5 mistakes I made when choosing a remote freelancer – and how you can avoid making them
Growing a business is hard, so it's crucial that you get the help you need when you need it most.
When you're starting and growing a business, getting freelance help can be a crucial tool to give you an extra boost, but you obviously need to make sure you get the right kind of tools for you.
Making mistakes (and learning from them) is another important part of growing a business, but when it comes to choosing remote freelance support, there's no need to make costly mistakes. Here are some of our top tips on what to avoid when choosing a remote freelancer.
Making a choice too quickly
When you sign up on a freelance provider's website, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer number of people on offer. In recent years, freelancing has become a much more flexible and attractive way of working for many, leading to a huge increase in the number of contractors in recent times.
It can be tempting to simply click on the first few names that appear, or immediately select the only one with a five-star rating. Take your time, however, as these employees may not always be the best fit for your company. that extra bit of research can yield enormous results in the future.
It is not possible to acquire the right skills
Likewise, you want to make sure that the freelancer you choose has exactly the skills you need. Especially if your business is being helped or boosted, it is of utmost importance that you select the right employee with the right skills, as it is your job that they will ultimately be doing!
With such a broad employee base to choose from, you need to ensure that the freelancers you choose have the right talents to handle the tasks you need. Don't be afraid to be selective, as the quality of their work will ultimately reflect on you and your business. .
Falling for AI
It's also important to ensure that once you've selected the ideal freelancer, the work they deliver is actually theirs. This may sound a bit strange to say, but the growing prevalence and intelligence of AI writing tools like ChatGPT has unfortunately made it much easier for unscrupulous employees to simply let these platforms do all the heavy lifting while they take the money. .
If you're unsure, there are many AI detection services online to test your suspicions, and remember that you have the power to push back on any work you think doesn't meet your standards.
Cannot check time zones
If your freelancers are truly remote and based in different countries or overseas locations, then ensuring clear lines of communication is another crucial component to consider.
It may sound obvious, but if they're in a significantly different time zone, their working hours will be different to yours – so if you're looking for a quick turnaround on a task, it might be worth considering checking the time three times. and emphasizing the need for rapid output, to ensure you don't wait for work causing you to miss a crucial deadline.
No hidden costs or charges to discover
Finally, as with all business contracts, making sure you have the money in order is an important consideration. If you're working with a remote freelancer, especially if they're based in a country other than your own, make sure you've agreed on all currency conversions and additional costs before you get started. Failure to do so can be expensive. wrong!
If you're looking for a reliable and thorough service to help you select the right freelance support for your business, visit Fiverr Pro.