Finding the right freelancer is critical to the success of your project. In 2016, there were 15 million freelancers in the US alone, accounting for 10% of the total workforce. That number is expected to rise sharply by 2021. To help you better tap into this pool of creative talent, here are five steps to finding the most suitable freelancer for a project:

  1. Know Exactly What Position You Are Looking For
  2. Research the Market
  3. Review Their Credentials
  4. Build a Long-Term Relationship with Your Freelancers
  5. Try New Freelancers As You See Fit

1. Know Exactly What Position You Are Looking For

It's not easy to find qualified freelancers if you are not sure what you are looking for in the first place. To save yourself time and money, make sure you craft a detailed description of what you need to complete. Having clear expectations will determine the kind of talent you need to seek and help the freelancers know if they are fit for the job. 

2. Research the Market

Once you've got what you are looking for, start researching the market for possible hires. Upwork, Freelancer, Guru, and Fiverr are just some of the most popular freelance marketplaces. Besides searching on those sites, consider asking friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations.

3. Review Their Credentials

Working with someone you hardly know anything about poses a certain level of uncertainty and risk. That's why it's important to carefully check their portfolio and credentials to make sure they are up to the job. Sometimes, it's better to start with a trial assignment to gauge the freelancer's capacity before offering them a long-term contract.

4. Build a Long-Term Relationship with Your Freelancers

Good freelancers are hard to come by. That's why once you have found one, don't let them go. After they complete the job, stay in touch with them, so once you have a similar project in the future, you can count on them instead of renewing the entire hiring process again.

5. Try New Freelancers As You See Fit

No matter how talented your copywriter is, he may never be able to design websites. Depending on your project needs, you need to find the best freelancers who can successfully handle the job. Don't hesitate to reach out to new talent that is a better match to your job description. 

With the above tips, you can easily navigate the outsourcing market and find the right talent for your project. If you have never managed freelancers before, there are some guidelines to stick to to make sure both parties are satisfied with the work:

  • Ensure clear and timely communication.
  • Make your project expectations clear and easy to understand.
  • Show freelancers how much you appreciate them by treating them with respect, hiring them again in the future, or leaving positive reviews on their profiles.