This week on the Scale Your Small Business Podcast with your host, Jillian Flodstrom, we’re breaking down hiring a virtual assistant or freelancer. There’s a lot to unpack when you start to consider outsourcing work that means a lot to you, and even more logistical things to keep in mind. But with the right attitude and a little insight, you’ll be happy you have the help–and talent–that’s out there.
A question that’s often asked is “how do I pay my freelancers and virtual assistants?” First things first–the chances are you’re hiring these individuals to make your life easier. So why make it harder than it has to be?
Different platforms and services offer different methods of payment for their freelancers. Places like Upwork and Fiverr use an escrow system, which is when payment for a project is held by a third-party, offering the protection of your approval of the final product, as well as security that the money has already been deposited for the freelancer.
In the end, what’s important is that you find a service that works for you. Consider exchange rates, transfer rates, deposit time, automatic payments, and security. All of these aspects have a major impact on the relationship you have with your freelancer or VA. Especially if you’re hiring outside of the US, there are some important things to research. Remember, you’re aiming to make everyone’s lives easier.
Knowing the numbers before you look to hire is crucial. Some rates to consider: If you’re just looking for a general virtual assistant, someone to maybe help you go through emails and other general tasks, $450 to $700 a month. If you’re looking for someone to write articles, content, things like that, that goes up significantly. If you’re looking for someone full-time, that might be five to $700 a month. For blogs or social media, $500. Press releases, six to $800. eBooks, between $700 to a thousand.
A full-time SEO specialist, $800. A full-time web developer, $800 to a thousand a month. A graphic artist full-time would be $700 to a thousand dollars a month.
Finding the right fit for your business can be daunting, but using services like Virtual Staff Finder can make your life much, much easier. Through this service, you can have people found for you who align with the work you’re looking to have done and the culture you have at your company. DISC assessments, English proficiency, and other important aspects of their work are all considered.
In the end, it’s all about being clear and concise about expectations when searching, hiring, and paying a virtual assistant or freelancer. You get what you pay for, so be sure to do your due diligence or risk paying the price later on.
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