Hire help for tasks you cannot do yet
A plain path for a complete beginner: decide what you need, write a clear brief, compare freelancers, order safely and get the result you wanted.
Disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you sign up or buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Decide what you really need
You don't have to learn every skill to start a website or online business. Some tasks are worth handing to someone else, for example:
- A logo or simple brand look.
- Editing a short video or a podcast clip.
- Proofreading or writing a short piece of text.
- A small design job, such as a banner or a social media template.
Pick one small task to start with. A small first job is cheaper and lets you learn how the process works.
Write a clear brief
The better you explain the job, the better the result. In a few short lines, write down:
- What you need: for example, "a simple logo for a website about beginner online business".
- Who it is for: your audience and the feeling you want, such as friendly, simple, trustworthy.
- Examples you like: two or three links or screenshots, and one thing you don't want.
- The files you need: for example, a PNG for the website and a version for social media.
- Your deadline and your budget.
Tip: keep it to one page. A freelancer who gets a short, clear brief can start straight away, and can tell you quickly if the job doesn't fit.
Find the right marketplace
A freelance marketplace lets you search for people who sell a specific service, compare them, and pay through one platform that holds the payment until the work is done. Fiverr is one of the best-known options, and it lists services in many categories, including design, video, writing and business.
Check how the platform's fees, payment protection and revision rules work before you order, because they differ between marketplaces and change over time.
Compare sellers, not just prices
Search for your task and open three or four sellers. Compare them on:
- Their portfolio: do you like the style of their past work?
- Reviews: read several, including the lower ones, and look for comments on communication and deadlines.
- Delivery time and revisions: how many rounds of changes are included?
- What each package includes: files, formats and commercial rights.
The cheapest offer is not always the best. A clear portfolio and good reviews are better signs than a very low price.
Message the seller before you order
Send your short brief and ask two questions: whether they can do it in your time and budget, and what they need from you. Their answer tells you a lot about how they communicate.
Keep all messages and payments inside the platform. If someone asks you to pay or talk outside it, that removes the protection the platform gives you, so say no and report it.
Order, review the delivery, and ask for changes
When the seller delivers, check the work against your brief before you accept it:
- Does it match what you asked for, in the formats you needed?
- Is the text correct and the quality good on a phone and a computer?
- Is it original? Ask what you are allowed to use it for.
If something is off, ask for a revision and be specific about what to change. Accept the delivery only when you're happy with it, then leave an honest review.
Mistakes to avoid
- Ordering a big, expensive job before you've tried a small one.
- Writing a vague brief, then being unhappy with a vague result.
- Choosing only on price.
- Paying or chatting outside the platform.
- Using work without checking that your package includes the rights you need.
- Hiding that your links are affiliate links.
Ready to start?
Pick one small task, write your brief, and compare a few sellers. Check the current fees, packages and rules on the official site before you pay.
Prices, fees, packages and rules change often. Check the official site for current details before you buy. Results vary, and the quality of work depends on the seller and on how clear your brief is.