When it comes to outsourcing, you want to ensure you’re working with reliable, affordable sources. We’ve rounded up the best outsourcing websites for your small business.
I’ve tested these sites and have found them to provide top-notch service, great value, and a wide range of services that can help take your business to the next level.
This guide will help you determine which of these sites is best for your needs and provide additional tips to make the most of your outsourcing experience.
Best Outsourcing Websites
Finding outsourcing firms can be difficult, especially for small businesses that may not have the resources to invest in a comprehensive search.
Here are some of the best outsourcing websites for your small business. Check out their features and decide which one is right for you.
Fiverr
Fiverr is an excellent choice for business owners who outsource their day-to-day tasks.
Built around the idea of connecting professionals with businesses for both short and long-term projects, Fiverr has become one of the leading platforms for small businesses to access talent from around the world.
Its easy-to-use platform allows users to quickly search and connect with freelancers who possess various skills, from online marketing and customer service to web design and content writing.
Fiverr offers one of the most competitive pricing models, allowing users to hire talent per project without committing to long-term contracts or subscriptions. This makes it an ideal option for cost-efficient yet reliable outsourcing solutions.
What’s it For?
Fiverr is perfect for any business that needs reliable, experienced talent to help them with their daily tasks.
Whether you need a content writer, graphic designer, or virtual assistant, Fiverr has professionals who can get the job done quickly and efficiently.
So if you’re looking for an outsourcing solution that won’t break the bank, Fiverr is the one for you.
Pros
- Competitive pricing model
- High quality of service
- Easy-to-use interface and search tools
- Wide range of services available
Cons:
- Limited control over freelancers’ work products
Upwork
Upwork is one of the most popular and well-known websites for small business owners looking to outsource tasks to talented freelancers.
Founded in 2015, Upwork provides an online platform where employers can connect with highly-qualified professionals from around the world, giving them access to a much larger pool of skilled workers than they would otherwise be able to find locally.
The website simplifies finding and hiring freelancers by providing an easy-to-navigate interface, which allows users to quickly post their jobs, search for potential candidates and begin communicating with them in just a few clicks.
With its extensive database of potential contractors, Upwork makes it easier for businesses to find the perfect person for their tasks.
What’s it For?
Upwork is perfect for any business that needs quality talent to help them with their projects.
This online platform makes it easy to find experienced and reliable professionals who can provide a wide array of services, such as the following:
- Web design
- Content writing
- SEO optimization
Pros
- Easy-to-use platform
- Wide range of services available
- High-quality freelancers
Cons:
- Higher fees than other outsourcing websites
99 Designs
99 Designs is an online platform for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking for custom designs and illustrations.
Founded in 2008, the company has become a leading outsourcing destination for graphic design, web design, logo design, printing services, and more.
In addition to offering competitive prices for services, their website also features a wide range of tools to help businesses find the right designer or illustrator to fit their needs.
Their simple-to-use interface makes it easy to search through portfolios and narrow your choices based on budget, experience level, and area of expertise.
With over 400,000 active designers from more than 180 countries around the world contributing to their global creative community, 99 Designs provides access to top talent at any budget.
What’s it For?
99 Designs is perfect for businesses looking for custom designs, illustrations, and graphics.
Whether you need a logo design, website layout, or print materials, this online platform has professionals who can do the job quickly and efficiently.
Pros
- Quick turnaround time from when you post the project to when the designs start coming in
- High-quality work from experienced designers around the world
- Affordable pricing options available for all budget levels
Cons
- Limited control over who can submit designs for your projects
- Lack of dedicated account management service
Gigster
Gigster is a leading outsourcing platform that helps small businesses outsource projects to an international network of skilled professionals.
Founded in 2014, the company has quickly become one of the leading outsourcing websites for entrepreneurs and business owners.
With a customer base spanning more than 125 countries and over 500,000 professionals available on the platform, Gigster provides a comprehensive selection of services ranging from software development to virtual assistant work.
What’s it For?
Gigster is an excellent choice for businesses that need help with software development, website design, or virtual assistant services.
The platform provides access to talented professionals worldwide, allowing you to outsource your project quickly and efficiently.
Pros
- Competitive rates
- Wide selection of talent
- Over 500,000 professionals are available on the platform
Cons:
- More expensive than other outsourcing websites
Toptal
Toptal is an online platform that connects businesses with the following:
- Designers
- Top-tier software engineers
- Finance experts from around the world
Unlike other outsourcing websites, Toptal requires its professionals to pass a rigorous screening process before they are allowed on the platform.
This ensures that only the most qualified experts are available for hire.
What’s it For?
Toptal is perfect for businesses that need software engineers, designers, or finance experts to help them build their projects.
The platform provides access to some of the best talent available in these industries, assuring you that your project will be completed with the utmost quality and professionalism.
Pros
- Great prices
- Freelancers go through a rigorous screening process
- Automated payments and the invoicing system allow for streamlined project management and payment processes
Cons:
- Freelancers on this platform tend to specialize in either software development or design, which means if you need services from both disciplines, then it’s best not to go with Toptal, as their services don’t overlap
Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com is a popular online platform that connects businesses to talented and experienced professionals worldwide.
It is one of the leading outsourcing websites on the market, allowing users to find freelancers who can help them with projects of any size and complexity.
The company has been operating since 2009 and now boasts over 30 million users worldwide, making it a great go-to resource for small businesses looking to outsource their work.
Freelancer.com offers many features to make your experience smooth and hassle-free, such as:
- Payment protection
- An easy-to-use interface
- An integrated messaging system
- Detailed profiles with ratings and feedback
What’s it For?
Freelancer.com is perfect for businesses looking to outsource projects of any size and complexity.
Whether you need a logo design, website development, or virtual assistant services, this platform has professionals who can get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Pros
- Secure payment system with built-in protection for both freelancers and clients
- Detailed profiles with ratings and feedback to help you find the right person for the job
Cons:
- Not all freelancers have completed background checks or been vetted, so you may need to research before hiring someone.
What is Outsourcing?
Outsourcing is a business practice in which an organization contracts with an outside company to provide services, perform tasks, or deliver products.
This can be done either domestically or abroad, and it involves transferring a portion of the business’s operations to an external entity.
The purpose of outsourcing is to lower costs while still maintaining quality control over the activities being outsourced.
How to Start Outsourcing Work
Whether you’re a small business or a large multi-national corporation, outsourcing your workload can have significant benefits.
Here are the steps to start outsourcing your work.
Step 1: Determine What You Can Outsource
The first step in outsourcing work is determining which tasks you can outsource and which tasks should remain with your team.
It’s essential to evaluate which tasks are best suited for an outside source and which can be done better and more efficiently within your current team.
Consider the following:
- Cost efficiency
- The type of task
- The complexity of the job
- The time it would take to complete it
Step 2: Compare In-House Costs to Outsourcing
Once you’ve identified which tasks to outsource, it’s time to compare the costs of performing the work in-house versus outsourcing.
Be sure to factor in all associated costs, such as:
- Time spent learning the skills required for the task
- The cost of hiring additional staff or freelancers
- Any additional training or equipment needed
Step 3: Create SOPs (Do Not Skip This Step)
Creating SOPs (standard operating procedures) is an integral part of outsourcing work.
SOPs provide clarity and structure to the process, ensuring that all tasks are completed in a consistent manner.
These instructions should include detailed information on the following:
- The task at hand
- The desired delivery time
- Any software or equipment used
Implementing an SOP can help ensure that the work is completed quickly and efficiently while also reducing the potential for errors.
Step 4: Create Freelance Agreements
Once you have identified the tasks that need to be outsourced, it’s time to create contracts or agreements with freelancers or third-party companies.
These agreements should include information about the scope of work, payment terms, and deadlines for completion.
Be sure to read over all documents carefully before signing them, as they will provide the framework for completing the work.
Step 5: Research Outsourcing Websites (See Below)
Now, it’s time to research and find the best outsourcing websites for your business.
There are various platforms available, each with its advantages and disadvantages.
To make sure you choose the right one for your needs, take the time to compare features like:
- Easy-to-use interface
- Secure payment system
- Detailed profiles with ratings and feedback
By doing your due diligence, you can ensure that you find the best outsourcing website for your needs.
Step 6: Narrow Your List of Candidates to Three
Now that you’ve researched and compared the features of different outsourcing websites, it’s time to narrow your list of candidates down to three.
The best way to do this is by visiting each website, reading through reviews and ratings, and thoroughly evaluating the quality of their services. It’s also important to consider the cost associated with each provider, as these may vary depending on the scope of work.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, you’ll want to further evaluate each candidate.
Be sure to ask questions such as the following:
- What experience do they have in my industry?
- Are they familiar with the technologies I need?
- Do they have any testimonials from previous clients?
- What payment terms do they offer?
- How quickly can they complete tasks?
Answering these questions will help ensure that you find a reliable partner who can deliver quality results in a timely manner.
Additionally, be sure to read through their terms and conditions prior to signing a contract or making any payments. This will help protect both parties from potential conflicts or misunderstandings down the road.
Step 7: Run a Test with Three Candidates
Once you’ve narrowed your list of candidates to three, it’s time to run a test project.
This will help you gain a better understanding of the skills and quality of work each provider is capable of producing.
Before beginning the project, it is essential to:
- Set clear goals and expectations
- Establish a timeline for completion
- Agree on payment terms
- Discuss any potential risks
Once these details have been finalized, you can move forward with the task.
Step 8: Select a Person to Outsource Work To
Now that you’ve run a test project and evaluated the quality of work from each candidate, it’s time to make your final decision.
When selecting the best person to outsource work to, there are a few key factors to consider:
- How reliable were they in completing tasks?
- Were they able to provide quality results within the agreed-upon timeline?
- Do their rates fit within my budget?
- Would I be comfortable working with this person long-term?
Commonly Outsourced Tasks
There are many tasks that you can outsource to help your business increase its efficiency and scalability.
Some of the most common tasks include:
- Writing
- Accounting
- Customer support
- Logistics
- Legal documentation
- Manufacturing
- Bookkeeping
- Website design
- Marketing work
Writing
Writing is one of the most commonly outsourced tasks, with businesses relying on outside help to create content that can capture their target audience.
Writing involves crafting an engaging narrative, and depending on the type of writing needed, it can require research and a deep understanding of the subject matter to be successful.
Professional writers bring expertise to the table when helping businesses create content for:
- Marketing materials
- Website copy
- Blog posts
- Newsletters
- Press releases
Outsourcing writing tasks also allows a business to free up resources and time to focus on other essential activities.
Accounting
Outsourcing your accounting needs is an effective way to ensure your business’s financial records are accurate and up-to-date.
By partnering with a professional such as TGG-accounting, you gain access to their expertise and specialized software that can help streamline the process of tracking expenses, income, taxes, and other important financial information.
Accounting services can include:
- Bookkeeping
- Tax filing
- Monthly reconciliations
- Budgeting advice
- Financial forecasting
Customer Support
Providing excellent customer service is essential for any business, as it helps to build trust and drive sales.
By outsourcing your customer support needs, you can provide a higher level of service to your customers without having to hire an additional team member.
Outsourcing customer support services can include:
- Answering emails and phone calls
- Responding to customer inquiries and complaints
- Assisting with technical issues
- Providing product or service information
Logistics
Logistics management is critical for any business that requires the transportation of goods.
Outsourcing this task can free up resources and time so the business owner can focus on other tasks. It also eliminates the need to hire additional staff members, which helps to reduce overhead costs.
Businesses typically outsource logistics services such as:
- Shipping/receiving
- Inventory tracking and control
- Packaging and labeling
Legal Documentation
Having access to legal advice is essential for any business, and outsourcing your legal documentation needs can help you stay compliant with laws and regulations.
Lawyers provide specialized knowledge and experience in areas such as contract negotiation, intellectual property protection, labor law compliance, and more.
By outsourcing your legal documentation needs, you gain access to experienced professionals who can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system.
Outsourcing your legal documents can also give you peace of mind knowing that your paperwork is being handled correctly and efficiently.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is an important part of any business that involves physical goods, as it determines how quickly products are produced and distributed to consumers.
Outsourcing manufacturing tasks can be a beneficial way to manage production without having to build or maintain a physical facility.
This allows businesses to focus on other aspects, such as marketing, sales, and customer service, while still providing quality products in a timely manner.
Website Design
Websites are essential for any business that wants to reach a larger audience and increase sales.
Outsourcing website design is a great way to ensure your website looks professional and functions appropriately.
Professional web designers can help create an eye-catching design optimized for search engines and mobile devices.
By outsourcing website design, you gain access to experienced professionals who understand the latest trends in web development, which can help you stay ahead of the competition.
Marketing Work
Marketing is an important part of any business, and outsourcing marketing tasks can help you reach a larger audience and increase sales.
By partnering with experienced professionals, you gain access to their expertise in content creation, search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, email marketing, and more.
Outsourcing your marketing needs allows you to focus on other business areas while ensuring that your marketing efforts are successful.
Conclusion
Outsourcing is a great way for small businesses to manage their workload without hiring additional staff members.
By partnering with experienced professionals, businesses gain access to specialized knowledge and skills that can help them improve their operations and grow their businesses.
Do you have any questions about outsourcing websites? Let us know in the comments below!
