Any business owner knows that one of the most important keys to success is having a great team. But what happens when you can't find the talent you need in your local area or your budget doesn't allow for traditional employees? This is where freelancers come in. Here, the Greater High Desert Chamber of Commerce explains some of the logistics of working with freelancers.

Is It Less Expensive to Work with Freelancers?

There are many reasons why freelancers are typically a more affordable option than traditional employees. For one, you don't have to worry about paying for benefits like health insurance or retirement plans. And since freelancers are usually only paid for the work they present, you don't have to worry about things like vacation days or sick days. Plus, there's a good chance you'll be able to find someone who is already proficient in the skills you need, which will save you time and money on training.

How Do I Find the Right Freelancers for Remote Work?

When it comes to which types of freelancers are ideal for remote work, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, look for freelancers who have the qualities it takes to work in this capacity as well as experience working remotely. This will help ensure that they're comfortable with the set-up and won't require much hand-holding. 

Second, consider their time zone and whether it will conflict with your own business hours. And finally, make sure they have a strong internet connection and access to reliable computer equipment.

Be clear about the parameters of your work and if you need them to be familiar with particular tools. For example, the team members who have been handling your marketing may be using a mock-up tool and want to continue using it to see what the freelance marketer puts together. Make sure the potential freelancer is comfortable with the software and that working scenario. 

Can I Find Freelancers on Social Media?

Finding freelancers is easier than ever thanks to social media. Sites like LinkedIn are great for finding these professionals. Other than social media, hiring sites are also great places to start your search, explains Hostinger Tutorials. Once you've found a few potential candidates, be sure to check out their online portfolios to get an idea of their work style and quality. And don't forget to ask for recommendations from people you trust.

What Do I Need to Do Before Hiring Freelancers?

Before you hire anyone, there are a few administrative tasks you'll need to take care of first. For example, if you're hiring a freelancer from outside the United States, you'll need to set up an LLC (limited liability company) before payments can be made. You can complete this process on your own or choose a formation service to complete the process for you. These services ensure that all of the correct state-specific paperwork is submitted to get you up and running quickly, but you should read some legitimate reviews before selecting one since you’ll have a lot riding on the timeliness of this process.

You should also prepare any paperwork that needs to be signed beforehand, such as nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) or contract templates. Finally, make sure you have a process in place for sharing files and documents with your freelancer (more on that below).

How Do I Share Documents with My Freelancers?

How do you share paperwork with your new hires when they're all over the world? The best way is through PDFs (portable document format). This format can be viewed on any type of computer or mobile device, making it easy for everyone involved. Plus, PDFs can be password protected for added security. You can convert them using a file converter to make sure the document is formatted as a PDF — try this JPG to PDF converter, for example, if you have an image file you need to compress as a PDF so you don’t compromise its quality like you would by compressing a JPG.

How Do I Pay My Freelancers?

Paying your freelancer is relatively simple: just set up a PayPal account and send them their pay when the work is completed. If you're working with someone in another country, you may need to use a service like TransferWise to avoid exorbitant fees. When it comes time to file your taxes, be sure to keep track of all invoices and receipts so you can deduct the appropriate expenses.

Get Set Up for Your Remote Freelance Team

There are plenty of benefits to hiring freelancers, and it's easy to get started building a team. Start by identifying your specific needs and creating specific job descriptions before sharing the posting. Make sure your business structure is set up to handle contract workers or you will encounter problems come tax time. Finally, use PDFs to provide your team members with the tools they need to communicate with remote team members so there is clear communication throughout the project or contract. Whether your team members are in another state or another country, you can have a successful and productive group that provides excellent results.