How to get great work out of your freelancer (without micromanaging them)

Hiring a freelancer should save you time.
But too often, it becomes a part-time job in itself:

• Endless brief updates
• Feedback on feedback
• Back-and-forth about tone
• Final drafts that feel… off

So let’s fix that.

Whether you’re outsourcing content, copy, design or strategy, here’s how to get better work (without hovering.)

1. Be crystal clear on what you actually want

Freelancers aren’t mind readers (even the good ones).
They can write, but they can’t guess what you want to say.

Before you hand over a project, be clear on:

• What the piece is for
• Who it’s targeting
• What you want them to think, do, or understand
• Any examples of tone or format you do (or don’t) like
• What’s “off limits” — anything legally, factually, or brand-wise

Not helpful: “Just write something up and I’ll take a look.”
‍More helpful: “We need a clear, human explainer for [audience] that helps them understand [X], and positions us as [Y]."

2. Give context — not just instructions

Freelancers work best when they understand the why behind the project.

Instead of just assigning a headline or task, give them:

• Background on the campaign or strategy
• What’s already been done (and what fell flat)
• Insights about your audience or internal politics
• Links to related content, tone of voice guides or brand docs

Context = confidence. And confident freelancers produce better work.

3. Set up a fast feedback loop (without chasing)

If your freelancer has to wait a week for comments, that’s a red flag for both of you.
Equally: if you are waiting on them without updates, that’s a workflow issue.

Agree upfront on:

• How feedback will be given (tracked doc, Loom, call, etc.)
• When feedback will come back (and from who)
• How many rounds are included (to manage expectations)

You don’t need to be constantly in touch. But you do need a shared rhythm.

4. Give them room to think — not just execute

If you hired someone to “take it off your plate”, let them actually own it.

Freelancers can spot gaps, ask better questions, and suggest smarter ways to approach the work — if you give them permission.

Micromanaging makes us cautious.
Trust makes us sharper.

5. Respect the scope (and know when you’ve outgrown it)

Asking for “just a few tweaks” to an entirely new draft?
Changing direction after a final version?
Forwarding a new brief halfway through?

These are scope-creep traps.

Most freelancers are happy to be flexible — but respecting their time helps maintain a great working relationship. Especially if you want long-term support.

Not sure if it’s in scope? Just ask. Most of us would rather have the conversation than resent the changes.

Bonus: Build the relationship — not just the deliverable

Freelancers who understand your business deeply will always deliver better work.
But that only happens when you treat them like a partner, not a task-ticker.

• Share results from past content
• Give feedback on what worked (not just what didn’t)
• Tell them what internal language or politics they need to know
• Keep them looped in on new projects, plans or ideas

The more we know, the sharper the work gets.
And the less you’ll feel like you need to rewrite anything.

Need support that doesn’t need managing?

Whether you’re after a content partner who can run with things independently, or just want to get smarter systems in place, I can help.

Explore content retainers, one-off projects, or 1:1 support, and get content off your plate (without losing control).