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How to find, vet, and hire the right freelance web designer for your project.

Yup. It’s that time. You’ve put all this work into building a business, you hand out your cards to potential clients, and watch them as they look for a web address that isn’t there. Or perhaps (even worse) you have a website that your mother’s-friend’s-cousin’s nephew set up several months ago that makes you cringe. It’s just gross.


A good freelancer is an ally to your business. They make your life easier, and help you reach your goals faster. They are not an expenditure, but an investment that will pay for itself many times over.

So, let’s talk about how to find them.

Step One: FINDING A GOOD FREELANCER

Ask your people.

The best way to find someone you trust is by looking to your immediate circle. Does one of your friends or close acquaintances have someone they’ve worked with for whatever it is you’re looking for? If they’ve had a good experience, they will be more than happy to tell you about it and point you towards someone they trust.

 

Ask your network.

Does a college or competitor have a website that you think is just fantastic? Ask them who they used.

 

Turn to Facebook.

If the first two steps prove fruitless, turn to the interwebs. Join 1-3 Facebook groups catering to your field, and peruse the comments. Ask some of the other members who they recommend, and check out their websites.

 

Step Two: CONNECTING

Once you’ve found a potential freelancer (or several), it’s time to do a little bit of research:

  • Check out their portfolios.
    • Do you like their past work/do you have similar taste?
    • Do they have past clients that needed something similar to you?
  • Look and/or ask about the process.
    • Experienced freelancers will be able to tell you what to expect from working with them (and when to expect it
  • Make sure they clearly outline what their services include.
  • Set up a consultation call or skype session.
    • This will help you determine if you “click” with the freelancer in question.
    • Also pay attention to how quickly and consistently they communicate/respond to you, as this will most likely be indicative of how they will behave throughout the project.

 

Step Three: The Hiring Process

The beginning of the hiring process will usually look something like this:

  • They will send over the contract, and usually some sort of “Welcome Package” that will spell out what you should expect from the process.
  • For larger projects, you should expect to have to pay some money up front (50% up front, and 50% upon completion is pretty standard).
  • Expect a follow-up meeting of some sort where they can learn about your goals and tastes in more detail.

 

Congratulations! You are building a magical and marvelous relationship with someone who genuinely wants you to succeed! Sit back, relax, and watch as your fabulous decision-making results in the growth of your business! Woo!!!!

Have some more ideas about how to find your freelancing soul-mate? I want to hear about them! Please share in the comments below!

-SP

 

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