How to Pick a Good Freelancer: Tips from a Freelance Writer
- Rachel Meyer
- Jun 4
- 6 min read
Updated: Jun 9
Hiring your first freelancer is scary. You might not know what you’re looking for, what you need, or even how to find a freelancer.
I have a whole post on how to hire a freelance writer, so check that out if you’re just getting started. But now, you'll learn how to pick a freelancer who's a good fit for you.
Finding a freelancer who matches your vibe is a must, so both parties have a strong working relationship. But knowing what that looks like can be tricky, which is why I'm sharing my best tips on how to pick a good freelancer in this post.
This advice is based on my experience as a freelance writer and the lessons I’ve learned working with different clients. I've found several out the hard way, so I want to save you (and your freelancer) the grief of discovering them yourself.
Why picking the right freelancer is a must
Okay, but why is picking the right freelancer so important? Can’t you hire anyone with good reviews and decent writing skills?
Not quite, especially if you want to have a long-term relationship, and here are three reasons why you want to pick the best freelancer for you.
The right freelancer makes working together easy
Have you ever worked on a project with someone you click with? Everything flies by, the work gets done in record time, and the result is fantastic.
That's what it feels like to work with a freelancer who fits you. You both enjoy the project, the work gets done quickly, and you feel like you've found a work bestie.
The right freelancer provides better results
I can say from experience that working with a client you don’t mesh with makes it hard to provide good writing. I always do my best, but my work is lacking if I’m not enjoying the job.
You want a freelancer who’s eager to work with you and as passionate about the project as you are. You won't feel like you're constantly pushing them to finish things, and they won't feel like your work is a chore.
The right freelancer is better for long-term relationships
Sometimes, you’re just looking for a freelancer to handle a quick, one-off project. But if you’re looking for someone to work with for a month or more, you need someone who works well with you.
It's kind of like dating. You don't want a long-term relationship with someone who doesn't value you or isn't a good fit for your personality. While hiring a freelancer isn't for life, taking time to find a good fit works better in the long run.
How to pick a good-fitting freelancer
Okay, so how do you find this magic fit freelancer? What kinds of things or signs do you want to look for or avoid?
I have eight tips to help you, divided into what to look for before and after hiring. They're not foolproof, but they'll get you started.
And just remember, finding and hiring a good freelancer might take a little trial and error. Every freelancer isn't the right fit for every client, and that's okay.
Before Hiring
Experience
Examining a freelancer's past work is one of the first things you should do when considering them. Even a new freelancer should provide some writing samples for clients to review.
When looking through their portfolio, see if they've written in your niche or the type of copy you're looking for. If they haven't, ask them about it during your interview. You want to understand whether this person can handle your project.
Now, whether you want to take a chance on a new freelancer is up to you. Just because they've never worked in your niche, or even had a client before, doesn't mean they couldn't be your perfect fit.
Interest
A freelancer who's actually interested in your project is a way better choice than someone who just wants the job because it's work. But how do you measure interest? By talking to them.
Getting on a phone or video call is a great way to measure interest in real time. Of course, this is foolproof. They could fake interest or not read as interested, even if they are (I know this is a struggle for me), but it can be a great place to start.
A few other things you can look for include:
Desire to get started
Suggestions to improve your project
Researching your niche or market unprompted
Exclamation marks (or is that just me?)
Skillset
Does this freelancer have the skills you need for your project? Are they capable of handling whatever programs or software you use? If not, can they learn to use them?
Looking at skillset is especially important if you want a long-term relationship. You want a freelancer who's willing and able to grow and adapt with your business. Within reason, of course.
Communication Style
Being on the same page with your freelancer about communication is a surprisingly important factor for a strong work relationship. If they prefer email, but you only like to chat on the phone, it'll cause stress between you.
Discussing preferred communication style and frequency is a great topic to cover during your interview. You'll avoid frustration later on if you're both aware of each other's preferences from the start.
It's okay if your communication styles don't fully align. Chat with your freelancer and see if you can find something that works for both of you. For example, you could do a monthly check-in call and email the rest of the time, making both of you happy.
After Hiring
Willingness to Learn
This is something you want to watch out for before and after hiring. While interviewing the freelancer, see if they sound willing to learn. Not just how to use software, but also about your business and niche to provide the best results possible.
After hiring, continue to watch and see if they actually put in the work to learn. You want to work with someone who’s interested and knowledgeable about your business and customers.
This is especially important if you decide to go with a freelancer with less previous experience. Giving them a chance is fine, but make sure they deserve it by learning and growing.
Work Style
Most freelancers will probably outline how they work during the interview or in their proposal, so you know what to expect. That's great, but it’s hard to tell if it will actually work for you until you try it.
Do they deliver work on time and in the format you need? Do they keep you updated on their progress or ask any questions they have? Or do you prefer someone who just needs you to approve the finished product?
Working together will be difficult if your work styles don’t mesh well. You can try to compromise, but sometimes it might not work out.
Personality
Personality plays a big factor in any relationship, even a working one. You want to try to find a freelancer whose personality complements yours so you can both enjoy working together.
You can watch for this before hiring, but personality often doesn’t fully come out until you start working together. If you’re a high-energy go-getter, you’ll probably want a freelancer with a similar attitude. However, if you tend to be laid back and detail-oriented, an overly energetic freelancer can exhaust you.
Quality Work
It probably goes without saying, but your freelancer should deliver quality work by their deadlines. If they don’t, you need to find a new freelancer.
A freelancer may look good on paper. They might have excellent testimonials and a top-notch portfolio. But if the actual work they deliver is sub-par, then they’re not worth paying.
When you start working together, it may take some trial and error for them to find the right writing tone and style for your project. That’s normal and nothing to worry about. But if they ignore your requests or edits and turn in work you don’t like, then it’s time to part ways.
I picked the wrong freelancer! Now what?
So, you finished the trial period (you did have a trial period, right?) and realized this isn’t the person for you. You don't like their work ethic, or maybe they just don't vibe with you.
First, don’t panic. This happens sometimes. For all you know, the freelancer might feel the same way.
Second, check your contract. See the policy for ending work together, then follow that procedure. Most of the time, you’ll just have to let the freelancer know with 2-4 weeks' notice that you’re ending the contract. You don’t have to provide a reason unless you want to.
Then, go back to your shortlist of freelancers and reach out to any other prospects you were considering. Believe me, they’ll be ecstatic you contacted them again. And who knows, one of them may be your perfect freelancer.
Hiring a good freelancer may take a bit of trial and error. But when you find the person who's the perfect fit for your business, then you’ll have a wonderful working relationship.
Are you currently looking for a freelancer to help with your emails or blog posts? I’d love to chat and see if I’m your perfect fit! Click the button below to learn more and get started today.
Comments