How much you receive back depends on how much effort you put in. In order for a freelancer to shine, you must provide them with the resources they need to succeed and make you look good. Working with freelancers can be a challenge, but these five tips will help you succeed:
Tips for Working With Freelancers:
The most important information should be at the top of your page. In order for a freelancer to match your expectations, you must provide them as much information as possible. In terms of project scope, fees, payment schedule and other criteria (such as communication methods and production timelines), be as specific as possible. Begin from the top and work your way down. In the long run, this will save both parties a lot of time and energy. An off-site professional can handle every detail, no matter how tiny.
Establish a hierarchy of authority. As a former freelancer, I can attest to the importance of understanding the line of command. What is the best way for a freelancer to get in touch with the company’s primary contact? What about interactions between the freelancer and other members of your team, a different department, or your final customer? Is this to be expected? Encouraged? Forbidden? Most importantly, who gets to make the ultimate decision if there are differences of opinion about the content, format, or presentation (which, believe me, there will be). Whether or not you are the primary contact, does the freelancer need to get your approval before making any changes?
Be clear about what you’re looking for. What exactly is required of the independent contractor? What’s the best course of action for you? Do they have a role in the investigation? Are they to locate their own sources, or will you assist them with some? What do you hope to accomplish when it comes to annotating sources? Freelancers will need to know whether or not they will be receiving an outline or merely the final result when they begin working with you. Each item of the project should be submitted on a certain date, along with internal deadlines for sending modification requests to the freelancer.
Make it abundantly clear how much money you’re talking about. Freelancers charge by the page, by the hour, by the day, or by the project. As a general rule of thumb, most skilled freelancers ask for 20% to 30% ahead, 30% upon the submission of a draught, and the remaining 30% after the task is finished. But the majority of our clients pay us everything at once after the project is completed. Make sure you agree on a pricing structure and put it in writing before you start working together.
Be heard. Despite their expertise, freelancers are unable to read your mind. Tell the writer exactly what needs to be changed if you don’t like what you see in an outline or a draught. If you need to adjust a deadline, change direction, or change the scope of the project, let them know as soon as feasible. While working on a project, a smart freelancer knows that projects can be cancelled at any time, even midway through, or an inside employee may decide to take over some of the responsibilities. Maintain a healthy connection by speaking out early and openly.
