Quick guide: Hiring From Freelance Websites

09 Mar Quick guide: Hiring From Freelance Websites

Last year, there were around 1.9 million freelancers in the UK alone. With so much freelance talent out there, it can be difficult to decide where to look. We’ve created a quick guide with details of several well-known freelance websites to help you start hiring.

Is Hiring Freelance Talent Right For You?

Freelancers can help fill skill gaps in a flexible way. Businesses can hire quickly, as and when they need, and for how long they need. This means that freelance talent provides a scalable option for businesses that are growing or changing.

What’s more, freelancers also span a multitude of sectors at a range of levels, so businesses can work with highly specialised or entry-level talent.

However, it’s always a good idea to consider whether freelancers are the right fit for any role. For example, is there a steep learning curve involved in the job? Do you need someone who blends seamlessly into your company culture and provides long-term work? If so, a permanent member of staff may be more equipped to help.

Choosing The Right Freelance Websites

If you do decide to hire a freelancer, there are plenty of platforms to help. The problem is, you might find yourself spoilt for choice from the overwhelming selection of freelance websites available. We’ve rounded up details of a selection of well-known sites to get you started.

It’s always a good idea to make sure you’re happy that the freelance website you choose is legitimate, secure, and works for you. Please note, these are not recommendations.

 1. Upwork

Upwork is probably one of the most well-known freelance websites. Businesses can choose to have short- or longer-term contracts, which can then be divided into milestones. This means the hirer pays periodically throughout the project as work is completed.

You can find freelancers from a wide range of sectors here, along with ratings from previous jobs they have completed. Upwork’s homepage shows what they believe their freelance website’s key selling points to be:

• Proof of quality
• No cost until you hire
• Safe and secure

 2. People Per Hour

People Per Hour says it “connects clients to expert freelancers who are available to hire by the hour or project”. Businesses can post a project or search for a freelancer directly, based on what they need (i.e. skill, location, hourly rate).

Similar to Upwork, the funds are released to the freelancer once you are happy with the work delivered.

People Per Hour’s homepage highlights the following benefits:

• Get matched with expert freelancers in minutes
• Dedicated 24/7 customer service team
• Money back guarantee and anti-fraud protection

3. Toptal

Toptal works a little differently from the two freelance websites listed above. The platform focuses on listing only the best freelancers (what they refer to as the top 3% of freelance talent). Rather than a marketplace, they describe themselves as an exclusive network.

Toptal’s homepage gives an insight into their selling points:

• Hire quickly
• The top 3%
• Leading the future of work
• A level above

 4. Fiverr

Similar to Upwork and People Per Hour, Fiverr offers freelance services from a wide range of backgrounds. You can search for the right freelancer, read reviews, and share your requirements, starting from (as the name suggests) $5.

Fiver describes its benefits as:

• The best for every budget
• Quality work done quickly
• Protected payment
• 24/7 support

 5. Linkedin, Indeed, etc.

Freelancers don’t uniquely look at freelance platforms. You might find that you have great luck advertising through a more traditional method, such as Linkedin. If you choose this route, it’s important to state that the position is freelance and give an idea of the workload involved so that only truly interested candidates apply.

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