Tip of the Week: Hiring Freelancers - The Process

Hire a freelancer using the same evaluation process as you would an employee - with the exception being that you're not actually hiring someone you'll pay benefits. A freelancer is an independent contractor. You pay for the professional's services and don't have to worry about overhead costs. With telephone, fax machines and the Internet, the freelancer you choose doesn't even have to be in the same city or state as you are.

To hire a freelancer, take a look at their clips and see if their work is along the lines of your own goals. Freelancers just starting out in the business may have inexpensive rates whereas someone with many years of experience may offer higher rates. Just because someone doesn't have a lot of experience in the field doesn't mean you shouldn't work with them.

Examine the freelancer's policies on rewrites (for copywriters) or redesigns (for graphic designers), rates and their turnaround time. If you feel comfortable with the freelancer and want to hire him or her for the project, the freelancer will probably have a contract for you two to sign indicating the cost of the project and when to expect the final version. If not, feel free to draft a copy of what you two have discussed and both of you sign. This just ensures everyone is on the same page and knows what to expect for the project.