A decade ago, hiring full-time employees was the default solution for businesses. Today? Not necessarily. Both large and small companies are increasingly relying on freelancers to gain flexibility, reduce costs, and access specialized skills that in-house teams might lack.

Freelancers are not just a cost-saving solution – they’re the key to efficiency. But with so many platforms and options available, where should you start looking? Take a look at this guide to understand the freelancer recruitment process for various tasks while considering your budget and needs.

Why hire a freelancer?

Before we dive into where and how to find freelancers, let’s explore why this work model has become so popular. The reason is simple – freelancers combine flexibility with specialized knowledge and are often more cost-effective than full-time employees.

According to statistics, around 1.1 billion freelancers are working worldwide, with Europe accounting for 35.5% of them, making it the largest remote work market globally. Meanwhile, in the U.S., freelancers contribute $1.4 trillion to the economy, making up 5.7% of the country’s GDP (source: Global Freelance Workforce: Key Developments and Statistics | by Rosanna Webb | Medium).

Freelancers are experts in their fields, allowing you to leverage skills your team may not have. This is especially useful for projects requiring niche knowledge or advanced technical competencies. For example, if you want to improve your website’s visibility on Google, an SEO specialist will create effective strategies that in-house marketers might not be familiar with.

Another advantage? Cost savings. By hiring a freelancer, you pay only for specific work when you need it rather than covering the fixed costs of a full-time employee. This is especially beneficial for small businesses and startups that need to manage their budgets wisely.

Freelancers also offer great flexibility. When you have more work, you can easily expand your team with additional specialists, and when things slow down, you can scale back just as quickly. This level of adaptability is hard to achieve with traditional employment structures.

Tip: Before you start searching for a freelancer, define exactly what you need – what key skills are required and what goals you want to achieve. This will help you find the perfect specialist faster.

What to consider when choosing a freelance platform

Now that you know why working with freelancers is beneficial, it’s time to look at how to choose the right platform for hiring them. There are many options – from popular marketplaces to exclusive networks for top-tier specialists. The right choice depends on your budget, quality expectations, and the specific skills you’re looking for.

Budget: How much are you willing to spend?

One of the first factors you’ll likely consider is the cost of hiring a freelancer. If you have a limited budget, platforms like Fiverr offer services at lower prices. However, keep in mind that lower rates can often mean varying levels of quality and experience.

If you’re looking for top-quality work and are willing to pay more, consider platforms like Toptal or Codeable. These platforms focus on highly skilled professionals, but their services come at a higher price – giving you confidence that you’re working with experts who have undergone a rigorous selection process.

Quality: What level of experience do you need?

Some platforms cater to junior freelancers, while others are dedicated to seasoned specialists. Not every platform offers the same quality of service. If your project demands exceptional precision and advanced skills, it’s best to choose a platform that prioritizes quality over quantity.

Toptal and Codeable are known for accepting only top specialists – they have a strict selection process, ensuring you work with true professionals.

That doesn’t mean you won’t find great experts on Upwork or Freelancer.com – the key is carefully reviewing candidates’ portfolios, reviews, and past projects.

Specialization: What skills are you looking for?

Some platforms focus on specific industries, making it much easier to find the right specialist. Here are a few examples:

  • 99designs – A platform specializing in graphic design
  • Codeable – A marketplace for WordPress and web development experts
  • Toptal – Specializes in programming, UX, and finance

Tip: Don’t limit yourself to one platform. Depending on your project, it’s worth checking multiple services – each has its strengths and specializations.

How to find a good WordPress freelancer

Hiring a freelancer to manage your WordPress site is a great solution, especially if you don’t have the time or technical knowledge to do it yourself. But how do you find the right person? Follow these steps:

  1. Define your needs – Do you need a one-time solution? Or someone to regularly update, optimize for SEO, and ensure quality?
  2. Where to look – Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Useme are good options. Also check industry-specific Facebook groups, LinkedIn, or personal recommendations.
  3. Check portfolios and reviews – See if the freelancer has worked on similar sites and is familiar with tools you use (e.g., Elementor, WooCommerce, Yoast SEO).
  4. Set clear terms – Discuss the cost, deadline, and communication methods. Decide whether you prefer a one-time payment or ongoing collaboration.
  5. Focus on security – Grant only necessary access, use secure passwords, and create regular backups.

Tip: If you find a great freelancer, it’s worth establishing a long-term relationship — this can benefit you in the future when the freelancer gets to know your company needs better.

Where to find freelancers for specific tasks

UX design and user experience improvement

  • Toptal – Strict vetting ensures top quality, but prices are high.
  • Dribbble and Behance – Browse design portfolios and contact creators directly.

Pro tip: Don’t choose a designer based only on nice visuals — ensure they understand user needs and solve real problems.

SEO and positioning

  • Upwork – Find both beginners and seasoned SEO experts.
  • LinkedIn – Search and connect with SEO specialists and check testimonials.
  • SEMrush Marketplace – Ideal if you already use SEMrush; access vetted SEO services.

Pro tip: Be cautious of promises like “rank #1 in a week” — real SEO takes time and strategy.

Website development and technical integrations

  • Codeable – Great for WordPress projects; verified developers only.
  • GitHub Jobs and Stack Overflow Jobs – Ideal for advanced, non-WordPress development work.

Pro tip: Clarify your needs in advance. If you’re non-technical, ask for a sample or conduct an interview to confirm understanding.

Brand building and visual identification

  • 99designs – Run contests and choose from multiple design options.
  • Fiverr – Budget-friendly, but quality may vary. Review carefully.
  • Upwork – Find branding experts to shape your full visual identity.

Pro tip: A logo is just one piece — ensure your designer can handle the full brand image.

Increasing conversions (CRO)

  • Upwork – Many freelancers focus on user behavior and improving site performance.
  • Toptal – High-end CRO and UX specialists.
  • GrowthHackers Jobs – Experts in strategy and sales growth.

Pro tip: CRO goes beyond design tweaks. Look for professionals who analyze, test, and iterate.

Marketing and development strategy

  • Upwork – Wide range of marketing experts.
  • LinkedIn – Ideal for building lasting relationships with seasoned marketers.
  • Freelancer.com – Huge database of professionals in all marketing areas.

Pro tip: Make sure your marketer understands your industry and target audience — the best strategies are always tailored.

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