Outsourcing and the Freelance Dance

Outsourcing of Internet marketing tasks has seen a massive growth in popularity in recent years, as business of all sizes consider the benefits of outsourcing to individuals to complete certain projects. Additionally, with the growth of freelancer websites which bring buyers and sellers together in the same forum, it is one of the largest segments of outsourcing growth.

Freelancers work independently to create a reputation, which subsequently helps generate future work for their cause. A full time (successful) freelancer can expect to earn a salary far greater than the national average wage, and can reap high profit margins with very little overhead. Their reputation online is out there for all to see in the form of buyer feedback.

Feedback Ratings Make for Better Decisions

Sites like RentACoder.com and Elance.com provide feedback ratings for providers which enable buyers to make more informed decisions. It’s very important to check their previous work and ratings to ensure further that you’re likely to achieve the best possible results. A freelancer's portfolio should be jam packed with previous examples, and this can be an indication that the person you are dealing with has sufficient experience and skill level.

Sometimes you will have to weigh experience against bid price. An inexperienced outsourcer may bid lower in hopes of winning the project and building up positive feedback ratings. While you may get lucky with the talented young freelancer, it may wind up costing you more time and money in the long run to get the job done right. Pay the extra premium for solid experience.

Dealing with freelancers has a good deal to do with individual trust and respect, however, in the offline world, it can be harder to find an independent freelancer you know you can trust. It is imperative that you make a personal connection with the freelancer you are dealing with in order to determine their trustworthiness.

Communication Is the Key

Actually dealing with the freelancer is also important. Initially, it would be wise to consider a real-time conversation, over instant messenger or telephone, to establish exactly what is required. This ensures you can get your message across, and that it’s understood at the other end before work begins. Additionally, you should expect the freelancer to keep in constant communication throughout, checking the project’s progress incrementally to make sure your outsourcer doesn’t get too far off track.

Obviously it is important that you are satisfied with the end result, but care must be taken to ensure the freelancer is kept happy and working under good conditions throughout. By ensuring the freelancer is happy, you can increase the likelihood that the quality of the work you will eventually receive will be high. All it takes is professionalism and understanding, which should bring out the best in your freelancer relationship.

Freelancers usually work well under pressure as a result of their flexibility, so don't be afraid to set deadlines. In fact, it's actually better that you do so to ensure your work is completed within a reasonable time. By forcing this accountability from your freelancer, you can find the highest quality of work on a more consistent basis, regardless of the nature of your project.

So the next time you outsource Internet marketing projects, you’ll want to be sure you’re all dancing to the beat of the same drummer, in sync and on task.