As a business owner, you know that hiring a freelancer can be a great way to get specific work done without having to bring on another employee.
But how do you go about finding and hiring the right freelancer? And once you’ve found them, how can you be sure that you can trust them to do quality work?
In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to hire a freelancer you can trust.
The best tips on how to hire a freelancer you can trust
These tips come from real-life experience. Try them out and remember to use common sense when hiring a freelancer for critical tasks.
1. Hire freelancers from reputable platforms
When you’re looking for a freelancer, it’s important to find someone who is reliable and has a good track record. One way to do this is to look for freelancers who are listed on reputable websites.
These websites will often have a vetting process that freelancers have to go through in order to be listed, so you can be sure that they’re not scammers.
It’s also important to use good freelancing platforms because they will maintain records of transactions, keep money in escrow, arbitrate, and ensure that both the client and freelancer are treated fairly.
2. Check out their job success rate
When you find a freelancer you’re interested in working with, take a look at their success rate. This is usually listed on their profile page.
A high success rate is a good indicator that the freelancer is dependable and does quality work.
A freelancer who has Less than 80-90% job success rate may not be reliable or a good fit for important work.
Look for details about past experience to gauge a freelancer’s skills
3. Look at reviews from previous clients
In addition to checking out the freelancer’s success rate, you should also read reviews from their previous clients. These reviews will give you a better idea of what it’s like to work with a freelancer on a day-to-day basis.
You’ll learn about their communication skills, promptness, and actual skill level from real people like you.
If you’re getting multiple pitches and proposals, checking out reviews will help you narrow down on the most suitable freelancers to work with.
Reviews of previous work can help find good freelancers
4. Talk to them in real-time
When you’ve narrowed down your list of potential freelancers, the next step is to talk to them in real-time. This can be done through a phone call, video call, or chat.
This is a great way to get a feel for their personality and communication style. It will also give you an opportunity to ask them any questions you have about their work.
You’ll figure out if they’re quick to reply, give clear answers, and generally seem like someone good to work with. `
5. See if they personalize their pitch and proposal
When you’re talking to freelancers, pay attention to see if they personalize their pitch and proposal to your specific needs.
This shows that they’re willing to take the time to understand your project and tailor their services to you. You’ll also get a sense of whether they have the skills you need based on how well they respond to your requirements.
On the other hand, if they give you a generic pitch that could be applied to any project, it’s a sign that they’re not really interested in working with you. Or even that they don’t know how to fix your work issues.
6. Start with small tasks
Reduce the risk when you’re hiring a new freelancer by starting with small tasks. This will give you a chance to see how they work and if they’re a good fit for your business.
If they do a good job on the small tasks, you can then gradually give them more responsibility.
The kind of tasks you set will depend on the job you’re hiring them for. But here are some examples:
- If you’re hiring a blog post writer, ask them to create an outline or come up with blog topics.
- If you’re hiring a developer, ask them to fix a small bug or make a small change to your website.
- Ask them to download an app or create an account on an app to do specific tasks.
Similar small jobs will show you how fast they work, whether they understand instructions, and if they can deliver on time.
7. Ask them about tools they use
Professional freelancers work with good tools to meet their goals. And one way to tell if you’re dealing with a professional is to ask them about the platforms and apps they work with.
For example, if you want a freelancer for SEO work, ask them about the tools they use to track keyword rankings. If you’re looking for a virtual assistant, ask them about the project management software they use to keep track of tasks.
The answer will give you some insight into how they work and what kind of effort they put into their job.
8. Work with them over a long time
If you find a freelancer who does great work, it’s worth keeping them around for the long haul.
After all, freelancers need to know that they’re getting work on a regular basis in order to make a living.
And you need someone you can depend on when you have last-minute tasks or urgent projects.
When you work with a freelancer over a long period of time, you build trust and rapport. They know your business and what you expect from them. So they can usually do a great job without much supervision.
9. Compensate them well
Finally, remember to compensate your freelancers well for their work. This doesn’t just mean paying them on time (although that’s important, too).
It means paying them a fair wage for the quality of work they’re delivering.
If you’re happy with their work, give them a raise or a bonus to show your appreciation.
You should also give them paid time off for holidays, sick days, and vacations. And leave good reviews or testimonials on their behalf when they do a great job.
By following these tips, you can hire a freelancer you can trust.
Qualities of a great freelance worker
There are other things to look at when you hire a freelancer who can help your business grow. Don’t compromise on these qualities if you want to ensure you get good quality work:
- They communicate clearly and directly and avoid making big claims
- They’re willing to show you proof of work
- They respond fast – delays in communication happen only if they’re in another timezone
- They always meet the deadline. And if there’s a problem, they communicate that beforehand
- They ask for feedback
- They’re not afraid to ask for adequate compensation for a job well done
- They are willing to leave a paper trail via emails or messages on work platforms to create accountability
And so on. As you work with freelancers, you’ll figure out signs and information that will help you hire good workers who can help.
Back to you
Now that you know what to look for when hiring a freelancer, put these tips to work. Always remember to give as much courtesy as you expect to receive and to be fair since your reputation is also on the line.
Get started and grow your business by working with helpful remote workers from anywhere in the world.
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Syed Balkhi is an award-winning entrepreneur and online marketing expert. He is the co-founder of OptinMonster, WPBeginner, MonsterInsights, and WPForms.