Connecting Talent and Opportunity: The Story of Freelancer and Its Founders
Company profile
Company business details
Motivation to build the product
The founders were motivated by the need to create a global marketplace that connects individuals seeking work with those offering skills. They recognized the challenges faced by freelancers in finding consistent work and by businesses in sourcing talent efficiently.Problem that their product solves
Freelancer addresses the problem of connecting businesses with skilled professionals in a timely manner. The end users include both freelancers looking for job opportunities and businesses seeking to hire talent for specific projects. Solving this problem is important as it enables individuals to find work and pursue their passions while providing businesses with access to a diverse labor force.Their unfair advantage
Freelancer's unfair advantage lies in its large user base and established reputation as one of the world's largest freelancing platforms, which attracts both freelancers and businesses looking for talent.Strategies
Pre-Launch (Product Development & MVP)
Freelancer Contest for Business Name
The founder utilized Freelancer.com to run a contest for naming a new business focused on a Tinder virtual assistant app. He set a budget of $30 and made the contest sealed, ensuring that only he could see the entries. This approach allowed him to receive a variety of creative name suggestions while protecting his ideas from being copied. After reviewing the entries and providing feedback, he selected a name that was available as a domain and registered it, thus securing the brand identity for his business.
Freelancer Contest for Logo Design
Following the naming of the business, the founder again turned to Freelancer.com to create a logo for the Tinder virtual assistant app. He posted a contest with a budget of $30, this time opting for an open contest format to encourage more creativity and feedback from participants. By providing a mood board and specific branding guidelines, he was able to receive numerous logo designs. After a few days of feedback and revisions, he selected a logo that resonated with the target audience, further solidifying the brand's visual identity.
Wireframe Development via Freelancer
To develop the app, the founder created a detailed specification document outlining the app's features and functionality. He then posted a project on Freelancer.com to find a designer who could create wireframes for the app. By setting a budget of $250 to $750, he ensured that he would receive quality bids. The designer created a storyboard using tools like Figma, allowing the founder to visualize the app's user interface and flow. This step was crucial in saving time and costs during the actual app development phase.
High Fidelity Mockup Contest
Once the wireframes were completed, the founder organized another contest on Freelancer.com to create a high-fidelity mockup of the app's main screen. He set a budget of $100 and provided detailed instructions on the desired aesthetics and functionality. This contest attracted numerous entries, allowing him to refine the app's design based on user feedback. The final mockup served as a pixel-perfect representation of the app, which would guide the development process.
Freelancer for App Development
With the branding and design elements in place, the founder posted a project on Freelancer.com to hire a developer to code the app. He set a budget ranging from $500 to a few thousand dollars, depending on the complexity of the app. By reviewing portfolios and interviewing candidates, he selected a developer who could bring the app to life, ensuring that the project was completed efficiently and met the established specifications.
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