How to hire web researchers
From public policy to pop culture, there’s an abundance of information readily available on the web. Web research professionals can do the heavy lifting of validating sources, answering questions, and organizing that information into a format your business can use.
So how do you hire web researchers? Here are some tips for finding top web researchers on Upwork.
How to shortlist web research professionals
As you’re browsing available web research consultants, it can be helpful to develop a shortlist of the professionals you may want to interview. You can screen profiles using criteria such as:
- Industry fit. You want a web researcher who understands your industry so they can leverage trusted sources of information.
- Project experience. Screen candidate profiles for specific skills and experience (e.g., web scraping public data for a marketing report).
- Feedback. Check reviews from past clients for glowing testimonials or red flags that can tell you what it’s like to work with a particular web research contractor.
How to write an effective web research job post
With a clear picture of your ideal web research professional in mind, it’s time to write that job post. Although you don’t need a full job description as you would when hiring an employee, aim to provide enough detail for a contractor to know if they’re the right fit for the project.
An effective web research job post should include:
- Scope of work: From fact-checking content to researching topics, list all the deliverables you’ll need.
- Project length: Your job post should indicate whether this is a smaller or larger project.
- Background: If you prefer experience with certain industries, subjects, or research tools, mention this here.
- Budget: Set a budget and note your preference for hourly rates vs. fixed-price contracts.
Ready to pull accurate information off the web? Log in and post your web research job on Upwork today.
WEB RESEARCH SPECIALISTS FAQ
What is web research?
Web research is a general term for obtaining information from the web. From collecting data for marketing forecasts to fact-checking content, there are many reasons why a business or organization might contract a web researcher.
Here’s a quick overview of the skills you should look for in web research professionals:
- Web research
- Content writing
- Subject-matter expertise (e.g., marketing, finance, health)
Why hire web research specialists?
The trick to finding top web researchers is to identify your needs. Are you seeking a content writer who can perform their own research on a variety of topics in your niche? Or do you require technical skills, such as web scraping, to get the data you need? The cost of your project will depend largely on your scope of work and the specific skills needed to bring your project to life.
How much does it cost to hire a web researcher?
Rates can vary due to many factors, including expertise and experience, location, and market conditions.
- An experienced web research consultant may command higher fees but also work faster, have more-specialized areas of expertise, and deliver higher-quality work.
- A contractor who is still in the process of building a client base may price their web research services more competitively.
Which one is right for you will depend on the specifics of your project.