TouchGigs
January 1, 2026
2 Comments
Hiring & Outsourcing

7 Common Hiring Mistakes Businesses Make When Using Freelancers

Freelancers can be amazing — if you hire them correctly

Many businesses try freelancers once, have a bad experience, and assume freelancing “doesn’t work.” In reality, most problems come from unclear instructions, poor expectations, or weak project management.

Here are seven common mistakes and how to avoid them on TouchGigs.

1) Writing a vague job description

“Need a logo ASAP” is not a brief. Add brand style, target audience, examples, and what you want delivered.

2) Choosing the cheapest offer only

Price matters, but value matters more. Look at portfolios, reviews, and communication quality.

3) Not defining success criteria

What does “done” mean? Define measurable outcomes: file types, dimensions, word count, performance targets, etc.

4) Forgetting timelines and milestones

For larger projects, set milestones. This keeps both sides aligned and reduces risk.

5) Poor communication cadence

Silence causes delays. Set expectations: daily check-ins, weekly updates, or milestone-based reviews.

6) Ignoring time zones

Remote is global. Agree on overlap hours and response times. This avoids frustration.

7) No system for feedback and revisions

Great results come from iteration. Give clear feedback, provide references, and keep revision rounds reasonable.

A simple “TouchGigs hiring checklist”

  • Clear brief + examples
  • Budget range + timeline
  • Deliverables list
  • Milestones for bigger work
  • Feedback and revision plan

Final thought: Freelancers are not employees — they are partners for project outcomes. When you set them up for success, they deliver huge value.

Leave a Comment

Comments

Lucas Nguyen
January 1, 2026 at 06:52 PM

Milestones help a lot, especially for website projects.

Lina Weber
January 1, 2026 at 06:50 PM

The “vague brief” mistake is real. Clear deliverables fix most issues.

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