Looking for Freelancers? Here’s How to Attract Top Talent

Sooner or later, you'll start running out of time to handle every single aspect of your business.

It's a common problem for affiliate marketers, but it can happen to other online businesses, too.

It's common for solopreneurs to DIY just about everything at first, but you only have so much energy and time.

Plus, there may be things you need that you simply don't have the skills and knowledge to handle on your own.

You need some help, and the best way to get that help is to hire freelance contractors.

You can find all kinds of professionals who do freelance work.

There are copywriters, graphic designers, programmers, virtual assistants, bookkeepers, and more.

If it can be done remotely, you can find a freelancer for it.

In a recent blog post, Hubspot walks you through the process of hiring freelance talent.

To attract the best person for the job, though, you'll need a solid plan in place first.

Then, you need to create a great job post.

Here's how to start looking for freelancers.

With that information nailed down, write an awesome job post that appeals to the cream of the crop.

It’s important to remember that you’re competing for the best freelancers. Your job post should stand out in the crowd.

The more detail you can provide about your project (say, niche tools or specific areas of expertise), the easier it is for freelancers to submit accurate proposals.

For example, say you need a mobile developer to help you build out your mobile app idea.

Will it be native, hybrid, or cross-platform? What technology do they need to know to build the app?

Then, what next-level features might the app include that the programmer should have experience building?

Details like these will enable a potential freelancer to check off all the ways they’re a good fit for your project.

A great job post follows a certain formula:

• It reveals plenty about who you are, your business, and your objectives.
• It leaves no room for guesswork about the work, deliverables, and deadlines — but does leave room for discussion and input from the freelancer.
• It includes as much detail as possible. This might require that you do a bit of research so you have a solid idea of what you need from them.
• It indicates whether your preference for the project is fixed-price, hourly, or a longer engagement – but the freelancer may have good input here, too.
• It lays out any competencies and experience the project requires.

Post a job and let proposals come to you, or proactively seek out the freelancers who have the skills you need.

If you know where (and how) to look, reviewing freelancer profiles online can yield some excellent prospects.

Certain platforms make life easier by narrowing the search with filters for specific skills, languages, locations, and rates.

Keep an eye out for performance ratings, testimonials from past clients, and examples of prior work.

Look for other signs that they’re top talent: Upwork, the largest online freelancing platform, includes profile badges like the Top Rated badge, Rising Talent badge, and a Hubspot badge to indicate a freelancer is also a thought leader in his or her field.

Don’t stop at posted profiles.

Often, experienced freelancers will share their expertise and take the time to engage in online communities and discussions.

Searching for a developer?

See if they’ve contributed to a tech-related discussion on a site like Quora or StackOverflow.

You can find more advice for hiring freelancers for your business over at Hubspot.