1. Get Organized Use a spreadsheet like the one on the following page to keep track of important logistical details, such as your freelancers’ contact information and rates, and to catalog their expertise and the types of projects that they are best used for. Also note their strengths and weaknesses and rate their performance using a simple grading system. This will help you keep track of your growing stable of freelancers so that you can make informed decisions about which ones to use for specific projects. Subject Signed Name Background Matter Best Used For Contact Info NDA Rate Grade Expertise Steve Former reporter Cloud com- White papers [email protected] Y $75 per B+ Smith with 10 years of puting, WAN and reports hour experience writing optimization about the tech industry Laura Headed up con- Data Blog posts, laura@ Y $100 per B- Williams tent marketing at archiving, articles, or laurawilliams.com hour a competitor for open data anything need- several years; cur- ing a quick rently freelancing turnaround Amy Referral from a General Any long-form amyand@ Y Project- A Anderson colleague; has knowledge or high-profile gmail.com based been freelanc- of SaaS content ing for large and small tech compa- nies for 15 years 2. Provide Structure and Guidance Freelancers are not mind readers who can magically produce what you want without detailed instructions. Make sure to set clear expectations from the outset of every project and ensure that your freelancers have access to all of the information and resources they will need to complete a project successfully. You also need to make yourself available to talk through ideas and answer any questions they have throughout the process. While it is never a good idea to micromanage freelanc- ers, you do need to invest the time necessary to ensure that they are set up for success. It Takes a Content Factory! | 70