7 Steps to Hire a Freelancer (Who Won't Disappoint)

Look for the following

• The type of freelancers available (highly specialised or general?)
• How they screen freelancers (most use a reviews-based system.)
• Types of projects you can post (complex, one-time-only, gigs).
• Entry fees and other commissions.
• Reviews from other users.

Freelancing platforms:

• Fiver: Browse freelancers (sellers) and their skills, prices, and portfolios.
• Upwork: A trusted platform that caters to a wide range of domains.
• Freelancer.com: Freelancers bid on job offers.
• Guru: Flexible and cost-effective.
• Toptal: Pre-screened freelancers.

Provide a clear and easy-to-read description of your project. Consider including the following:

• A comprehensive title.
• A short company presentation (who you are and what you do)
• The type of work. E.g. professional web developer or beginner web developer.
• Duties and tasks.
• Skills and their level needed to ensure the project will be a success.
• Length and expected availability. (also the type of payment - per hour or project)
• Budget. How much you are willing to pay.

Ask freelancers to send samples of their previous work or links to their portfolio.

You may receive a lot of applications to review.

• Trim down the list to include only the candidates that fit your expectations. Sort by reviews and overall scores or, if available, use the tool that shows compatibility.
• Once you have a shorter list, Work through every application, starting with the best reviews.
• See if they fit within your budget and make sure their skills fit your needs.

Most platforms will allow you to invite freelancers to apply. If anyone catches your eye, look for an invite feature.

Meet the top candidates via a video call or let their previous work inform you of their skills.

Consider covering the following during the interview:

• Samples of their previous work.
• How they feel about your project and if they are prepared to tackle it.
• Whether they have worked on a similar project before. (Ask for details.)
• Their current workload. How they feel about the timetable.
• Their openness to constructive feedback.
• How they deal with an unhappy client.
• Their preferred method of communication.

When you have found a suitable freelancer:

• Provide them with all the details they need to start.
• Go through the payment and schedule details.
• Start with a test period (a few weeks up to a few months) to better get to know each other.

Other communication rules:

• Do you need a non-disclosure agreement? Train the freelancer how to use the information and protect your project from unwanted eyes.
• Establish a protocol for progress reports (end of a workday or workweek.)
• Talk to them about errors and mistakes and how to notify you to stay on top of issues.

It's your task to manage the relationship and keep up to date. You can't lay back and become uninvolved.

This is your project, and the freelancer is just assisting you. Even if you found a freelancer with all the right skills, ensure to follow the progress and provide constructive feedback.