Trying independent talent for the first time is like learning how to swim: It’s better to start by sliding gently into the shallow end first instead of heading straight for the high dive. This means start with smaller, easier projects first because:
- There’s less risk if miscommunication occurs or the results aren’t what you expected.
- It allows you to fine-tune workflow processes and collaboration skills.
If you’re working with freelancers for the first time, consider starting with one of these 7 straightforward projects:
How to get started
After picking a project, you must find the right person to do the work. Work platforms, such as Upwork, make quick work of it by automating many of the processes.
You may also want to check out this guide “How to Hire Freelancers on Upwork: The Ultimate Guide.” It’s full of tips for writing a job description that attracts the right talent, to choosing and working with the ideal person.
But what if you don’t have time to write a job description and review a bunch of proposals?
Then choose from a selection of pre-packaged, fixed-priced projects offered on Project Catalog™. Because they’re packaged projects, you know what you’re getting, how much it’ll cost, and when the work will be delivered upfront.
Just choose the type of work you want to be done and filter results by budget, turnaround time, talent rating, and other specifications. Then click the package you want and get started. It doesn’t get any easier.
Speaking of projects, here are a few to get you started.
1. Design a logo
If you want a graphic designer to create a custom logo for an event, new product, or business, you can get as specific as you want with the type specialization and experience you need. For example, you can engage someone who specializes in vintage designs for retail food products and has experience designing for major consumer packaged goods brands.
2. Transcribe a webinar or podcast
Give your audience a value-add by transcribing a recent webinar or podcast so they can browse the content at their pace. Posting transcriptions on your site also gives search engines more content to crawl, which may improve your search engine rankings.
3. Create or update your resume
Part of securing an interview is having a resume that’s readable by AI-driven recruitment assistants. A professional resume writer can help you highlight specific experiences and skills for a given role, write an engaging cover letter, and update your online profiles. If you’re not looking for a job at this time, it’s always a good idea to keep your resume updated. So, you don’t forget important details and achievements, and it’ll be ready to share when you need it.
4. Build a website
In addition to building a new website, a web designer can work on other web projects like creating landing pages for special promotions and optimizing your website’s page load speed. You can also select web designers specializing in a specific platform including Webflow, Squarespace, or Wix.
5. Polish up a PowerPoint presentation
PowerPoint specialists help you deliver your message with greater clarity and visual impact so that you grab your audience’s attention, increase understanding, and potentially convert them. You can engage a PowerPoint specialist to create a winning pitch deck, add some pizazz to standard company templates, and create a presentation for your next big speech.
6. Update a WordPress site
WordPress specialists can help you do things like integrate a new WordPress theme, fix pesky bugs, and update plugins. You can also gain the most from your site by working with WordPress experts to learn strategies for improving elements like user-friendliness, search engine optimization, sales lead conversions, and branding.
7. Edit a video
Making your videos engaging and impactful isn’t easy because a well-edited video takes both technical and story-telling skills. An experienced video editor can turn anything from a Zoom meeting to client testimonials into quality content that looks professional and is valuable to your audience.
As in most things, working with independent professionals gets easier with practice. Before long, you’ll move on to larger projects and build a bench of reliable talent who you can go to again and again for the help.
For more tips on getting the most out of working with independent professionals, check out Upwork’s Resources. In addition to project tips, you’ll find strategies for increasing team productivity, inspiring success stories from companies of all sizes, and the latest workforce research.
