Businesses need a website now more than ever. In some cases, they need mobile apps too. And developers have become integral in creating these. However, if you don’t have experience hiring a web developer, don’t worry. You’re not the only one dreading this. We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide before you hire a freelance developer for your business.
How to Hire a Freelance Developer
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When hiring a freelance developer, there’s a lot to unpack. It can become challenging hiring a freelance developer, and it could be time-consuming. But, with this guide, we’ll make it easy for you to find and hire a freelance developer seamlessly and quickly.
Step 1: Know what you need
Before you can proceed with hiring, you should have an idea of what you want developed. Do you need a mobile app? A website? Both?
Perhaps you have a site or an app, do you want a freelance developer to do some maintenance? Or do you want them to make some changes?
With that, you should cement your first decision in the hiring process. You have to understand that different developers work with various programming languages. Some of them specialize in one.
For apps, Java and Kotlin are the widely used and accepted programming languages. Meanwhile, when developing websites, you have a wide range of options, such as:
With these in mind, you can finally move to the next step: budget.
Step 2: Identify your budget
Let me tell you something. Web developers don’t come cheap. You need to allot a significant amount of budget for your web developer.
This all depends on your project.
According to Codementor.io, an hourly freelance developer rate ranges from $61 to $80.
That’s why the next decision you need to make is how long you need a freelance developer.
Step 3: Determine how long you need the freelance developer
Since app and web development are extensive, you may need a developer longer than you had anticipated. Do you want them on a contract basis or eventually want them to become a full-time developer? Once you decide this, you’re free to find freelance developers on the best freelance websites.
Step 4: Search for freelance developers on freelance sites
There are TONS of freelance developers looking for their next gig or work. It can get overwhelming when finding a freelance developer because of this. But you don’t have to scour the whole internet to hire a freelance developer. Scroll down further to know where to find the BEST freelance developers for your business.
Step 5: Interview and ask for references
The interview is the key part of the hiring process. Here’s where you can narrow down your initial choices and know which is the right fit for your business.
If you’re not sure what interview questions to ask, don’t worry. Here are the basics:
- What programming language do you use?
- Will you own the code after this project, or will you give full ownership to our business?
- Can you talk me through your experience working on your last project?
- What are your weaknesses and strengths as a developer?
- How do you communicate with your clients?
One other thing to remember when hiring a freelance developer is you should ask for their references. You can ask the reference about their previous experience with the freelance developer. And it will help you in determining if the freelance developer could be the right one for your business.
Step 6: Testing
Before hiring the RIGHT developer, you need to know if what they put in their resume or portfolio is true. That means testing. But if you’re not sure how to do it, you can sign up to offer them a test, and you’ll see if they pass it through a third-party website. In some instances, you don’t even have to go through the trouble since a team will check this for you before you get matched with a freelance developer.
10 Sites for Hiring a Freelance Developer
1. Upstack
Unlike most freelance sites, developers can apply for a job here in Upstack. Then, Upstack matches you with vetted candidates, streamlining your hiring process. They have an 8-point hiring process, ensuring only the best get matched with your business.
Pros:
- There’s a risk-free trial before you can say yes to your full-time developer team
- Uses artificial intelligence in finding the right developer for your team
Cons:
- They charge a $399 initial deposit for using their services
- It can be expensive for those with a smaller budget
Pricing: $399 initial deposit
2. MoonlightWork
MoonlightWork is another option to find your new or next freelance developer. Currently, there are over 3,400+ developers on the site. Here, a developer can find work, and companies can be matched with a developer.
Pros:
- A trial period is available before hiring a contract worker, and no need for an additional coding test
- When you create a job advertisement, you can expect talents to apply within 24 hours
Cons:
- Limited selections and little work experience may not match you with the right developer
Pricing:
Hire contractors: $85/mo
Hire contractors + employees: custom pricing
3. Arc
Consider Arc as the Toptal for freelance developers. Similar to how Toptal vets its freelancers, freelance developers undergo a rigorous hiring process. In fact, only 1.1% of developers make it through.
Pros
- Quickly hire a freelance developer in 72 hours
- Free trial before hiring a developer
Cons
- It can be too pricey and have hefty fees
- You may have limited hiring options considering the vetting process
Pricing:
No pricing plan available, but Arc developers charge $60 to $100/hr
4. Dice
Dice is where freelancers can find job ads, and companies can find resumes. It’s US-based and focused solely on tech and development.
Pros:
- Dice ensures that only real profiles are allowed for posting, considering they use AI and machine learning to scan these profiles
- They can also recruit for your business if you don’t have time to find the right developer
Cons:
- Resumes can be outdated, and you might lose time and other chances to hire other developers
- Those who use their web application, it can be difficult to navigate and have issues with their features
Pricing (Job Posting):
Single Job Posting: $495
Two Job Postings: $400/each
Three Job Postings: $375/each
Sourcing Services: Custom
5. Gun.io
Here’s another alternative site to find and hire a freelance developer. Gun.io says they have “world class technical talent, on tap.” With their technology, you can get matched with a developer.
Pros:
- You can choose between a freelance developer or a salaried one
- You can get matched with a vetted designer within 48 hours
Cons:
- Customer service isn’t great
- It can be pricey for those who have a small budget
Pricing:
Freelancer (short-term): Developer’s hourly rate + 30%
Freelancer (long-term): Developer’s monthly rate + 30%
Salaried employee: 15% of first-year’s salary
6. Lemon.io
Lemon.io is a platform where you can find on-demand freelance developers. Like most freelance sites, they also have a vetting process that includes background checks, CV evaluation, online and written English testing, coding test, and live interview.
Pros:
- You have full ownership of the code your developer will create for your website or app
- No upfront and additional fees
Cons:
- Not all programming languages may be available
Pricing:
Startup Plan: $45 to $80/mo
Add-A-CTO Plan: Custom
7. Gigster
Unlike most freelance sites listed here, Gigster is invite-only, so only invited freelance developers can apply here. Currently, they have 600+ developers ready to be part of your team. Like many other platforms here, they have only the top 1% of developers.
Pros:
- A project manager will always be available to oversee your current projects
- With updated tools and AI, developers can deliver your projects in time
Cons:
- No payment plans available to see if Gigster is worth trying
- Developers in your team may not fully commit to your project, considering they might be working with others as well
Pricing: Custom
8. Toptal
Like some freelance sites, Toptal will vet freelancers before you hire them. They pride themselves on hiring only the top 3% of freelancers. Their rigorous screening and hiring process allows them to have only the best on the platform.
Pros:
- Toptal can match you with a freelance developer within 24 hours
- They offer a two-week trial period to see if the freelance developer is a match
Cons:
- Ideal for big long-term projects only
- Aside from the initial $500 deposit fee, it’s also expensive for most businesses
Pricing: $500 initial deposit
9. Upwork
Upwork is one of the leading sites for freelancers for any project. Whether it’s programming, design, tech, or marketing, Upwork has it. You can surely find a web developer with a push of a button.
Pros:
- You can search a wide variety of freelance developers
- You can see reviews before hiring a freelance developer
Cons:
- You can find freelance developers that may not deliver quality work
- Customer support isn’t stellar
Pricing:
Upwork charges a 3% payment processing fee
But if you want to hire vetted freelancers and post up to 15 more jobs, you can subscribe to their Upwork Plus Plan: $49.99/mo
10. Fiverr
Fiverr is another freelance site to hire a freelance developer. It’s a place where freelance developers could post their gigs and get hired in an instant. Freelancers are called sellers on the site since they’re offering services to businesses.
Pros:
- You can find affordable freelance developers on the site, but you can also find vetted developers on Fiverr Pro
- No time to find a freelancer? You can use Fiverr Business, and they will help you find one
Cons:
- You’re still at risk of hiring fraudulent sellers
- Hiring a developer there is not meant for long-term projects
Pricing:
Fiverr Business: $0 on the first year but $149/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it best to have one developer for any web development tasks for a long time?
No. So long as you know the programming language used by your former web developer, you can hire a new one anytime.
Will web developers know how to optimize my website for SEO?
They’re not required to have extensive SEO knowledge, but they might have information about the basics. You can ask them directly in the interview.
Do developers know how to design websites or mobile apps?
Web design and web development are different. You could hire a web designer first, and your developer will code. And if you also need a web designer, you have options in this list of unlimited graphic design services.
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