How to Choose the Right Freelancer

Read the cover message carefully

A good cover message references your specific project. If a freelancer mentions details from your brief, they actually read it. If their message could apply to any project on the platform, that's a red flag.

Look for: a proposed approach, questions about your requirements, and relevant experience. Skip generic copy-paste messages.

Check the portfolio, not just the rating

A 4.9 rating is great, but it doesn't tell you if this freelancer's style matches what you're looking for. Look at their past work. Do you like the aesthetic? Is it in a similar category to your project?

A freelancer who specializes in your niche (e.g., Shopify ecommerce, restaurant branding) is usually a better bet than a generalist with a higher rating.

Consider the bid amount in context

The cheapest bid is rarely the best choice. Very low bids often mean the freelancer underestimated the work, is desperate for any project, or plans to cut corners.

The highest bid isn't automatically the best either. Compare what each freelancer is proposing to deliver, not just the price.

Message before you hire

Use the messaging feature to ask follow-up questions. How quickly do they respond? Do they ask clarifying questions? Are they easy to communicate with? These are often better predictors of a good working relationship than any number on their profile.

Red flags

• Generic cover message with no project-specific details
• Brand new account with no portfolio or reviews
• Bid amount that's less than half your minimum budget
• Promising everything in an impossibly short timeline
• Asking to take the conversation off-platform