Data analyst is an important role in any company that wants to grow and become data driven. Data analysts can help a company gain insights in users from data, answer business questions and build KPI reports that support the company strategy. When a company wants to hire a data analyst, it will usually look for a full-time salaried analyst. There are some companies that this is the best solution for them, but there are companies that should consider hiring a freelance data analyst instead of a regular employee.

In this article I will point out some advantages of working with a external freelance data analyst as well as other things you should know before choosing this option.

Which company should hire a freelance data analyst

All types of companies may use the services from a freelance data analyst. Here are some examples:

• Small startup company that gathered some data on its users and wants to learn how they use its product but does not know how to perform analysis  may use the services of a freelance data analyst for that.

• Mid-size company that has a data department can use a freelance data analyst when there is a sudden pick of work volume, replacement for maternity leave or surprising layoffs may assist the freelance data analyst to manage until they will hire a new data analyst.

• Small companies that are not technological in their nature (like venture capital companies for example) who occasionally come across data and want to analyze it but do not have an internal data analyst that can contact freelance data analyst for these tasks.

The advantage of working with a freelance data analyst

Professionalism

When a company chooses to work with an external data analyst, it can hire a very professional and experienced analyst. In most cases, a data analyst who chooses to be independent has worked on a large number of projects and has a lot of experience.

Broad knowledge and methodologies 

An external data analyst has a broader perspective than an internal data analyst because external data analyst has worked on projects in many other companies and can recommend industry best practices. For example, an external data analyst can help in implementing up-to-date data analysis methodologies and help choosing the right BI tools that suit the specific company’s needs.

Work volume flexibility

Sometimes the volume of work does not always justify hiring a full-time data analyst. In every company there are some weeks in which the volume of work is very high and some weeks in which there is not any work. Working with a freelance data analyst allows flexibility in the amount of working hours and the managers can increase or decrease them to meet the budget assigned to the project.

Things you should know when working with freelance data analyst

Matching expectations

Both sides, the company and the external data analyst need to know what the price of the work is and what will be the end results.

Also, it is useful to be in communication throughout the execution of the task. This way you can avoid a situation in which the analyst will work on a project but in the end the managers will not be satisfied with the results. Communication is also necessary for the proper work of the data analyst in order to perform sanity-checks on the insights he produces during the project.

It is important to remember that during the initial engagement, each data analyst (hired employee or a freelancer) should dedicate some time to learn the data tables and company’s goals. Some part of the working hours will be spent on this task. In follow-up tasks, there will be no need for further study of the tables.

The time frame of the project

It is recommended to hire a freelance data analyst on an hourly basis. This method of employment allows flexibility for the company to work with the external data analyst according to the right workload. In many cases, after answering business questions or creating reports, additional questions may arise and require additional work working hours.

In case there is a concern that the number of hours will exceed the dedicated budget, it is possible to decide on a bank of hours that the data analyst will not exceed. The data analyst can also report on the progress of the project and notify if it is getting close to finishing the dedicated hours.

It is also possible to dedicate a work framework of several days a week. That way, the company can guarantee the availability of the data analyst during the dedicated day. 

Price

Hiring an external data analyst might appear more expensive, but several things must be taken into account: There is no employer-employee relationship between the company and the external data analyst, and there are no additional costs that apply to the employer when hiring employees.

How to check that there is a match

As with any other employee, it is recommended to check the previous experience of the freelancer data analyst, which projects he has performed before and in which areas the analyst was experienced in. Many of the freelance data analysts also have a well-maintained LinkedIn profile and a personal website.

It is very useful to schedule an introductory meeting. In such a meeting you can get an impression of whether there is good communication and it will beneficial working together.

In conclusion

Hiring a freelance data analyst can suit a variety of companies and organizations. From startup companies that just started their journey to well established companies. Hiring an external data analyst allows you to receive services from a professional and experienced data analyst for performing one-time analytical tasks or for on-goingwork with maximum flexibility.

This Article was written by Yuval Marnin.
For freelance data analyst services you may contact me at : [email protected]