How to Start an Instructional Design Side Business

Ready to start your journey as an instructional designer? 👉Download the Become an ID checklist: www.devlinpeck.com/become-an-...
Should you start an instructional design side business? Even if you work full time, starting a new ID business can be a smart and lucrative side gig. It could even replace your current job faster than you might think.
Freelancing can give you flexibility, control, and seriously increase your income. But finding instructional design contracts usually takes more than letting people know you’re open to work.
In this video I share the tips I used to grow my freelance business that landed me multiple six figure contracts within the first two years.
I show you how to use LinkedIn to land clients, how to set boundaries, and even whether or not you should start an LLC.
**Best AI Tools for Instructional Designers**
Synthesia: www.synthesia.io/?via=devlin
WellSaid Labs: www.wellsaidlabs.com/?via=devlin
Descript: www.descript.com/?lmref=jJTSTA
Jasper: jasper.ai/?fpr=devlin44
**Best Laptops for Instructional Designers**
Dell XPS 13: amz.run/6l1w
16-inch MacBook Pro: amz.run/6l1y
Gigabyte Aero 17: amz.run/6l26
**Best Books for Instructional Designers**
The Non-Designer’s Design Book: amzn.to/3kP0reO
Map It: amzn.to/3f137mR
eLearning and the Science of Instruction: amzn.to/3kNuBiF
Design For How People Learn: amzn.to/3CLtrNM
Michael Allen’s Guide to eLearning: amzn.to/31ZUbJB
0:00 Intro
0:26 Why Start an ID Side Gig?
3:10 Is It Possible?
4:25 How to Start
5:00 Create Your Portfolio
6:35 Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
9:36 Get the Word Out
10:39 Set Boundaries
11:40 Considerations
13:40 Starting an LLC
15:18 Next Steps

Пікірлер: 33

  • @DevlinPeckYT
    @DevlinPeckYT11 ай бұрын

    Whether you're looking to start an instructional design side business or pursue a full-time corporate role, the steps to become an ID are pretty much the same! Grab the Become an ID checklist here: www.devlinpeck.com/become-an-id-checklist

  • @user-pz2ld3bb6l

    @user-pz2ld3bb6l

    11 ай бұрын

    Show your face once without that foundation, plz...

  • @TheBlackCeliac
    @TheBlackCeliac18 күн бұрын

    I've been an ID for years, but I have not broken into the freelance field. Thank you for answering these questions.

  • @DevlinPeckYT

    @DevlinPeckYT

    17 күн бұрын

    Glad you found it useful :) Thanks for watching!

  • @dotpenji
    @dotpenji11 ай бұрын

    Your expertise in instructional design and freelancing is impressive, and your insights make starting this path more accessible. Can you share a standout freelancing success story and the lessons learned to help others beginning their side business?

  • @motivatedbeastph

    @motivatedbeastph

    10 ай бұрын

    This video is what I need!!

  • @monicasoriano8581

    @monicasoriano8581

    10 ай бұрын

    This video is a must watch!

  • @monalizapantoja8490

    @monalizapantoja8490

    10 ай бұрын

    That was very helpful! Thank you!

  • @MarkexcelSarsaba

    @MarkexcelSarsaba

    10 ай бұрын

    Your expertise is impressive, making this path more accessible.

  • @ryanvalenzuela551

    @ryanvalenzuela551

    10 ай бұрын

    Excellent Video Content!

  • @brendaarmstrong4065
    @brendaarmstrong40659 ай бұрын

    Devlin...thank you so much for so liberally sharing this expertise and realistic advisement... super duper helpful and appreciated!!!

  • @byeteaching
    @byeteaching11 ай бұрын

    wow! Thank you for addressing these mistakes head-on. It's refreshing to see someone discussing the challenges teachers face when transitioning careers. Your video provides valuable guidance and encouragement. Keep up the excellent work.

  • @DevlinPeckYT

    @DevlinPeckYT

    11 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much! And thanks for watching :D

  • @chrdol72
    @chrdol7211 ай бұрын

    Great video, thank you. I'd be interested in your thoughts on the initial cost of software and equipment as a side business

  • @shukidukie
    @shukidukie11 ай бұрын

    Hey Devlin, new to the channel, but I've found all your content so helpful for me getting into Instruction Design. I wanted to know what your advice is on newer Instructional Designers buying all the necessary applications to polish their portfolio. I currently only have a subscription for Articulate; however, I know that it would be advantageous to buy all the necessary Adobe applications as well as Figma (for example). But it is super pricey! Also, since I'm new to the channel, I'm not sure if you discuss how charging hourly works if you are freelance. Is it just an honor system on how much time you're putting in? How do you navigate those conversations with contractors? Thanks!

  • @vbrekk
    @vbrekk11 ай бұрын

    What are the best AV tools (mic, lav, etc.) to create video tutorials for virtual ID courses?

  • @kemiidowu3052
    @kemiidowu305211 ай бұрын

    Hi Devlin, have been following you. I tried to understand what instructional design is but my question is how to get started. What do I need in particular to be an instructional designer? Am here in Nigeria

  • @karlk9774
    @karlk977411 ай бұрын

    HI Devlin, I would like to start with a side bussines as ID, but I have never worked with storyline. Only with pdf, word and powerpoint. Is it possible to open yourself up to assignments? Or is it a must to have the skill for editing in Storyline? Thanks for your video!

  • @DevlinPeckYT

    @DevlinPeckYT

    11 ай бұрын

    Hi, good question! If you know Storyline (and show off those skills in a portfolio), there will be a lot more work available to you. Articulate Storyline is, by far, the one tool that corporate ID hiring managers want you to know when they're looking for help.

  • @adproproductions2038
    @adproproductions203811 ай бұрын

    Hey Devlin, I really liked this video. Question: Does Upwork seem to be the preferred freelance platform for IDs? Are there any industry specific freelance platforms that companies may go to when looking for an ID? thanks!

  • @DevlinPeckYT

    @DevlinPeckYT

    11 ай бұрын

    Hi! Thanks for watching it. I’d suggest staying away from Upwork…it can be a race to the bottom and you probably won’t land super profitable projects on there. Getting found on LinkedIn by the right person generally gives you a lot more leverage and is a better experience overall. I did a project or two on Upwork when I got started, but I switched to LinkedIn and networking after that and it was a lot better.

  • @adproproductions2038

    @adproproductions2038

    11 ай бұрын

    Great, thanks for that feedback Devlin. @@DevlinPeckYT

  • @adproproductions2038

    @adproproductions2038

    11 ай бұрын

    Another question about starting a side business: Are you ever requested to manage a companies LMS for them? Is that a service that could be helpful to offer in getting a client? Thank you@@DevlinPeckYT

  • @Mentat1231
    @Mentat123111 ай бұрын

    I took the Storyline course and loved it, and I've made a portfolio, but I'm not getting any contract/freelance offers. It's a little disheartening, but I'll keep working at it.

  • @DevlinPeckYT

    @DevlinPeckYT

    11 ай бұрын

    Great job making progress on upskilling! Finding your first freelance offer can take a bit of time, but yes, you've got the right mindset to keep at it. Sabrina just recorded a video on how she landed her first client, so feel free to check that out for inspiration! kzread.info/dash/bejne/Z4Fk0qakppvNaMo.html

  • @stephanies3862

    @stephanies3862

    5 ай бұрын

    Hello. How are things going now? Have you gotten any job prospects yet?

  • @Mentat1231

    @Mentat1231

    5 ай бұрын

    @@stephanies3862 I appreciate you reaching out and asking! Unfortunately, no. Nothing has come along. I've kind of given up at this point and am considering other possibilities. It's a shame, too, because I really loved learning about I.D., and I enjoy developing in Storyline. Oh well. Best wishes to you. Thanks again for checking in.

  • @stephanies3862

    @stephanies3862

    5 ай бұрын

    @Mentat1231 Oh wow. I am so sorry to hear that. Is it just freelancing opportunities you want, or have you tried applying to companies that are looking to hire an ID full-time or ongoing? I apologize for all the questions. I really hope you are able to find a place to start to get the experience.

  • @Mentat1231

    @Mentat1231

    5 ай бұрын

    @@stephanies3862 I'd be open to freelancing or Part-Time. I couldn't really do Full-Time.

  • @KMJ-tq3fz
    @KMJ-tq3fz5 ай бұрын

    Thought I would add that starting in 2024, the U.S. government is implementing mandated federal reporting requirements for most new and established LLCs. I learned this by happenstance so thought I would spread the word. (People can search the terms "Corporate Transparency Act" and "Beneficial Owner Reporting" for more detailed info.)

  • @DevlinPeckYT

    @DevlinPeckYT

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks for sharing this with the community!

  • @user-pz2ld3bb6l
    @user-pz2ld3bb6l11 ай бұрын

    Want to see your face without that foundation...