How can you set clear expectations with freelancers?

2 Communicate regularly

Communication is essential for maintaining a good relationship with freelancers and ensuring they meet your expectations. It's important to have regular contact, but not excessively, to monitor progress, give feedback, and answer any questions or concerns. Decide on the best communication channels and tools to use, such as email, phone, video call, or messaging app. When communicating with freelancers, consider the frequency and schedule of communication, the tone and style of communication, the purpose and agenda of communication, and the expectations and boundaries of communication. Establish these factors at the start of the project and adjust them as needed throughout.

3 Give clear feedback

Feedback is essential to help freelancers improve their work and meet your expectations. To do this effectively, you should give clear, constructive, and timely feedback, while encouraging the freelancer to ask for feedback and being open to their suggestions and opinions. When giving feedback, be specific and objective about what you like and dislike, using examples and data as support. Additionally, focus on the work rather than the person, providing a balance of praise and criticism. You should also provide action steps and follow-up at regular intervals, such as after each milestone or deliverable, and at the end of the project.

4 Respect their autonomy

Freelancers are independent professionals who work on their own terms and conditions. To respect their autonomy, you should set clear goals and expectations without rigid rules and methods. Delegate tasks and responsibilities, but not decisions and outcomes. Provide support and guidance, not interference or supervision. Acknowledge their achievements and contributions without taking credit or ownership. Ultimately, you should treat freelancers as partners, not employees, and value their input and feedback.

5 Be professional and courteous

As freelancers are human beings, it is important to treat them with professionalism and courtesy. This means being polite, respectful, and honest, while avoiding being rude, demanding, or dishonest. Honoring commitments and obligations is essential for building a rapport and trust with freelancers. To ensure a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship, you should communicate clearly and promptly, pay on time and in full, give credit and recognition, say thank you and show appreciation, as well as provide referrals and testimonials.