Hiring Freelancers for Your Business Website
Working with freelancers can be a smart way to build or improve your business website. You get access to specialized skills without the overhead of permanent staff, and you can scale your team up or down based on what you need.
The key is knowing how to find the right people and manage them well. Get this right and you'll have a website that actually works for your business. Get it wrong and you'll waste time and money on something that misses the mark.
TL;DR:
- Freelancers give you access to specialized web skills without long-term commitments
- They're flexible and can be more cost-effective than agencies or full-time staff
- Success depends on finding people with the right experience for your specific needs
- Clear communication and proper contracts are essential
- You'll need to be more hands-on with project management than with agencies
What Freelancers Can Do for Your Website
Most businesses need a mix of skills to get their website right. Freelancers typically specialize in one or two areas, so you might work with several people on a larger project.
Web designers handle the visual side – how your site looks and feels. They'll create mockups and design layouts that match your brand and appeal to your customers.
Web developers build the actual site. They take the designer's mockups and turn them into a working website using code. Some focus on Squarespace or WordPress, others work with custom coding.
Content creators write your copy, take photos, or create videos. Good content makes the difference between a site that converts visitors and one that doesn't.
SEO specialists help your site show up in search results. They'll optimize your content and technical setup so Google can find and rank your pages.
Finding the Right Freelancer
Start by being clear about what you actually need. "I need a website" isn't specific enough. Do you need design work, development, content writing, or all three? What's your timeline and budget?
Once you know what you're looking for, check these things:
Their portfolio should match your needs. If you're a restaurant, look for someone who's built restaurant websites before. They'll understand things like online menus and booking systems.
Look for recent work. Web technology moves fast. Someone whose latest project was from 2019 might be using outdated approaches.
Check references if possible. Past clients can tell you about communication style, meeting deadlines, and problem-solving abilities.
Test their communication early. If they take days to respond to initial messages or seem unclear about your requirements, that's likely how the whole project will go.
Setting Up for Success
Good freelancer relationships start with clear expectations. Put everything in writing before work begins.
Scope of work should detail exactly what they're delivering. "Website design" could mean anything from a single homepage mockup to a full multi-page design system.
Timeline and milestones help you track progress. Break larger projects into phases so you can review work and provide feedback along the way.
Payment terms protect both of you. Many freelancers ask for 50% upfront, with the balance due on completion. This is normal and fair.
Communication preferences matter more than you might think. Some freelancers prefer email, others use Slack or project management tools. Agree on how often you'll check in and what format updates should take.
Managing the Work
You'll need to be more hands-on than you would with an agency. Freelancers usually work independently and expect you to provide direction and feedback.
Give feedback quickly. When a freelancer sends you work to review, respond within a few days. Delays on your end push back the whole timeline.
Be specific about changes. Instead of "make it pop more," say "can you make the call-to-action button larger and use our brand orange color?"
Keep files organized. Use shared folders or project management tools so everyone has access to the latest versions of designs, content, and other materials.
Plan for revisions. Most freelancers include a set number of revision rounds. Use them wisely by collecting all your feedback before sending it over, rather than sending changes one at a time.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Hiring based on price alone usually backfires. The cheapest option often costs more in the long run when you factor in delays, poor quality, or having to start over.
Unclear requirements lead to frustration on both sides. If you can't articulate what you want, you're unlikely to get it.
No contract or brief leaves both parties vulnerable. Even for small projects, a simple agreement prevents misunderstandings later.
Micromanaging defeats the purpose of hiring specialists. Give clear direction, then let them do their job.
Expecting agency-level service from individual freelancers isn't realistic. They might not work your business hours or have backup team members if something goes wrong.
When Freelancers Make Sense
Freelancers work well when you have specific, defined projects rather than ongoing needs. They're particularly good for:
- One-off website builds or redesigns
- Specialized tasks like SEO audits or content strategy
- Projects with tight budgets where you can't afford agency rates
- Work that requires very specific expertise
They're less suitable when you need constant website updates, have complex technical requirements, or want a single point of contact for everything.
FAQs
How much should I expect to pay freelancers for website work?
Rates vary widely based on experience and location. UK freelancers typically charge £25-100+ per hour, or £1,000-10,000+ for complete website projects. Get quotes from several people to understand the market rate for your specific needs.
How do I protect myself if the work isn't what I expected?
Use a clear contract that outlines deliverables, timelines, and revision processes. Pay in stages rather than all upfront. Keep communications in writing so you have a record of what was agreed.
What if my freelancer disappears or becomes unresponsive?
This is why contracts and staged payments matter. If someone goes missing mid-project, you're not out the full amount and you have legal recourse. Always ask for regular updates and set clear communication expectations from the start.
Jargon Buster
Portfolio – A collection of past work examples that freelancers use to demonstrate their skills and style
Scope creep – When a project gradually expands beyond what was originally agreed, usually without adjusting timeline or budget
Milestone – A specific project checkpoint where work is reviewed and payment is often made
Wireframe – A basic structural blueprint showing layout and functionality without visual design elements
Mockup – A visual representation of how the finished website will look, usually created before development begins
Wrap-up
Working with freelancers can give you access to top-tier skills at a fraction of agency costs, but success depends on your approach. Take time to find people with relevant experience, set clear expectations from the start, and stay engaged throughout the project.
The businesses that get the best results treat freelancers as partners rather than just suppliers. Give them the context they need to do good work, respond promptly to requests, and trust their expertise in their area of specialty.
Ready to take your website to the next level? Join Pixelhaze Academy for in-depth guides on working with web professionals and managing digital projects.