If your business is expanding, you may need to start looking for more hands for future projects. Freelancers are the perfect mix of cost-effectiveness with a valuable skill-set; you just need to know where to find the right contract employees for your company.

7 Tips for Hiring Freelancers

For the startups that need a flexible yet stable workforce, consider these 7 tips to make the hiring process smoother.

Tip 1: Always Use a Contract

Contracts are necessary because they outline expectations for both parties, protect both parties in case of a dispute, and keep both liable should one break the terms of the contract.

When hiring a freelancer, you should always set out the terms of your agreement plainly using a freelance contract template. Just fill out what you require of your new hire and send it over to your new employee for consideration and a signature.

Tip 2: Set Your Budget

Before searching for a new freelancer to join your team, you need to double-check that the price point you’re setting for your new hire doesn’t go over budget.

Ensure that you’ve allocated enough funds to pay them fairly because going back on your agreement will make you look unprofessional.

Research the average rates for the work you want the freelancer to do, what you can expect to pay based on region, and how the experience will determine a high pay rate.

Tip 3: Create a Comprehensive Job Description

Without a comprehensive job description, you may attract freelancers that aren’t qualified for the type of position you want to fill. On top of that, quality workers may pass up your project if they’re unsure how they can help you.

Always include the duties you expect the freelancers to perform, required skills, hours per week, pay, and your company’s description on all job postings.

Be as thorough as you can to ensure the right people are interested. 

Tip 4: Search Hiring Website

While waiting for offers to pour in from your job posting, take the time to view the multitude of platforms that specifically target freelancers.

Start looking at the following job boards:

• PeoplePerHour
• Upwork
• ProductionHUB
• Fiverr
• Problogger
• Freelancer.com
• Free Up

Some websites target specific freelancing professions and don’t work like traditional job boards. For example, ProductionHUB targets the film industry, while Problogger is used exclusively for writers.

Be sure to read the job posting rules before taking the time to view future prospects.

Tip 5: Ask for a Portfolio, Website, or Samples

Hiring a freelancer isn’t the same as hiring for a traditional job because sometimes references and testimonials won’t give you the information you need to determine their expertise.

A tech niche writer may not work for your dog website, so you need to always ask for samples of their work before deciding on your new hire.

Take a front-to-back look at all of their best work and the samples they made specifically for you to make a more informed decision.

Tip 6: Keep a Constant Stream of Communication

Your new freelance employee requires a constant stream of communication with their clients so that they stay up-to-date with your guidelines, rules, and brand message.

Without forming a proper relationship, it’s almost impossible for them to deliver what you want. If you want to keep communication ongoing, use apps like Slack, Discord, and Twist to keep them in the know.

The quicker you become familiar with each other, the faster your freelancer can produce content.

Tip 7: Start Slow During the Trial Period

When in the process of establishing a relationship with your new freelancer, try not to overwhelm them at the beginning. Freelancers who have too much work to do may quickly become stressed and deliver low-quality content that isn’t a reflection of their work.

While you’re both still testing the waters and understanding each other’s process, create an environment that encourages making mistakes and learning to get the best content out of your new hire.

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