social media promotion brought in dozens of new students. Plus, Marcus built a lasting professional relationship that led to future joint projects.

Key Takeaways

  • Guest experts and collaborators can boost your course's value, credibility, and reach.
  • Choose partners who align with your topic and audience, and be clear about their role.
  • Make collaboration smooth with clear guidelines and good communication.
  • Promote the collaboration to maximize its impact.

What's Next?

Next up: What to Do After You Launch Your First Course

This article is part of the Ultimate Guide to Creating and Selling Online Video Courses. Explore other parts of the guide: