Are you making these costly mistakes when hiring freelancers?
In today’s dynamic business landscape, freelancers have become an integral part of the workforce. A recent survey revealed that 70% of U.S. small businesses have hired a freelancer, and 81% plan to do so again in the future. This shift offers flexibility and access to specialized skills.
However, integrating freelancers effectively requires more than just filling a position. A survey conducted by Talker Research found that 38% of small business owners experienced setbacks due to unreliable vendors. This highlights the importance of establishing strong partnerships and clear communication when working with freelancers.
In this blog, we’ll deep dive into common mistakes businesses make when hiring freelancers.
Mistakes Businesses Make When Hiring Freelancers
#1 Skipping background checks when hiring freelancers
The foremost step you should not miss when hiring freelancers is a background check. A background check is more than reading the freelancers’ profile on a marketplace.
Checking their identity, social media platforms and criminal records are some of the vital screenings you will need to do. It all can ensure you that the freelancers are legit and will not be a liability when working for your business.
Another way to check your candidates is by contacting their past clients. This way, you can verify that the freelancers have not had any issues in their previous works.
You can also use tools like LinkedIn for social media verification or services like Checkr for criminal background checks.
#2 Disregarding the hiring formalities
These days, it can be hard to know whom you can trust. Trusting your gut feeling when hiring freelancers is not a bad thing.
Yet, it can be detrimental for your business if you only rely on trust. There must be a clear level of trust. That is why we always recommend having clear contracts and agreements when doing business.
Yes, even when hiring a freelancer, a contract must be mutually signed by you and the freelancer with the following details:
- Terms and conditions
- Project scope and deadline
- Pricing and payment terms
- Changes and revisions
- Copyright
- Non-disclosure
- Termination or cancellation terms
Such formalities can protect you and your business, avoid risks, and resolve issues. Moreover, they are beneficial in cases when you want to end the contract or when the freelancers steal clients or leak your data.
#3 Lacking communication with freelancers
Don’t neglect your freelancers after giving them the initial brief. Keeping a good communication line can prove that your freelancers are on track with the project. And any miscommunication can lead to bad project outcomes or no outcome at all.
Send thorough and concise briefs, clarify the end goal, and give feedback on their progress reports. These not only help the freelancers tackle their challenges and be on the same page as you are.
But, good communication can also help the freelancers provide you with a job well done. Thus, building a better bond with them for your future projects.
#4 Expecting too much when hiring freelancers
As their job title, freelancers are free to work for anyone else while working for you. And in most cases, freelancers have many clients and they leave you after completing a project.
It is a mistake to expect the hired freelancers to exclusively work for your project. That is unless you have stated so in a binding contract.
Moreover, the total cost of hiring freelancers can be less expensive than hiring employees. Hence, expecting them to have the same dedication for your business and commitment after a finished project is a mistake.
#5 Not paying your freelancers on time
If you have a history of missing payments to freelancers, odds are, they will refuse to work for you again.
The worst-case scenario of missing payments is getting sued for it. Besides paying for their service, you will also need to pay for late interests, attorney fees, and settlement fees. But, it is not only about the money.
Conclusion
Hiring freelancers can be a game-changer for businesses looking to scale quickly, reduce overhead, and access diverse talent across the globe. However, overlooking key steps—such as clearly defined expectations, proper vetting, or communication protocols—can lead to costly mistakes and missed opportunities.
By learning from common pitfalls and implementing thoughtful hiring practices, businesses can build long-term, productive relationships with freelancers that drive results.
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FAQ
1. What are the most common mistakes businesses make when hiring freelancers?
Common mistakes include unclear project briefs, lack of proper vetting, poor communication, skipping contracts, and focusing only on cost rather than value or expertise.
2. How can I ensure I’m hiring the right freelancer for my project?
Start by defining clear goals and deliverables. Check their portfolio, ask for references or reviews, and conduct a short paid test if needed. Communication style and reliability are just as important as skills.
3. Why is it important to use a contract when hiring freelancers?
A contract outlines expectations, timelines, payment terms, and ownership of work. It protects both parties and helps avoid misunderstandings or disputes during or after the project.
4. Should I prioritize cost or experience when hiring a freelancer?
While budget matters, focusing only on cost can lead to low-quality work. It’s better to balance cost with the freelancer’s expertise, reliability, and ability to deliver on time.
5. Can you help me find qualified freelancers for my business needs?
Absolutely! We specialize in connecting businesses with skilled, pre-vetted freelancers across multiple domains. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and get started.
