How To Find A Good Affordable Freelancer

Let's say you want to hire someone to help you with a small task. Maybe you need a writer, a copywriter, a proofreader, a web developer, a graphic designer, etc.

Well, essentially you are looking for a freelancer - and there are tons of them out there. Sites like Elance.com and iFreelance.com are great places to find one. However, sometimes it can be hard to narrow down who you should go with.

Here's my secret: Hire a freelancer who lives in a smaller, affordable city. For instance, a person who lives in southern Utah or central Ohio will charge a lot less than a person who lives in New York City, LA, or Miami. Their living and operating expenses are much cheaper, and they can pass the savings along to you.

Now, I'm not telling you to just go with anybody. Make sure that they are good at what they do. There are tons of talented professionals in smaller cities; You don't have to settle for low quality.

Suppose you find a freelancer that you really, really like in a big city. Should you not do business with them? Not necessarily. Just make sure that they are giving you a comparable rate.

Freelancers in big cities probably won't like me for posting this blog, but in a down economy - entrepreneurs need to know how to cut their costs in order to survive.

For more cost-saving tips, check out my article entitled "Roll Up Your Sleeves" in the December/January issue of NV Magazine available at Barnes & Noble.