We are a managed service for freelancers, but we also like to help our clients understand some of what is involved when managing freelance, some of which is learned through years of trial-and-error.
Freelancing is a great way to get work done without having to hire full-time employees. But managing freelancers can be tricky, especially if you've never done it before. Here are some tips on how to manage freelancers effectively:
Set clear expectations. Before you start working with a freelancer, make sure you have a clear understanding of what you need them to do. Be specific about the project's scope, deadlines, and deliverables.
Communicate regularly. Once you've started working with a freelancer, it's important to communicate regularly. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the project is on track.
Be flexible. Things don't always go according to plan, so it's important to be flexible when working with freelancers. Be prepared to make changes to the project as needed.
Pay on time. One of the best ways to keep freelancers happy is to pay them on time. Make sure you have a clear payment schedule in place and stick to it.
Get highly rated freelancers. Find freelancers with reviews and meaningful work history that is verifiable. Be careful to review their works history and the type of projects that are accustomed to doing. Understand their weaknesses and strengths, since all freelancers have both.
Things to Watch Out For
When working with freelancers, there are a few things you should watch out for:
Communication problems. As mentioned above, communication is key when working with freelancers. Make sure you have a clear way to communicate with each other and that you're both responsive to messages. Many freelancers are in other countries, where there are not only language barriers, but also different customs, ways of saying things, and idioms.
Quality control. When you're not working with someone on-site, it can be difficult to assess the quality of their work. Make sure you have a process in place for reviewing and approving work before it's finalized.
Scope creep. It's easy for projects to get out of hand when you're working with freelancers. Be clear about the scope of the project from the start and make sure you have a process in place for managing changes.
Be careful of scams. Freelance platforms are filled with people who are desperate for an opportunity to make money. Many freelancers are from third-world countries in desperate times. Finding amazing workers from every country is very possible, however finding scammers, unfortunately, is also possible. Scammers usually take the form of people who advertise that they have a set of skills that they do not or at least they do not to the extent advertised.
These are just a few of them things you can use to manage freelancers effectively and avoid the more common pitfalls.