Breaking into the world of instructional design contracting can feel overwhelming at first. Whether you’re transitioning from a full-time role or just starting your L&D career, knowing where to begin is half the battle. This guide walks you through the essential steps to land your first contract with confidence and clarity. You’ll learn how to position yourself, build credibility, and find real opportunities that align with your strengths and goals.
Step 1: Define What You’re Offering
Before you apply for anything, get clear on what you bring to the table. Are you a wiz with Articulate Storyline? Do you specialize in instructor-led training or microlearning? Defining your niche helps clients understand how you can meet their needs.
You don’t need to do everything. Focus on what you do well and what you enjoy. That might include eLearning development, blended learning, onboarding design, or needs analysis. You’ll come across as more confident and competent when you’re clear about your strengths. It also helps the right clients find you faster.
Take time to document your process. How do you go from initial intake to final deliverable? Understanding and being able to explain your workflow is a big confidence booster when you talk with potential clients.
Step 2: Build or Refresh Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is your calling card. If you don’t have one yet, don’t worry. You can include work from full-time jobs, side projects, or even fictional samples you create to showcase your process.
Make sure your portfolio includes:
- Course samples or walkthroughs.
- Storyboards and design documents.
- Brief case studies describing the challenge, your approach, and the outcome.
A clean, easy-to-navigate format goes a long way. Even a simple PDF portfolio can work when you’re starting out. Just make sure it’s professional and clearly highlights what you did on each project. (Note: certain sites are blocked by larger corporate firewalls such as DropBox or other sharing sites)
Consider adding a short video introduction or project walkthrough to bring your work to life. Clients love seeing how you think.
Important Note: Always honor your NDA!
Step 3: Set Up Your Business Basics
You don’t need to setup a business website, but you should treat this like a business.
- Decide on your structure: sole proprietor or LLC?
- Set up a professional LinkedIn profile.
- Decide on what tools you will use to manage your projects and time.
- Have a standard invoice and basic contract ready to go.
Clients expect you to operate professionally. Even if you’re brand new to freelancing, having your systems in place gives them confidence. It also helps you stay organized and stress-free.
Don’t forget about your resume and LinkedIn. Tailor them for contract work, highlight outcomes, tools used, and industries supported. Use client-friendly language and focus on the value you delivered.
Step 4: Price Your Services Thoughtfully
Pricing can feel tricky, especially early on. Resist the urge to undercharge. Clients often associate low rates with inexperience, and undervaluing yourself can lead to burnout.
Consider factors like:
- Your experience level.
- Project complexity.
- Whether the work is onsite or remote.
- Industry and client size.
Also, think about how much time the project will take, including meetings, revisions, and administrative tasks. Don’t just calculate based on course development hours.
For a deeper look at what influences instructional design consultant rates, read this article on breaking down the cost.
You might choose to charge hourly or by project. Either way, be transparent about your pricing and what’s included. Confidence in your rates comes from understanding your value.
Step 5: Network Like It’s Your Job (Because It Is)
Most contract opportunities come from relationships, not job boards. Start by reaching out to your L&D network and letting them know you’re available.
Are you looking to connect with people who actually hire contractors? Start with the TrainingPros team:
- Engage with our Relationship Managers, former L&D practitioners who match skilled consultants to open projects.
- Join our TrainingPros LinkedIn Group to stay in the loop and contribute to discussions.
- Attend industry webinars and networking events.
Don’t be shy about sharing your journey on LinkedIn. Post about your portfolio, share industry insights, and comment on posts from others in your network. The more visible you are, the more you’ll be top-of-mind when someone has a project.
Remember: every coffee chat or direct message can lead to a referral, and many consultants get their best contracts from a conversation, not an application.
Step 6: Get on the Roster with a Trusted L&D Staffing Partner
Freelance marketplaces like Upwork may seem tempting, but they come with downsides: competing with international consultants charging low rates, clients focused on budget over quality, and difficulty standing out if you’re new.
Instead, apply to a company like TrainingPros that specializes in matching high-quality L&D consultants with clients. Here’s what makes the difference:
- Once your resume is a match, you’ll meet with our Talent Ambassador, who helps refine your presentation and gives feedback on your portfolio.
- You’ll also connect with a Relationship Manager who understands your skills and works with you to find the right opportunity.
- We don’t just add you to a list, we invest in getting you placed on the right project.
Getting on the roster means you’ll be considered for work that aligns with your background and interests. Plus, you’re working with people who understand instructional design, not just staffing.
Step 7: Nail Your First Discovery Call or Interview
This is your chance to shine. Be ready to:
- Share your process and talk through your samples.
- Ask good questions about the client’s goals, audience, and expectations.
- Show that you’re not just taking orders, you’re a strategic partner.
If you are interviewing with a TrainingPros client, we’ve got your back. Our team will help you prepare, clarify expectations, and ensure you walk into that meeting with confidence.
Practice describing your role in past projects. Be concise and results focused. Clients love hearing how you made previous clients’ lives easier or helped a team learn something critical.
Download Your Copy of 10 Interview Questions to Ask an Instructional Design Consultant
Step 8: Deliver and Delight
Once you land that first contract, treat it like the beginning of a long-term relationship:
- Communicate clearly and consistently.
- Meet (or beat) deadlines.
- Show flexibility and professionalism.
Keep your client updated along the way. If something goes off-track, flag it early and offer solutions. Being a good communicator is just as important as being a great designer.
Don’t forget to ask for feedback and testimonials. A short quote from a happy client goes a long way in building credibility for future contracts.
Download Your Copy of 5 Tips for a Knockout Consultant Resume
Conclusion
You don’t need years of freelance experience to get started as an instructional design contractor. You just need one “yes.” Follow these steps, stay visible, and bring your best work. As you build momentum, you’ll find more projects that align with your strengths and goals.
And if you’re looking for a partner who can help you break in with the right kind of support, TrainingPros is here to help you start strong and keep growing.
Download Your Copy of Getting Started as a Contract Instructional Designer: An 8 Step Guide to Launching Your Freelance Career
Ready to Work with Us?
Does your L&D team have more projects than people? TrainingPros has been named a Top 20 Staffing Company internationally by Training Industry, and recognized as a Smartchoice® Preferred Provider by Brandon Hall Group for 2025. We’re also proud to be named a Champion of Learning by the Association for Talent Development (ATD)—an international honor that reflects our dedication to excellence in corporate learning. These accolades underscore TrainingPros’ unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, tailored training solutions.
If your projects need instructional design consultants, eLearning developers, or other L&D consultants for your custom content projects, reach out to one of our industry-expert relationship managers today.
When you have more projects than people™, let TrainingPros find the right consultant to start your project with confidence. Schedule a consultation today.
