Hiring someone online should be simple, right? You post a gig, get a bunch of responses, and pick someone who seems like they know what they’re doing.
But then you realize half the applicants didn’t read your post, a few have sketchy portfolios, and the one you hired ghosted you mid-project. Sound familiar?
The truth is, there’s a ton of great talent on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. You just need to know how to find them, filter out the fluff, and set things up for success.
Here’s how to do exactly that.
Step 1: Be Crystal Clear About What You Need
Most hiring mistakes start with a vague job post. If you aren’t specific, you’ll end up answering a million questions later or worse, getting the wrong kind of applicants.
Write out exactly what you’re looking for:
- What’s the actual goal?
- What does the deliverable look like?
- What experience or tools should the freelancer have?
- What’s the timeline?
Instead of “Need help with ads,” try something like “Looking for someone to manage Facebook campaigns for a Shopify store focused on health products. Must have experience with $10k monthly budgets and strong creative testing chops.”
This kind of detail attracts the pros and scares off the amateurs.
Step 2: Use the Filters
Sites like Upwork let you filter by experience, success rate, hours billed, and more. Use those tools.
Look for:
- 90% job success rate or higher
- A track record of similar projects
- Strong reviews that go beyond “Great work”
- Fluent English (unless you speak another language comfortably)
And don’t forget to check for repeat clients. That’s usually a good sign that someone is reliable.
Step 3: Don’t Just Hire the Cheapest Option
We’ve all been tempted by the $5 offer with 100 five-star reviews. But going with the lowest bidder often means redoing the work later or spending extra time explaining things.
That doesn’t mean you need to hire the most expensive person either. Look at:
- Their past work and how closely it matches your needs
- The way they describe their process
- How quickly and clearly they respond to your questions
Sometimes it’s worth paying more for someone who gets it right the first time.
Step 4: Ask Smart Questions
Once you’ve found someone promising, reach out and start a conversation. This isn’t just about confirming they can do the job. It’s about seeing how they think and communicate.
Try asking:
- “How would you approach this kind of project?”
- “Can you walk me through your process?”
- “What’s something clients often overlook with this type of work?”
You’re not just looking for skills. You want someone who listens well and thinks things through.
Step 5: Start Small with a Paid Test Project
Don’t commit to a huge job right away. Hire them for a small task first. This shows you how they work, how they handle feedback, and whether they meet deadlines.
It also gives them a chance to impress you without pressure.
If the test goes well, you’ll feel a lot more confident handing over a bigger project.
Step 6: Set Expectations Early
Once you’ve hired someone, be super clear about:
- What you need from them
- When it’s due
- How you want to communicate
- What tools or files they need access to
It might feel like overkill, but clarity now saves you from confusion later.
Step 7: Be the Kind of Client Great Freelancers Want to Work With
Top freelancers get booked fast. If you want the best to keep working with you, treat them with respect.
- Pay on time
- Give thoughtful feedback
- Be clear and organized
- Say thank you
Seriously, being a good client makes a huge difference. When freelancers enjoy working with you, they’ll go the extra mile.
Final Thoughts
Hiring on Upwork, Fiverr, or any freelance platform can be a total win if you take a little time upfront. Be clear, ask smart questions, and look for people who not only have the skills but also the mindset and communication style you need.
And once you find someone good, treat them like gold. That’s how you build a team of go-to experts you can rely on again and again.
