How to find a good freelancer online

When you’re overwhelmed with work or lack the skills for a particular task but don’t have a big budget, the best solution is often to hire a freelance professional who will bring their expertise to your project. There are dedicated platforms where you can find freelancers at reasonable rates.

However, not everyone on these platforms is a skilled professional, and sometimes you might encounter incompetent individuals who just waste your time and money. Fortunately, there are ways to identify competent freelancers, and in this article, I’ll share tips to help you find the right ones.

What are freelancers, and why hire them?

A freelancer is a man or woman working as an independent contractor, a professional offering their services to different clients without being tied to a company by a traditional employment contract. Unlike employees, they have the freedom to choose their projects, set their hours, and determine their rates. This model is particularly popular in industries where flexibility and specific expertise are essential.

These sectors mainly include web development, graphic design, and content creation, but also digital marketing, SEO, social media management, programming, translation, and text editing. The services offered usually require specific expertise over limited periods, and they can be performed remotely without physical presence on-site.

The advantages of hiring a freelancer

Hiring a freelancer offers many advantages for small businesses, large organizations, and even individuals. Here are a few:

  • Flexibility and responsiveness: You can hire them for a one-time project without long-term commitment. This allows you to adjust your needs based on your budget constraints and deadlines.
  • Access to specific skills: Certain projects demand expertise you may not possess, whether technical or creative. In such cases, hiring freelancers can bridge that skill gap effectively.
  • Reduced costs: Compared to hiring a permanent employee or outsourcing to an agency, freelancers often provide a more economical solution. You only pay for the services you need, without additional costs related to salaries or infrastructure.
  • Simplicity in administration: Freelancers take care of their own administrative tasks, so all you need to do is pay for the service they provide, without worrying about managing their employment paperwork.
  • A diversity of talents: By working with several freelancers, you gain access to a wide range of talents and creative perspectives. This can enrich your projects by bringing a fresh vision to each collaboration.
Infographic: Examples of freelance services Example of services you can find on freelance platforms.

Where to find good freelancers?

The easiest way is to use a freelance platform. These are marketplaces where independent professionals offer their services to clients (businesses or individuals) seeking specific skills. They provide all the tools to post projects, assess profiles, compare rates, and ensure secure transactions. Here are the most popular platforms.

Fiverr

Fiverr is a well-known platform where freelancers offer predefined services called “gigs,” often starting at 5 dollars. It’s ideal for small, quick tasks like logo creation, content writing, or digital marketing services.

Fiverr’s system is based on fixed rates, allowing you to choose a service according to your budget. However, it’s possible to add paid options for additional services. Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for those looking to delegate tasks without administrative complications.

Upwork

UpWork is another well-known platform that covers a wide variety of fields, from web development to strategy consulting. Freelancers submit personalized proposals based on the projects you post, allowing you to compare several candidates before making a choice.

Upwork also offers a secure payment system and detailed freelancer reviews based on previous work, which helps build trust. It’s an ideal platform for more complex projects and longer-term collaborations.

Freelancer

Freelancer allows clients to post projects on which freelancers can bid. This bidding model enables you to get proposals tailored to your budget but sometimes requires sorting through many offers.

The platform also offers contests for creative projects like logo design, where several freelancers submit proposals before you make your choice. Freelancer is a flexible platform suitable for both small and large projects, although sometimes you need to sift through the offers to find the right candidate.

Toptal

Toptal is a niche platform that focuses on the top 3% of freelancers in specific fields like technology, finance, and design. Those who join Toptal go through a rigorous selection process, ensuring high-quality services.

This platform is mainly recommended for large-scale projects requiring high-level expertise. Because of the exceptional quality of talents on Toptal, the rates are often higher, but it’s an excellent option for strategic and complex projects.

PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a British platform that connects freelancers with clients worldwide. It stands out for the flexibility it offers, allowing freelancers to propose either predefined services or apply to specific projects. PeoplePerHour is well-suited for small and medium-sized businesses looking for talents in fields like web development, design, or project management.

Guru

Guru is a platform that facilitates long-term collaborations between companies and freelancers. It offers a milestone-based project and billing tracking system, allowing for smooth payments as work progresses.

Guru stands out with its detailed profiles and management tools, making the collaboration efficient and transparent. This platform is well-suited for companies looking to establish long-term relationships with freelancers.

ComeUp

ComeUp, formerly known as 5euros.com, is a French platform that offers services at low prices, often starting at 5 dollars. It’s similar to Fiverr but with a strong French-speaking presence. Freelancers offer “microservices” in various fields like writing, graphic design, or digital marketing.

It’s an ideal platform for small businesses or individual entrepreneurs with a limited budget who need simple and fast services. The platform also allows paid options to customize and enhance the basic offers.

Infographic: comparing how to find a good freelancer on Fiverr and Upwork How Do Clients Search for Freelancers? Fiverr offers a direct approach based on ready-to-purchase services, while Upwork emphasizes customization and collaboration during the selection process.

What are the criteria for choosing a good freelancer?

Of course, these will vary from project to project and even from client to client. But some personal and professional characteristics are nonetheless essential to ensure a successful collaboration.

  • Clear and effective communication: Communication is one of the keys to a successful project. A good freelancer must be able to quickly understand your needs, ask the right questions, and keep you informed of the work’s progress. Freelancers should also be prompt in responding to messages and addressing any unclear aspects to prevent misunderstandings. Clear communication fosters smooth collaboration and ensures that both parties are aligned on expectations throughout the project.
  • Meeting deadlines: A reliable freelancer should know how to manage their time and meet deadlines. Respecting deadlines is an important indicator of professionalism and discipline. If they give you a realistic deadline and stick to it, it shows they know how to organize their work effectively and understand the importance of meeting commitments.
  • Quality of work: The quality of delivered work is, of course, a priority for a good freelancer. They ensure that each project meets or exceeds your expectations. This involves delivering rigorous, polished work in line with the initial brief. Quality also reflects in the details: adhering to instructions, consistency of results, and the ability to produce professional, aesthetically pleasing, or technically reliable work.
  • Responsiveness to criticism and feedback: The ability to accept criticism constructively is an essential quality for a freelancer. A competent professional must be open to feedback and willing to make adjustments if necessary. This demonstrates a flexible attitude and a commitment to satisfying the client.

How to find the best freelancer for your project

As I explained in the introduction, it’s not always easy to choose from the multitude of freelancers registered on specialized platforms. It’s easy to be seduced by attractive profiles or enticing rates, but taking the time to analyze certain key criteria will ensure you hire a competent professional. Let’s see how to do that.

1Experience

Experience is often the first criterion to evaluate. A freelancer who has already worked on several projects similar to yours is more likely to understand your expectations and deliver quality work. Here are the elements to consider.

  • Years of experience: The more years of experience they have in their field, the better they should handle the common challenges related to your project. However, it’s important to remain cautious, as some may still lack crucial technical skills or a solid working methodology despite their years of experience.
  • Similar sectors and projects: Check if they have already worked on projects comparable to yours. For example, if you need a web developer for an online store, prioritize those who have already created e-commerce sites.
  • Previous clients: A freelancer who has worked with reputable companies or clients in industries similar to yours brings a guarantee of seriousness and reliability.

2The portfolio

The portfolio is one of the best ways to evaluate the quality of their work. It allows you to assess their practical skills and see if their style or approach aligns with your needs. Here’s what a good portfolio should let you verify:

  • Diversity of projects: A rich and diverse portfolio shows their ability to adapt to different types of projects. This also demonstrates valuable versatility, especially if your project requires multiple skills.
  • Visual and technical quality: For freelancers in creative or technical fields (design, web development, video, etc.), the portfolio should illustrate their attention to detail, creativity, and ability to meet client expectations.
  • Concrete results: In some cases, such as for marketing or writing freelancers, it’s important that the portfolio shows the results obtained (increase in traffic, conversion rate, etc.). This demonstrates that their work has a direct and measurable impact.

3Reviews and success rates

Reviews left by previous clients are valuable elements for judging the quality of a freelancer’s work. However, it’s essential to read between the lines and know how to interpret these reviews with nuance.

  • Positive and negative reviews: If their profile shows a majority of positive reviews, it inspires confidence. However, an isolated negative review shouldn’t be disqualifying, especially if it’s well justified. Try to understand the causes of negative feedback (delay, misunderstanding of needs, communication problem, etc.) and see if these issues recur in several reviews.
  • Interpreting overall ratings: Freelancers are usually rated out of 5. Prioritize those with ratings above 4.5, but keep in mind that ratings can sometimes be biased. Clients may give lower ratings for reasons unrelated to the intrinsic quality of the work (e.g., unmet deadlines).
  • Frequency of reviews: If they regularly receive recent reviews, it proves they’re still active and in demand. A profile that’s been inactive for a long time or has few recent reviews could signal a drop in activity and thus interest or motivation.
  • Project success rates: Some platforms indicate a success rate based on project completion and satisfaction. A rate above 90% is generally a good indicator of reliability.

4Other points to consider

In addition to experience, portfolio, and reviews, other criteria can play a decisive role in your choice. Here are some additional factors to consider:

  • Specific technical skills: Ensure they master the specific software tools or programming languages necessary for your project.
  • Availability and commitment: A good freelancer must be transparent about their availability and ability to meet the proposed deadlines. It’s essential to discuss deadlines together before starting the project. The agreement must be mutual, based on a clear understanding of each other’s needs and constraints.
  • Cultural and linguistic proximity: If communication is a crucial aspect of your project, it may be helpful to choose a freelancer who speaks your language fluently and shares a similar cultural understanding. This can facilitate exchanges and prevent misunderstandings.
The 8 key steps in running a freelance platform The 8 steps to using a platform like Fiverr.

How to avoid bad surprises

Working with a freelancer for the first time, especially someone you’re not familiar with, can often be a bit stressful, even when you’ve put effort into choosing the right person. Expectations are real and high, and the fear of being disappointed is quite present. And even though most specialized platforms offer tools to minimize these risks, it’s essential to stay vigilant and recognize signs that may indicate a problem.

Signs to watch out for

  • Incomplete or suspicious profile: Be wary of profiles lacking information, like a missing portfolio or vague service descriptions. A serious freelancer will take the time to craft a profile showcasing their experience and skills.

  • Proposals with very low prices: If the proposed price is well below the market average, it could be a sign of incompetence. A quality professional knows the value of their work and offers a fair rate. A price too low may hide poor service quality or dubious practices.

    But beware, it often happens that highly qualified experts decide to lower their rates when they’re just starting out on the platform. Competition can sometimes be fierce, depending on the type of service and platform, and lowering rates is a common way to attract their first clients.

  • Profile picture: Here’s a clue not to overlook. First of all, be cautious of profile pictures that supposedly represent the freelancer but clearly come from a stock image library. I understand that some people may not want to show their face, but this practice indicates a lack of transparency, which isn’t a good sign. Any serious professional would prefer to put their logo, an image illustrating their services, or a sample of their work if they’re a visual artist. The important thing is to check if the entire profile is consistent with this artistic approach.

    The most reliable profiles, in my opinion, are those who have no issue showing their face. Some even include a short video presenting their services and don’t hesitate to put themselves on screen. This kind of detail shows a certain confidence and a desire to build trust with their clients.

  • Too pushy: If they’re overly aggressive about being hired before you’ve had time to properly evaluate their profile or work, this could be a red flag. A competent professional is confident in their abilities and won’t pressure you.

  • Lack of clear communication: If the freelancer doesn’t respond coherently or clearly to your preliminary questions, or if you struggle to get precise information, it’s better to look elsewhere. Poor communication from the start is often a sign of poor collaboration to come.

    It’s incredibly frustrating when you’ve taken the time to ask a series of specific questions, only to receive a vague response like “I can do it, no problem.” There’s nothing more discouraging than feeling like your concerns or details are being overlooked.

  • Request for payment outside the platform: Some scams involve asking for direct payments outside freelance platforms. It’s important to never bypass integrated payment systems, as they provide protection against fraud.

Payment security

Most platforms, like Fiverr and Upwork, are designed to protect both clients and freelancers through secure payment systems. On these platforms, funds are generally held in escrow (a secure third-party account) once the agreement is reached and are only released after the client validates the work. This ensures that the freelancer doesn’t receive payment until the project is completed to your satisfaction.

The importance of contractual clauses

To avoid misunderstandings and protect both parties, it’s recommended to define clear clauses before starting the collaboration. If you go through a freelance platform, your messages exchanged via the internal messaging system usually suffice as proof and clarify the terms of the agreement in case of a dispute.

However, if you choose not to use a platform, a well-written contract will help you avoid bad surprises. Here are a few essential points to include in your agreements:

  • Precise project description: The freelancer must know exactly what you expect from them. Specify all tasks and deliverables to avoid any misinterpretation.
  • Deadlines: Make sure to clearly define deadlines and establish key milestones, especially for long-term projects. This allows you to monitor progress and avoid delays.
  • Revisions: Specify how many revisions are included in the contract. This avoids potential conflicts if you’re not satisfied with the first draft and want adjustments.
  • Payment and terms: Ensure the payment conditions are well detailed. Platforms like Upwork allow segmenting payments by milestones, so you only pay for completed work.
Un screen du site fiverr Fiverr is an excellent platform for finding skilled freelancers. Moreover, it provides all the necessary security features to protect both freelancers and clients.

How to write an effective job post to attract the best freelancers

Some platforms enable clients to post job descriptions for their projects, inviting interested freelancers to respond. To attract the most competent ones and avoid misunderstandings right from the start of the collaboration, it’s crucial to craft your job post carefully.

Start by clearly describing your project, explaining the objectives, the type of work required, and the expected results. Be as precise as possible to give them a clear idea of what you expect. Mention the specific skills required, the tools or software to be used, as well as any technical constraints.

Avoid misunderstandings by defining important details right away. Explain deadlines, potential milestones, and project success criteria. The more specific your request, the less likely you’ll be disappointed by misaligned expectations. Also, consider mentioning if you have preferences regarding the working method or specific communication needs.

Finally, set a realistic budget based on the level of skill you’re looking for. A rate that’s too low could attract less experienced freelancers, while an appropriate budget will attract quality professionals. Be transparent about the compensation and specify whether payment will be made in several stages or at the end of the project.

What can you do if the freelancer doesn’t meet your expectations?

It can happen that a freelancer doesn’t deliver work that meets your expectations despite your efforts to clearly define the project and communicate well. This kind of situation can be frustrating, but there are ways to manage these disappointments constructively and professionally. Here’s how to handle such a problem.

Handle disappointments with professionalism

When the delivered work doesn’t match what was agreed upon, the first step is to stay calm and engage in an open discussion. It’s important not to react impulsively but rather to analyze what didn’t go well. Identify the aspects that don’t meet your expectations and prepare constructive feedback.

Then, clearly communicate with the freelancer, explaining what needs to be improved or adjusted. Most freelancers will be open to revisions as long as these requests are based on the terms initially defined in the project. This thoughtful approach usually resolves most of these situations.

If the problem is more significant and you think they didn’t understand what you were asking for, suggest a meeting or an exchange to clarify your expectations. Communication is often key to resolving misunderstandings and preventing a minor issue from turning into a more serious disagreement.

Use platform dispute resolution tools

If despite your efforts to dialogue, the freelancer doesn’t make the necessary corrections or if the work remains unsatisfactory, most platforms offer dispute resolution tools. Here’s how you can use them:

  • Revision and refund mechanisms: Most platforms allow requesting revisions if the delivered work doesn’t meet expectations. If the revisions aren’t sufficient, you can sometimes request a partial or total refund.
  • Escalate the dispute: If the freelancer refuses to cooperate or communication becomes impossible, you can call on the platform’s mediation team. They will review the exchanges, the contract, and the delivered work to arbitrate the dispute and find a fair solution.
  • Escrow and payment protection: Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr protect payments through the escrow system, where money is held until the project is validated. In case of a dispute, this allows you to negotiate before the freelancer receives full payment.

Leave a fair review

Once the collaboration is over, whether you’re satisfied or not, it’s important to leave an honest review. This review helps future clients, but it can also help the freelancer improve.

  • Be objective: Focus on the facts and specific aspects that worked or didn’t. For example, mention if they met deadlines, if communication was smooth, or if the delivered work matched your initial expectations.
  • Avoid personal criticism: A review should remain professional. If you were disappointed, clearly explain the reasons without resorting to personal attacks. For instance, instead of labeling someone as incompetent, you could say, “the work delivered did not meet the technical criteria I had specified.”
  • Highlight positive points: Even if the collaboration wasn’t perfect, try to acknowledge positive aspects of their work or attitude, such as their responsiveness or willingness to revise the project. This will make your review more balanced and constructive.
Finding a good freelancer Freelancers are men and women who work independently, often from home or sometimes in coworking spaces. They go above and beyond to satisfy their clients, ensuring the sustainability of their business in the long term.

Conclusion

Finding a good independent professional is not always simple, but by applying the advice shared in this article, you can turn this task into a smooth and productive experience. The key to a successful collaboration lies in a careful selection process, a clear definition of expectations, and constant communication throughout the project. Communication is absolutely crucial, as it helps build trust and ensures that all parties understand their responsibilities and objectives.

Remember, the relationship with a freelancer is, above all, a partnership: by valuing their expertise and creating a clear framework for collaboration, you lay the foundation for a successful project and a rewarding professional experience for both sides.

This article could be completed or improved with your help. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any question, a relevant remark, a feedback, additional information or spotted any error.Go to comments

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