Freelance work in London is growing fast. More companies are stepping away from full-time hires and looking for flexible, skilled PR professionals who can jump in quickly. Whether it’s a campaign launch, crisis support, or media outreach, freelance PR consultants offer a faster, more flexible way to get the job done.
But here’s the tricky part. Hiring the right freelancer isn’t always easy. There are risks, delays, and way too many unknowns. That’s why it pays to understand what works and who can help you find the right fit from the start. Let’s get straight to it.
Why More Companies Are Turning to Freelance PR Professionals
Hiring freelancers just makes sense right now. With budgets tighter and workloads shifting all the time, more companies in London are rethinking how they build their PR teams. Full-time hires come with long contracts, high overheads, and a slower recruitment process. But freelancers? They give you speed, savings, and skill without the long-term commitment.
Here’s why businesses are making the switch:
- You save money on short-term projects: You don’t need to pay a full salary, holiday, or benefits. You just bring them in when there’s work to do, like a product launch or a one-off crisis campaign. That means more control over your spending.
- You get access to specialist skills: Need someone with deep experience in tech PR? Many freelancers have years of niche experience and have worked across top brands and agencies. You get all that knowledge without training them up from scratch.
- You can start fast: Freelancers are often ready to go within days. No waiting weeks for notice periods or paperwork. They’re used to jumping in quickly, learning fast, and getting to work.
- You get flexibility: Maybe you need someone just a few days a week or only for three months. Freelancers work around your schedule, not the other way around. That makes them perfect for campaigns, seasonal spikes, or helping your in-house team catch up.
The Challenges Companies Face When Hiring Freelancers
Now for the other side of the coin. Hiring freelancers sounds simple, but in reality, it can get messy without the right setup.
Limited Visibility of High-Quality Freelancers
Here’s the problem: the best freelancers aren’t always visible. Many don’t use job boards. They rely on referrals or past clients to stay busy. That means if you don’t know the right people, you might miss out on the top talent.
Risk of Poor Fit or Missed Deadlines
Hiring without a clear process can backfire. Without proper vetting, things can go wrong. The freelancer might not meet your standards. Or worse, they might disappear before the work’s done. With no trial period or feedback steps, it’s hard to fix problems once they start.
Administrative Hassles
Managing contracts, invoices, and compliance can be time-consuming. IR35 regulations and insurance requirements add another layer of complexity. To stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes, it’s important to understand the UK freelance tax and legal rules for PR consultants. That’s why many businesses turn to experts like Hanson Search to handle these steps smoothly
What to Look for in a Great Freelance PR Consultant
You’re not just hiring extra hands. You’re bringing in expertise. So, how do you know if a freelancer is the right fit for your team and your brief?
Here’s what to check before saying yes:
- Relevant experience matters.
You want someone who’s handled similar projects or industries before. Have they led B2B campaigns? Do they understand your sector? If you’re a fintech scale-up, someone with FMCG experience won’t cut it, no matter how good they are.
- Solid media contacts.
A good freelance PR consultant comes with strong journalist relationships. Ask them who they’ve pitched to lately or where their clients have recently been featured. If they can’t name names or outlets, that’s a red flag.
- Clear communication.
They should be responsive, easy to brief, and good at managing expectations. Freelancers don’t come with a manager; you’re trusting them to keep things moving. Look for someone professional, organised and upfront about timelines.
- Results, not just activity.
Have they delivered real coverage or just sent out press releases? Ask for examples of their work, clippings, campaign reports, or links to articles. You want someone who drives outcomes, not just ticks boxes.
- References and reputation.
A quick call with a previous client can save you a lot of trouble. Good freelancers get repeat business for a reason; people trust them to deliver.
How Hanson Search Makes Freelance Hiring Easier
You don’t have to search on your own. Hanson Search helps you find top freelance PR talent in London fast and without the hassle.
Access to Pre-Vetted Freelancers in London
We’ve already done the hard part. We work with PR specialists in crisis management, brand reputation, corporate communications, media outreach, you name it. Every freelancer we recommend is reviewed based on skills, experience, and reliability.
We match people based on your brief, goals, and culture fit. No guesswork. Just the right person for the job.
Speed and Flexibility Without Compromise
Need someone this week? No problem. You won’t wait weeks for a shortlist. Our freelancers are available for quick starts, whether it’s a short campaign or a longer contract.
Support with Contracts, Rates, and Onboarding
We don’t stop at introductions. We help with contracts, rates, compliance, and timelines. Everything’s set up, so the freelancer can focus on results, and you can focus on running your team.
Your Next Step: Hire Smarter with Hanson Search
Hiring freelance PR help in London shouldn’t be a guessing game. Talk to our freelance team today. We’ll recommend the right person for your project based on skills, timing, and budget. Just send over your brief; we’ll handle the rest.
With Hanson Search, you get access to freelance PR pros who are experienced, reliable, and ready to deliver. No wasted time. No hiring risks.
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