Your Lab 4 App

Unlock Success - Hire Top Developers with This Freelancer Platform Guide

Working on an app was an expensive venture for a long time, as the easiest way to get it done was to hire a team or a company. Freelancers stepped in to fill an obvious gap in the market, offering their services at lower prices while maintaining the same quality that their predecessors offered. But finding the right person for the job is not always easy. So, how can you choose the right one for your app?

The Cheat Sheet to Hiring the Right Freelancer

Hiring the Right Freelancer: A Cheat Sheet

Like with companies, freelancers vary in their expertise, costs, location, and other factors that play a role in the success of your app development. Here's how you can get the right fit for your project:

Project Requirements

The first thing that your developer will want to know is exactly what you want from this process. As such, you must take the time to think about everything, from the storyline to what you want in the characters, to what your audience would like to see, to your deadlines and money. All these aspects will have a bearing on the other factors we will discuss in this guide.

Platform Selection

The good news is that there are many freelancer platforms online. As such, you have a wide array of options available to you, with the following ranking top among the best places to source a reliable freelancer:

  • Upwork. If you want a platform where developers offer a wide range of skills, this is it. Whether you are working on a simple app or a complex project, you will find someone who matches your requirements. The platform also offers support services, such as copywriters, graphic designers, virtual assistants, and other skills you may need to work on your app.
  • Toptal. This platform is quite strict on who can create an account, as it reserves its slots only for the best talent. So, if you are working on a high-level app, you may want to set your sights on what it offers.
  • Freelancer.com. Are you working on a small project? If so, this platform may be the best for you. It has a wide range of developers, ranging from those starting their careers to those who have decades of experience.

Codementor and Fiverr are also great options for short-term app development. Choose the platform you feel best aligns with your project scope in terms of complexity and size.

Offer Creation

The next step of hiring requires you to share your project scope with your potential developers. You do this by creating a job posting that highlights the following:

  • The kind of app you want.
  • The size of the project.
  • When you want the app.
  • Your budget.

While you don't need to share everything about the project, you should give enough details so that a potential hire can review the requirements and determine if they can actually deliver what you want. Being vague paves the way for too many applications, many of which might not match what you need.

What is the Hiring Process

Soon after posting your job, you will start fielding offers, known as proposals, from various freelancers. Here’s how you can filter them to figure out who you should engage:

Stage One: History Repeats Itself

The first stage involves looking at what a freelancer has achieved in the past, as this can give you an idea of their capabilities, as follows:

  • Client reviews. There is nothing as telling about a freelancer than the reviews they have gotten from previous clients. Go for people with high ratings, as this shows that they actually meet client requirements when offered a job.
  • References. A freelancer may not have reviews on their profile as they are new, but they may have references from previous clients. These can allow you to get a sense of their ability to fit your requirements.
  • Portfolios. What kind of work have the freelancers done? You always want to stick to people whose previous work is similar to what you want. For example, if you want to create a game, you are better off with someone with expertise in this area.

Stage 2: Working with the Present

The past is a great way to review a freelancer's work. But you also want to ensure they can handle your project by using the following approaches:

  • Interviews. The best way to get to know someone is to interact with them. Pay attention to how they relate with you and their overall sense of commitment.
  • Tests. It's best to offer potential hires a small paid task or trial to assess their abilities before you hand over the final project to them.

Conclusion

By now, you will have a better idea of who is the most suitable for your freelancing, and you will be able to negotiate the payment terms and deadlines. Remember to put the money in escrow so that both you and the freelancer are protected from any potential losses.

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