Ask to see progress on the project if that is possible. Then provide clear, concise feedback early on in the game. Freelancers aren’t mind readers. What they create may be sheer genius, but if you don’t like it, you need to tell them that in a polite, constructive way. Tell them what you don’t like, what you do, and what you’d like to see. Give freelancers feedback to work with at all times.

Provide clear starting guidelines. If you want XYZ with some A and B tossed in, tell the freelancer that. Try to be as specific with your needs and ideas as possible. Telling a freelancer you want a “pretty” website or a “great” article doesn’t give them clear guidelines to work with to produce what you want to see.

Ask to see progress on the project if that is possible. Then provide clear, concise feedback early on in the game. Freelancers aren't mind readers. What they create may be sheer genius, but if you don't like it, you need to tell them that in a polite, constructive way. Tell them what you don't like, what you do, and what you'd like to see. Give freelancers feedback to work with at all times.

Provide clear starting guidelines. If you want XYZ with some A and B tossed in, tell the freelancer that. Try to be as specific with your needs and ideas as possible. Telling a freelancer you want a “pretty” website or a “great” article doesn't give them clear guidelines to work with to produce what you want to see.

@Michael: I agree as well with respect to writing everything down. I didn’t include a point about having a rigid contract though, because it really won’t matter if a vendor is going to screw you over. Having the project itself documented will help communication though.

@Michael: I agree as well with respect to writing everything down. I didn't include a point about having a rigid contract though, because it really won't matter if a vendor is going to screw you over. Having the project itself documented will help communication though.