Hiring a freelancer

As a freelance web developer myself, I typically write from that perspective,
but on occasion I need to outsource. So today I thought I'd share what I know about finding and hiring a freelancer.

Where to look for freelancers.

Well, if you are reading this you found one (Shameless resume link) but possibly I'm just not the right guy. You can alert thousands of freelancers, myself included, of your project using the same websites I do.

ScriptLance is likely my favorite freelance website, both as a developer and a buyer, but before you rush off, you should skip down to Defining your project below.

I also use RentACoder.com. RAC as it's known offers some interesting features to the buyer such as targeting developers based on the economy of their countries.

Freelancer.com , formerly Getafreelancer.com is also a good place to find qualified people.

Elance is another alternative. Featuring in depth information about a potential freelancer for your project, it may be one of the best choices for high end mission critical projects.

Defining your project

It is crucial whomever you hire has a complete understanding of what is expected. All too often I've seen project descriptions like "Some website touch ups" and it turns out the work required is much more than the buyer realizes. The reverse is also true, where the buyer has the perception that their project is very difficult and time consuming, when it isn't.

To avoid catastrophe and unnecessary expense it is crucial the job be done right the first time, so if you have difficulty explaining the project with words, use pictures (gif, jpg or png) to act as the electronic equivalent of scribbled crayon on a napkin. Starting with a screen shot of a web site, or any program you can run, you can then add notes to it. A great free program for that is called Irfanview.. but I digress.

Many of these freelance sites get what I call robo-bidders, automated bids on your project. To weed those out I suggest adding a code word to your project, like "Please include the word cucumber in your response, so I'll know you have actually read this." Any response without your codeword should be disregarded. Most likely from a robo-bidder, or at least someone that didn't read or can't follow direction.

The freelance websites mentioned above also provide help to ensure your project is successful.

Selecting a freelancer.

Ok, you have typed up a detailed description of your project, including the URL if applicable, provided an image with notes if needed. You of course want to find someone with the right skill set to complete your project, but there are other factors you should consider when choosing someone.

• Language and Location
• Security
• Payment method and Economic ramifications,

Language of course because you don't want the details of your project to be
misunderstood. For example if you are a native English speaker, it is likely best to hire another native English speaker, however often developers from non-English speaking countries can perform tasks much cheaper. Ensure the developer's language skills don't create a risk to your project.

Location can be a huge factor in communication. Be aware of what time zone they are in. Are they likely to respond to you quickly ?

While it's not always feasible for the developer to work "off site", the best way to ensure your security is to find a freelancer that has their own development area, their own web server or workstation where the work can be completed. Still, often it is necessary to provide sensitive information. Determine what passwords are needed and change them, providing the new passwords to the developer. After the project is completed, change the passwords again. Read that last sentence again. Thank you.

Payment method can also be a deciding factor. Most freelance sites like ScriptLance provide an escrow system, that shows whomever you hire that you do indeed have the funds to hire them and provides a way to protect your money. Freelancers who insist on payments which bypass this protection should not be considered.

Finally Economic ramifications. In the big picture, where your money goes does have an impact. Of course that impact increases as the dollar amounts do, but just like your moral obligation to throw your candy wrapper in the garbage can, you might consider an obligation to your own region's economy. This may mean the lowest bid, regardless of qualifications, is not the one. Keep that in mind if keeping your local economy churning is a concern to you.

By the way, if you also freelance yourself you can monitor projects posted to the sites above here > Freelance Jobs