Updated 2026-08-13

How to hire a freelancer in Australia

A practical hiring sequence for Australian SMEs: brief, shortlist, escrow, delivery and release — without losing the brief in email.

1. Write a brief that can be escrowed

List outcome, audience, tools, deadline and what “done” looks like. Attach examples. If you cannot describe done, buy a paid discovery hour first.

2. Shortlist from a category, not from DMs

Open the matching category or hire page, compare two or three profiles, and check city, shift and stack. Prefer people who already list the package you need.

3. Fund escrow before work starts

Do not pay a stranger off-platform. Escrow holds funds until you accept the delivery. If scope changes, add a milestone.

4. Work in Messages and a board

Keep files and approvals on the platform so both sides can see the thread. Release when the brief is met — not “when they seem nice”.