When it’s time to upgrade your logo, update your website or get an awesome voiceover, Ndiwano is there, but you may still ask yourself: how do I hire the right person?

You need to be certain they have the right skills. You need to know they can meet your timeline and budget. And, with so many talented freelancers on Ndiwano, it can be tough to choose between dozens of great options.

But don’t worry! When I hire on Ndiwano, there are 5 things I do to ensure I get the right creative partner. 

Here’s how you can use these strategies, too.‍

Know your project inside and out‍

Before messaging a single Seller, it’s vital to thoroughly understand your project to intelligently hire the right person. When you know where you’re trying to go, it’s easier to hire a Seller who can help you get there.‍

Have answers to questions like:

• What are the specific deliverables? (i.e. a logo, an email funnel, etc.)
• What’s your goal?
• Do Sellers need to have specialized knowledge or expertise?
• What’s your timeline and budget?
• Who is your audience or buyer persona?
• Are there any technical details, like software requirements, they need to know?

Once you understand your project, you’re ready to move on.

Check their Ndiwano  reviews

Next, start searching for appropriate Sellers—and check their reviews. They’re a helpful look into the experiences of past clients so you know what you can expect.

If the testimonials are overwhelmingly positive, consider it a green light to move forward. If there is poor feedback, consider it carefully. Does it sound like a one-time issue or an unreasonable client? Or, does this sound like an ongoing problem, one mentioned in multiple reviews? If you have questions about their feedback, you can ask the Seller to share what happened and decide for yourself where to go next.
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Ask the right questions‍

Think of this next step as a mini-interview with a goal of understanding if the Seller’s capabilities fit your project.

After explaining your project in detail and sharing answers to the questions above, ask the Seller questions like:

• Have you helped someone like me before?
• What would you do to make this a success or improve upon this idea?
• Have you had experience with this industry or buyer persona?
• What other questions can I answer?

These questions will help you learn more about the Seller and allow them to decide if there’s a mutual fit, too.

Ask to see portfolio samples

Next, request relevant portfolio samples, a helpful way to see how they have successfully helped someone like you before. 

If they don’t have an example of your exact project, don’t sweat it—especially if you’re in a niche industry or have specific needs. Instead, look at the quality of the work. Have they helped past clients with a similar aesthetic, tone, audience or goal? Do you like what you see or read? Will it resonate with your audience?

This step works two ways. To help Sellers better understand your expectations, share examples of what you want and what you don’t want.

Consider hiring multiple Sellers or a Studio

Typically, Fiver Sellers and freelancers are specialists, not generalists. Copywriters write copy. Developers, well, develop. 

As you move through the hiring process, you may find your project demands several freelancers with different skill sets. For example, should you need visual branding and a slogan, hire a designer and a writer, not a single Seller. 

If you find yourself needing a creative team or multiple Sellers, look for Sellers who are part of a Studio, a creative team that offers multiple services, a mini agency without the retainer.

Finally, if you need a recommendation for a designer, developer, strategist or voiceover artist, reach out to me on Ndiwano and I’ll be happy to help make connections.