Freelancers can be a huge help to a growing business. They can be a cheaper and more convenient alternative to hiring a permanent employee and can get you through temporary busy periods.
But how do you know who to pick? How can you tell that this freelancer is going to add value and be reliable? Below are some tips to help you decide whether the freelancers you’ve found will be good hires that add to your business.
Check their portfolio
This should be the first thing you look for, examples of their work. You need to know what their skills are like and whether they are a good fit for what you company needs. An absent portfolio shows that the freelancer is probably new to this which may something to be wary of.
How easy are they to contact?
So you like what you see on their website but what next? You throw them an email and they take a week to get back to you.
This is a bad sign that they’re either too busy or are not taking freelancing seriously. It’s a window into how your future communication will go. Poor communication will make a project stagnate and leave you stressed.
What are their specialities?
While a generalised approach to freelancing may work for those with multiple skills, it’s a better move to pick someone who specialises in the kind of work you need them to do. Knowing that they do this stuff all the time can only be a good thing and ensures you’re getting top quality from someone who knows exactly what they’re doing.
Ask about paperwork
If you can drop words like contract into the conversation and not be met with silence from the freelancer, this is a good sign. A professional will want a contract because it protects both of your interests.
Do they have a good track record?
Hiring someone online comes with plenty of worry and risk so reassurance is very important. Testimonials from previous clients on a freelancer’s website is reassuring and shows that they have a good track record.
If a freelancer can give you case studies, showing you how they’ve worked in the past as well as testimonials, this is even better. You’ll no doubt be in safe hands if this is the case.
Have you ever hired a freelancer? What do you most want to see on a freelancer’s website? Let us know your thoughts.
