Outsourcing work can be a scary and ominous task. It does not have to be if you take the time to plan out your course of action. Here are some factors to consider when outsourcing your design work.
Where can workers be found?
Workers can be found all over the world, from the Philippines to India. Most countries which have internet access also have freelance workers who are more than happy to do your job for the price that you are willing to pay.
- Choose a country which speaks the language of the audience that you’re catering to.
- Choose a country which generally charges lower prices.
- Remember that good work can be produced from anywhere.
What are some good sites to find these workers?
There is a shortage of freelance websites and marketplaces where workers submit competing bids for your project. When choosing a supplier, you should pay attention to how the sites themselves get paid, the availability of escrow accounts and the availability of project management on the site itself, which is particularly useful when you don’t already have a hosted project management tool that’s set up for collaborative work.
Here are some companies which are great for getting outsourced design work:
- 99 Designs:
An extremely active marketplace where freelancer designers submit their interpretation of your design. You decide who wins and they get the payment. - Odesk: A massive community of overseas freelancers and companies. Unique software means you can get snapshots of your supplier’s work.
- Freelance Switch: Best known as a blog, Freelance Switch is also home to a community of passionate and talented designers.
How do I place my first order with a freelance site?
- Clearly define your project: Spend time to specify exactly what you want giving examples and detailed instructions.
- Start small: Test the waters to make sure that the company or individual that you’ve chosen is the perfect fit.
- Check their track record: Most of these sites will show feedback from customers, which can give you an idea of any supplier’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Be ruthless: Picking your supplier isn’t something personal. Don’t be scared of ditching a freelancer early on if they aren’t up to scratch.
How do I choose the best workers?
Here are some questions to think about when choosing your subcontractor.
- Read the bid request, did they follow instructions?
- Look at their portfolio, is this the type of work you need?
- Do they offer quick feedback for what you need?
- Do they understand the order that you have?
- Can they operate within my budget?
How do I communicate with my team?
- Skype is a great program to have set up because it allows you to communicate by voice.
- Emails and IMs are both effective means of communication.
- Choose a team lead who is the most proficient at the language you speak.
- Use a project management tool to collaborate and give feedback on tasks in one central location.
How do I manage the whole project?
Each large design project can be broken down into smaller tasks. You need to have a visual representation of all of the tasks, as well as timelines for completion otherwise the whole process becomes a train wreck. You also want to have the ability to check on the status of each individual order. Some freelance sites offer this service built in, but if you need something more, try out Basecamp or Assembla for a dedicated remote collaborative project management tool.
How do I pay my team?
One of your obligations as a client is to pay your workers on time.
- PayPal: Probably the most commonly accepted form of payment for small invoices.
- Escrow: An escrow account can be used to set the money for the project aside and protect both parties. Some freelancing sites will offer an escrow account service.
Outsourcing design work can save time, money and headaches. By outsourcing your work, you are letting yourself focus on your core business. Start by outsourcing one of your jobs and notice the difference.
James Adams is a tech writer and analyst at an online ink cartridges store. Get more of his writing about media and marketing on their blog.
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