There is one way to find a great freelance writer or graphic arts designer that many people don’t think of. It’s easy to find a website we admire for looks or content, and we bookmark that site, go looking for a freelancer, and say, “I like this site. Do something like that for me.”
Now, the freelancer you find may be able to replicate some or all of what you like. The individual can probably come up with a similar color scheme or content that rivals what you’ve read. There will be differences, though. The look won’t be quite the same. The content won’t be identical in tone or style. This isn’t the best way to get what you want.
What is the best way? Ask. If you see something that appeals to you or you read something you like, why not drop the webmaster of the site a quick email explaining that you’re looking for a freelancer and that you’d like the contact of the party he or she used to build the site? With the name and contact info of the designer or writer you like, you can go straight to the source. You’ll be guaranteed to get exactly what you want from someone who has the skills you want.
It’s cold calling in reverse. Freelancers drop unsolicited emails to webmasters offering their services. Sometimes it pays off, sometimes it doesn’t. The same applies to cold calling webmasters to know who worked on their site. You may get an answer; you may not. If you do, then all the better, and you’ll have the contact of just the person for your needs. If you didn’t get a reply from the webmaster, you’re no worse off than before.
Chances are that if you email someone complimenting their site, the person will be proud to receive the good commentary and happy to share the wealth. It’s amazing what you can get just from asking.
