A decade ago, hiring full-time staff was the default for most businesses. Today? Not so much. Companies of all sizes increasingly rely on freelancers to gain flexibility, reduce costs and tap into specialised skills that in-house teams may lack.

Freelancers aren’t just a way to save money—they’re key to boosting efficiency. But with so many platforms out there, where should you begin? This guide will help you understand the freelance hiring process across various tasks, all while staying aligned with your goals and budget.

Why hire a freelancer?

Before diving into where and how to find freelancers, let’s look at why this model is so popular. It’s simple: freelancers combine flexibility with expertise, and they’re often more cost-effective than permanent hires.

Globally, there are around 1.1 billion freelancers—over 35% of whom are based in Europe, making it the largest remote work market. In the US alone, freelancers contribute £1.1 trillion to the economy, which is about 5.7% of the country’s GDP (source: Global Freelance Workforce: Key Developments and Statistics).

Hiring a freelancer gives you access to niche skills that your internal team may not have. For instance, if you’re looking to improve your Google rankings, an experienced SEO specialist can provide the right strategies—something many general marketers may not specialise in.

Freelancers also help control costs. You only pay for the work you need, when you need it—ideal for small businesses or startups with limited budgets.

And there’s unmatched flexibility. Need extra help during a busy season? Scale up. Things quieting down? Scale back. That kind of adaptability is tough to achieve with traditional hiring models.

Tip: Before searching for a freelancer, clearly define what you need—the skills, goals and scope. It’ll make finding the right fit much easier.

What to consider when choosing a freelance platform

Now that you know the benefits, the next step is choosing the right platform. From budget marketplaces to curated networks, the best platform depends on your needs, expectations and industry.

Budget – what can you afford?

If budget is tight, platforms like Fiverr offer low-cost services. Just be aware that cheaper prices can sometimes mean variable quality.

If you’re looking for top-tier results and are willing to invest, platforms like Toptal or Codeable offer vetted professionals with high skill levels—often worth the higher price.

Quality – how much experience do you need?

Not all platforms offer the same calibre of talent. If your project is complex, you’ll want someone with experience.

  • Toptal and Codeable are known for strict screening and only accept top freelancers.
  • Upwork and Freelancer.com offer a wider pool. You’ll need to vet candidates carefully by checking portfolios, reviews and past work.

Specialisation – what skills are essential?

Some platforms cater to specific fields, making it easier to find the right person for the job:

  • 99designs – Graphic design
  • Codeable – WordPress development
  • Toptal – Programming, UX, finance

Tip: Don’t limit yourself to one site. The best fit might be on a platform you hadn’t considered.

How to find a good WordPress freelancer

Hiring a freelancer to manage your WordPress site is a smart move, especially if you lack the time or technical skills.

5 steps to follow:

  1. Define your needs – Is this a one-off job, or do you need ongoing support? Think about SEO, security, speed and regular updates.
  2. Know where to look – Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Useme are good starting points. Also check Facebook groups, LinkedIn or ask for recommendations.
  3. Check portfolios and reviews – Look for familiarity with tools like Elementor, WooCommerce, or Yoast SEO.
  4. Be clear on terms – Discuss cost, deadlines, communication methods and payment structure.
  5. Prioritise security – Use strong passwords, limit access, and make regular backups.

Tip: If you find a reliable freelancer, build a long-term relationship—it saves time in the future and helps them better understand your business.

Where to find freelancers for specific tasks

UX design and user experience

  • Toptal – High-end professionals, thoroughly vetted
  • Dribbble / Behance – Browse design portfolios and contact directly

Pro tip: A beautiful design isn’t enough—make sure the freelancer understands your users’ needs.

SEO and search visibility

  • Upwork – Wide selection of SEO freelancers
  • LinkedIn – Great for finding specialists and checking references
  • SEMrush Marketplace – Trusted SEO services, especially if you already use the platform

Pro tip: Be wary of unrealistic promises. Ranking #1 takes time, not quick fixes.

Web development and technical integrations

  • Codeable – Verified WordPress developers
  • GitHub Jobs / Stack Overflow – Ideal for complex development work

Pro tip: Clearly explain your goals. Ask for examples or a trial task if you’re not technically inclined.

Branding and visual identity

  • 99designs – Run design contests or hire directly
  • Fiverr – Budget-friendly, but check reviews
  • Upwork – Branding professionals with varied experience

Pro tip: A logo is just the beginning—make sure your designer can handle colours, typography and visual guidelines too.

Conversion rate optimisation (CRO)

  • Upwork – Lots of CRO experts, from analysts to UX pros
  • Toptal – Premium specialists with proven results
  • GrowthHackers Jobs – Focused on performance and growth

Pro tip: Choose someone who tests and analyses, not just someone who changes button colours.

Marketing and business strategy

  • Upwork – Find marketing experts across all areas
  • LinkedIn – Ideal for building professional, long-term collaborations
  • Freelancer.com – Large network of specialists

Pro tip: Make sure your freelancer understands your audience. The best strategies are always tailored to your business.

Hiring freelancers gives you the flexibility and expertise to grow smarter and faster. With a little planning—and the right platforms—you’ll build a network of trusted specialists ready to help your business thrive.

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