Reviews are useful, but I usually prefer looking at actual examples of previous work. A freelancer can have good reviews and still not have experience with the specific type of project I need.
 
For bigger projects, I'd definitely recommend using milestones. For example, you could divide the work into planning, first draft, revisions, and final delivery. That makes the project easier to manage and reduces surprises.
 
The best freelancer isn't necessarily the most experienced person available. Sometimes someone with less experience but strong communication and the right skills can be a better fit for a specific project.
 
I think a detailed project brief is one of the easiest ways to control freelancer costs. If the freelancer understands the requirements from the beginning, there is less chance of repeated revisions or unexpected work later.
 
Another thing I look for is how quickly and clearly the freelancer responds before hiring. Communication during the hiring stage can give you a good idea of what working with that person will be like.
 
I once hired a freelancer because they offered the lowest price. The work looked fine at first, but I ended up spending more time fixing small mistakes. Since then, I compare quality and communication before price.
 
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