After hiring my first full time outsourcer a few weeks ago I have learned a few really important tips on the subject that I would like to share with you now. Hopefully this will help you find a better outsourcer, and avoid some potentially costly mistakes.
I use Getafreelancer when I need something outsourced, because I like their escrow payment method. It’s a great way to protect yourself from scam artists. It gives you the opportunity to fully review a product before paying for it. This is a much better feeling then handing over your money and hoping something gets done.
Before you place your ad, make sure you know exactly what you want done, and have a ball park figure of what it will cost to get it done. If you’re not sure you can take a look around getafreelancer’s posted jobs and get an idea. Make sure you include everything you need done, and your expectations of the winning bidder.
Once you start receiving bids, take the time to do a little research on each one of the prospects. Read their feedback, see what they’re bidding on, and most importantly get a chance to talk with them on Skype to get a feel for them, their Engrish skrills, and just some general info. Depending on your project, some details will be more important than others. Once you’ve decided on a freelancer, award him or her the job and give them any final project details.
If your project is going to take several weeks to complete it’s not a bad idea to get daily updates on the process of the work. I’ve learned this the hard way with outsourcers who say they’re going to be done in the next few days, only to write them an email a few days after their own deadline to find out that they haven’t even started on the project. But don’t worry they’ll always get it done later. Until later of course when it still isn’t completed.
If you have a large project and want it done fast, consider giving a bonus if it’s completed in time. This will give more incentive for the freelancer to work on your project and not another.
Once your project is complete take the time to review it in full, and request any necessary changes. Then release your escrow payment to the freelancer. Juggling freelancers can be a bit of work in it’s own. But the amount of time you save for the amount of money spent is fantastic. If you have never worked with any freelancers or outsourcers before I highly recommend it.
