There are so many benefits to hiring freelancers, from only having to pay on a per-project basis to being able to choose different freelancers with different specializations and not to mention the beauty of hiring as you need to. However, when you build a freelance team – particularly a remote one – this group of people from different countries, generations and backgrounds can be difficult to manage as a whole. 

Here are some tips on how best to manage a team of freelancers:

1. Organisation en pointe
   In order for freelancers to produce the best work for you, you need to get your ideas from inside your head on to paper. So write a list of the steps necessary for the freelancer to realise your vision 

2. Hire the best people possible
   Trust and honest communication are crucial for the freelance-client relationship to thrive. You’ll want to be super clear on the kind of person you need and what they’re going to be doing and be sure of their competence, experience and communication skills before you bring them onboard. Use software like Wishu to find like-minded people. 

3. Brief them on your brand
   You need to make clear how much creative freedom the freelancer has before they embark on the project. Are you open to everything or need a very niche project to be produced? Assuming that the freelancer already knows this information is a recipe for disaster so let them know where and how far they can roam. 

4. Give reasonable and achievable deadlines
   Great, intricate and polished work takes time. No matter how Pro the freelancer is they’ll need time to reach that polished stage. Both parties need to stick to deadlines in terms of instructions and deliverables. 

5. Use tech and travel to your advantage
   With restrictions easing, the option to meet in cafes (or outside them) and coworking spaces is a possibility. Make the most of Zoom, Slack, Whatsapp and in-person meetings. Vocal communication is also key as tone can easily get lost via text. 

6. Know how often to give feedback
   Set up and schedule in a feedback meeting either in person or via zoom to give feedback. Too rarely won’t be effective and too frequently can feel like a personal attack on the freelancer’s end leading them to become defensive.

7. Encourage and support

   Whether the work at each stage produced meets your expectations or not, always make it clear that you appreciate the freelancer’s work and time. Follow feedback with an encouraging comment so the freelancer is motivated to produce exactly what you’re looking for.