Hiring freelancers on Cavalry (or elsewhere) can be a game-changer for your business, but let’s be honest—giving feedback to freelancers isn’t always straightforward. A vague “Looks good” doesn’t help them improve, and overly critical feedback without guidance can be frustrating. So, how do you strike the right balance?

Freelancers don’t need sugarcoating, but they do need clarity. Here’s how to dish out feedback that actually helps – and keeps them pumped to work with you.

1. Ditch the Vague Stuff – Be Clear and Specific

A simple “Not quite what we’re after” doesn’t provide direction. Instead, point out exactly what needs tweaking.

❌ Unclear: “This doesn’t really work for us. Can you tweak it?”

✅ Much better: “The intro could use a stronger hook—maybe start with a surprising stat or a bold question to grab attention?”

2. Use the SBI Method (Situation, Behavior, Impact)

The best feedback has a bit of structure. Enter the SBI Method:

🔹 Situation: Where the issue pops up. 🔹 Behavior: What’s working (or not working). 🔹 Impact: Why it matters.

Example: “In the product description (Situation), you’ve listed features but not benefits (Behavior). Customers might not see why they need it (Impact). Could you tweak the copy to focus on how it solves their problem?”

3. Sandwich It – A Bit of Good, A Bit of Fix, A Bit More Good

No one likes to hear only what’s wrong. Balance the critique with some positive reinforcement.

✅ Example: “Loving the overall concept, especially the colour palette. The font choice doesn’t quite match our brand guidelines, though—can you adjust that? Once that’s done, I think this will be spot on.”

4. Give Actionable Next Steps

Telling someone their work isn’t engaging enough without a fix is like handing them a map with no directions. Give them something to work with.

❌ Not helpful: “This article isn’t engaging.”

✅ Helpful: “The intro could use more energy—maybe open with a customer pain point or a killer stat to draw people in?”

5. Keep It Cool – Professional and Friendly Wins the Day

Freelancers aren’t robots—they’re people. Keep it real, professional, and constructive.

❌ Avoid: “This just isn’t good.”

✅ Better: “The tone feels a little too formal for our audience—could we make it a bit more conversational?”

6. Make It a Two-Way Street

Feedback should feel like a chat, not a one-way broadcast. Encourage freelancers to ask questions or suggest tweaks.

🔹 Example: “This draft is solid, but I think the CTA could have more punch. Got any ideas on how to make it pop?”

7. Be Timely – Nobody Likes a Waiting Game

Freelancers juggle multiple projects, so don’t leave them hanging. Quick, clear feedback keeps things moving and avoids last-minute stress.

Good Freelancer feedback isn’t just about getting better work—it’s about building top-notch working relationships. When you make feedback clear, constructive, and a little bit human, you’ll get better results and happier freelancers who actually want to work with you again.