Finding and Employing Freelancers in 3 Easy Steps

Running a business on your own can feel like juggling a thousand moving parts. Doing this continually takes a toll no matter how committed you are to the success of your undertaking. Web Design by Rick shares how you can take advantage of some easy ways to find and hire freelancers and outsource your specialized tasks to professionals who do them for a living.

1. Locate Qualified Freelancers

It’s possible to find freelancers through a quick internet search or local job sites, but the goldmines of freelance professionals are online job marketplaces designed to connect business owners with the help they need. Websites such as Fiverr and Upwork are created to let workers show off their skills and experience so potential employers can find precisely the type of work and worker they need. Reviews reveal the experiences of past employers so you have an idea of what to expect when engaging a particular freelancer.

There are also marketplaces where you post available jobs and projects, and freelancers apply or bid for them. FlexJobs, for instance, is a large platform where employers can post listings, and potential hires submit applications.

A number of marketplaces cover specific areas of business such as creative or tech-based work. Mediabistro is a job site specifically for those in the media, while 99designs is exclusively for those in the graphic design industry. Whatever your needs, there is an online jobs marketplace where you can find professionals to satisfy them.

Keep in mind that if you’re having trouble finding a reliable freelancer, or you need something done in a very short amount of time, there are free alternatives available. For example, if you just need a quick banner for your social media accounts that promotes an upcoming event or sale, use a free banner maker to put something together using premade templates. It’s a simple and easy solution to graphic design.

2. Hire Freelancers That Fit Your Business

Hiring freelancers is similar to hiring employees under normal circumstances. Make sure they understand the particulars of the job and check their qualifications and experience. Since some online marketplaces require freelancers to take tests or provide certifications before they can apply or bid, this vetting might be off your plate, but you still need to make sure they are the right fit for your business.

Prepare questions that gauge a candidate's understanding of the industry as well as broader inquiries that show how they will fit into your particular company.

Consider these possible questions:

• What experiences have you had that are relevant to this industry and company?
• Are you available to work during these particular times even if you live in a different time zone?
• How is your freelance business organized, and how will our project work into your overall schedule?
• What means of communication do you prefer?
• How do you feel you can contribute to the success of our business?

The answers help give you an indication of how the person you are considering can work with your company and advance your mission.

3. Handle Payroll and Scheduling for Freelancers Correctly

The simplest solution to handling payroll for your independent contractors is to outsource it. Managing employee classification and hours, potential deductions and taxes are best left to trained professionals because labor law violations can result in hefty penalties for your business. There are numerous payroll services available online, some of which charge a per-employee rate that can be especially beneficial to small business owners with only a few workers.

Another important element of working with freelancers (or employees) is scheduling. Fortunately, shift scheduling software can help everyone get on the same page so your freelancers can focus on the work at hand. You can also use a calendar app to coordinate with freelancers, along with letting you stay on top of meetings and deadlines.

Don’t keep trying to juggle everything on your own. Decide which tasks you can outsource and hire the freelancers you need to help your business get the professional care and attention it deserves. With more time to focus on the parts of the business you do best, your business will thrive and so will you.

If you need a great website that showcases what your business is all about, Web Design by Rick can help you achieve that goal. Get in touch today by calling (315) 652-3820

Image by Alltechbuzz from Pixabay