If you’re a small business launching your first online training program with a learning management system (LMS), you’re probably asking: Do I need to hire an instructional designer?
Our answer: Probably not. Or at least not yet!
Here’s why.
Start Small: Instructional Designers Aren’t Always Necessary
For most small businesses using an LMS for the first time, hiring an instructional designer internally is usually unnecessary and cost-inefficient. Especially if you’re creating traditional learning and development content, such as onboarding, compliance, or software tutorials. The headcount cost for an instructional designer is mostly overhead.
Most modern LMS platforms today offer built-in AI course authoring tools, templates, and automation features. These are incredibly useful for building solid, functional training without needing to start from scratch.
And when it comes to subject matter expertise, you already have the most important resource: your people. Your managers, HR leads, or client service pros already know what learners need to know. Your job is to capture that information and structure it into digestible, goal-oriented content.
What We Recommend Instead
We suggest you assign someone, often from your HR or operations team, to become your internal training champion. They don’t need to become full-blown instructional designers, but they should learn the basics of adult learning (also known as andragogy).
Here are a few foundational concepts to explore:
- ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation)
- Spaced repetition (timing information delivery for better retention)
- Scaffolding (supporting learners as they build knowledge step-by-step)
- Chunking (breaking content into manageable pieces)
With a little learning and the right LMS features, most small businesses can launch effective training without the extra payroll burden of a full-time learning designer.
When to Consider Hiring an Instructional Designer
As your business grows, or your training needs become more complex, you may reach the point where working with a professional instructional designer starts to make sense.
Here are a few signs it might be time:
- You’re scaling a client training program that impacts revenue
- You need high engagement and retention, not just information delivery
- Your courses require branding, storytelling, or interactive visuals
- You’re seeing poor learner outcomes and don’t know how to fix them
At that stage, we recommend hiring someone with both learning design expertise and creative skills, like graphic design or multimedia development. In today’s market great content doesn’t just need to be well-structured. It needs to look and feel engaging.
Full-Time vs. Freelance: What’s Right for You?
Whether you bring in a full-time instructional designer or work with a freelancer depends mostly on who will manage the person and how consistent the training workload is.
Full-time is great if you’re developing multiple learning paths across the year, have in-house management capacity, and want to build institutional knowledge. Freelance or consulting is ideal if you need a project-based solution or want flexibility while keeping costs down.
Both options can work beautifully, as long as you’re clear on goals, timelines, and how you’ll support them.
Final Thoughts
If you’re just getting started with online training: keep it simple. Leverage your existing team and technology. Focus on structure, clarity, and consistency instead of perfection.
When you’re ready to scale, and when training becomes a bigger driver of growth or risk management, then bring in a formal instructional designer.
And if you’re not sure whether you’re there yet, that’s where EduPivot comes in. We help businesses like yours choose the right LMS, set it up right, and train your team or clients with ease. No instructional designer required (yet)!
Let EduPivot LLC Be Your Guide
Whether you’re looking for the best Learning Management System for small businesses or looking to expand your corporate training portfolio, EduPivot LLC is ready to help you make the most of your learning system. We offer:
- Personalized LMS recommendations
- LMS administration training and ongoing support
- Strategic consulting for course development
- Access to instructional designers and agency partners
Let’s turn your LMS into a true learning engine. Reach out to us today to explore next steps.
