Top Tips for Working with eLearning Agencies

We recently hosted a Round Table Talk on working with eLearning agencies with special guests Kortney Ross , Catherine Beall, M. Ed. , Kimberly Scott , Starla Wehrli, M.Ed. Instructional Designer and Allie York .

If you missed it, don’t worry! We’ve rounded up the panel's top tips to help freelancers (both new and aspiring) navigate the world of eLearning agencies!

• Network, network, network. Be in the spaces where opportunities happen. Slack communities, LinkedIn, and Facebook groups are great places to start. Check them often and stay engaged so you don’t miss out.

• Get on contractor pools. Many agencies have a list of freelancers they pull from. Apply as soon as you can and as often as you can. Make sure your application highlights what sets you apart.

• Make yourself seen. Shift your mindset from employee to business owner. No more waiting for things to happen—you have to be the one making moves. You ARE the action.

• Tap into fellow IDs. Connect with instructional designers who have more work than they can handle. Many are happy to refer trusted freelancers when they’re overloaded.

• Engage in communities. Don’t just lurk or pop in to ask for work. Contribute to discussions, offer insights, and support others. The more visible and helpful you are, the more opportunities will come your way.

• Get a Calendly link. Make scheduling effortless for potential clients and collaborators. The easier it is to book time with you, the more likely it is to happen.

• Think long-term. Becoming an agency’s go-to freelancer doesn’t happen overnight. You’re playing chess, not checkers, so be patient and strategic.

• Say yes to every interview. Even if the role isn’t the right fit, interviews are a great way to learn about what agencies are looking for and refine how you present yourself.

• Book coffee chats. These casual conversations can pay off in unexpected ways, sometimes months down the line. Always leave a positive impression—you never know when a connection will pop up in your inbox looking for help!

• Follow up. Send a quick email or message after meetings and interviews. Put reminders in your calendar to check in periodically. A well-timed follow-up can lead to new opportunities.

• Adopt a hiring mindset. Put yourself in the shoes of the people making hiring decisions. What would make you want to hire someone? Approach every interaction with this perspective.

• Find ways to add value. You don’t need five years of experience to be valuable. Maybe you’ve mastered a new tool or bring fresh ideas. Focus on what you can offer right now.

• The first gig is the hardest. But once you land it, the snowball effect kicks in. Be patient, be persistent, and don’t get discouraged.

• DM fast when you see an opportunity. When someone posts a freelance opportunity in a group, act quickly: Send a friendly message. Share your portfolio and resume. Drop your Calendly link. Reply to the group post and say, "I DM’d you! Would love to learn more!"

• Keep upskilling. Online courses and certifications can help you stay competitive. Udemy often has great sales, and LinkedIn Learning is free through many public libraries.

• Start small if needed. If you’re struggling to get your first agency contract, try platforms like Upwork to gain experience managing small projects.

• Be adaptable. Freelance projects can be unpredictable. The more flexible you are and the better you can anticipate needs, the more agencies will want to work with you.

• Apply even if you don’t check every box. If you meet most of the qualifications, go for it. You can always learn on the job!

• Negotiate your rates. Know your worth, but also be able to justify it. Have a pricing strategy, be willing to walk away when necessary, and adapt your rates based on the project, industry, and client.

• Stay flexible. There’s no single rate that works for every project. Be open to adjusting your pricing based on the client, the industry, scope, timelines, and the value you bring.

Freelancing with agencies takes time, strategy, and persistence, but it’s absolutely doable.

Take these tips, put yourself out there, and keep building those connections. You never know where the next opportunity will come from!

Want to catch the full recording of our Round Table Talk? Join our Slack Community for access to this and future exclusive events—click here to join!