It’s quickly becoming commonplace for small business owners to hire freelancers on a regular basis. As a company grows and evolves, it’s only natural that new tasks and challenges will arise. And, many times, freelancers are the perfect solution for companies looking for a little extra help. With that in mind, today we’ll explain how new businesses can effectively partner with freelancers. Here’s how to hire the right person for the job every time:
Check Out their Portfolio
Lots of freelance platforms like Upwork, for instance, post freelance listings along with customer reviews. And while sometimes those reviews can provide important insight into a freelancer’s capabilities, it’s preferable to examine their work for yourself whenever possible. Check out the design on their personal website or read something they’ve recently published. This will likely give you a better indication of their skill set than a potentially biased review.
Value Industry Experience
While untested freelancers possess the potential to do a job effectively, it’s often a better play for businesses to seek out tried-and-true professionals. Particularly if those professionals have experience in your industry. Sometimes businesses require freelancers to tackle highly specific tasks. And it’s difficult to ask someone with no prior field knowledge to write a blog about 24 well glass bottom plates, or to design a pillar page about foundation repair tips. Remember, the less on-the-job learning your freelancer has to do, the faster they’ll be able to complete the project.
Set Hard Parameters
Sometimes professionals set their freelancers up for failure by providing vague or confusing instructions. Don’t fall into this trap. Instead, make it a point to set a hard deadline for every stage of the assignment, include as many examples as possible, and be specific with every request. This won’t offend a freelancer worker; rather, freelancers value meticulous partners. Effective communication is essential for hiring a freelancer.
Ask for Recommendations
It’s unlikely that any direct rivals will refer a freelancer to you. Yet, most business owners have good relationships with entrepreneurs in other fields. One of the easiest ways to find a great freelancer is to contact one you already know can do the job. Occasionally the simplest solution really is the best one!
Know their Limitations
It’s important not to rely on freelance workers too much. Just because you’ve enjoyed a solid working relationship with a freelancer for a while, doesn’t mean they can cover what should be a full-time employees’ responsibilities. Plus, freelance work could prove cost-prohibitive after a whole and prevent you from lowering marketing expenses, for example. What’s more, freelancers usually won’t turn down a job, but when they’re overwhelmed their work will suffer. As such, it’s crucial for business owners to recognize when they need to give their freelancer a break, or even hire a new employee.