9 Best Micro Job Sites for Your Side Hustle

Andrea Norris
master1305 / Getty Images/iStockphoto
master1305 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Some micro jobs don’t pay much, but they also don’t typically take much time to complete. These jobs can be ideal for those looking to earn money with a side gig during short free periods within an otherwise busy schedule. They can also help microworkers learn and add new skills to a resume.

Here is an overview of some of the best micro job sites for earning extra cash.

What Are Micro Jobs?

Micro jobs involve temporary work completing small tasks, or microtasks, for a per-assignment fee. Micro jobs can include online or in-person opportunities. Tasks include data entry, graphic design work, acting as a virtual assistant, small handyman jobs, running errands or other tasks.

9 Best Micro Job Sites

Micro job sites can vary significantly in the type and amount of work offered. Microworkers may wish to apply to more than one of the following sites to increase their chance of getting a micro job.

1. Clickworker

Clickworkers choose from a variety of data-oriented tasks, such as SEO, surveys and transcription.

Standout feature: For microworkers who enjoy collaboration, this micro job aggregator has a community forum called the Clickworker Lounge where users can ask others for advice or feedback.

  • Pros: Clickworkers set their own schedule and receive payment for completed projects every two weeks.

  • Cons: Clickworkers must meet minimum payout requirements to cash out and receive compensation.

What to watch for: The app often has different jobs available than on the online platform, so it can help to check both to find opportunities.

2. Swagbucks

Respond to surveys or shop online through Swagbucks to earn points that you can redeem for gift cards.

Standout feature: The platform has been around since 2008 and has proven its legitimacy by paying out more than $740 million to members since its inception.

  • Pros: New users receive a $10 sign-up bonus, and Swagbucks provides many different ways for users to earn gift cards.

  • Cons: 100 Swagbucks points are only worth $1, so it can take time to accumulate enough points to get a gift card worth much.

What to watch for: Many users have lodged complaints about the lack of customer service regarding payment issues.

3. OneSpace

OneSpace provides legitimate micro job opportunities for freelance graphic designers, transcriptionists, business writers and more.

Standout feature: OneSpace lists over 20 languages on their freelance application.

  • Pros: Freelancers get paid daily for approved work on the platform.

  • Cons: Consistent work might not be available for some freelancers.

What to watch for: OneSpace applicants will need to upload a CV to be considered for jobs.

4. Fiverr

Fiverr offers freelance work for a huge variety of skills.

Standout feature: Users can sell services in over 200 different categories on the platform and set their own pricing.

  • Pros: According to Fiverr, a gig is bought every four seconds on the platform, so there are plenty of opportunities to get work.

  • Cons: Fiverr keeps 20% of earnings, and new users may have trouble competing for jobs against established users.

What to watch for: Clients may request free samples in an attempt to avoid paying for projects.

5. ySense

With ySense, users can take surveys for cash and find cash offers for trying products, downloading apps and more.

Standout feature: By referring friends to join ySense, users can earn a commission of up to 30% of what their referrals earn.

  • Pros: Trustpilot reviews of the platform indicate that ySense is quick to respond to and correct users’ issues with using the platform and getting paid.

  • Cons: Surveys and offers are not always available on the platform.

What to watch for: There are many reasons someone might not receive payment for taking a survey or may be disqualified from taking surveys altogether.

6. Zeerk

Freelancers can make money by offering an extensive range of services on this platform.

Standout feature: Posting services on Zeerk is free.

  • Pros: The platform only keeps 75 cents of every $5 paid to new freelancers.

  • Cons: Because so many on Zeerk sell services for as little as $4 to $10, it might be hard to make a lot of money on this platform.

What to watch for: The platform holds payment until the client approves the project, so it could require several revisions and take time before a freelancer receives payment for some projects.

7. PeoplePerHour

Since 2007, this trusted platform has connected over a million clients to freelancers with skills ranging from music to programming and more.

Standout feature: Users set their own prices for their services.

  • Pros: Freelancers can bid on jobs and post offers for jobs they can complete.

  • Cons: Freelancers bid on jobs, so competition can be stiff.

What to watch for: New freelancers pay a much higher fee per job for using the platform than those who are well-established.

8. TaskRabbit

This platform is ideal for those wishing to get paid doing tasks that don’t involve computer work, such as running errands, performing home repair tasks and assembling furniture.

Standout feature: With so many micro jobs done from a computer, TaskRabbit allows those who prefer to get out and work in person more opportunities.

  • Pros: Taskers keep 100% of their own rates plus tips.

  • Cons: There is a registration fee of $25 for Taskers in some cities.

What to watch for: Some Taskers must submit business verifications to perform certain tasks.

9. Respondent

Respondent connects business professionals — from marketing experts to business owners — with researchers conducting studies.

Standout feature: The platform is specifically designed for business professionals and connects microworkers with brands like IBM, Microsoft and Intuit.

  • Pros: Platform users can schedule when to complete surveys to ensure it meets their schedules.

  • Cons: Users must consent to background checks to receive some jobs.

What to watch for: Some projects require an initial qualification survey for which participants are not paid.

Takeaway

Micro jobs don’t always pay a lot, but many can easily fit into a busy schedule as a source of extra cash.

When signing up for a job platform, microworkers should determine how jobs are paid and how much the platform keeps. Microworkers should be sure to watch for scam sites and never sign up for a site that requires a registration fee unless research reveals the site is legitimate.

FAQ

Here are quick answers to popular questions about micro jobs.

  • What are microtask jobs?

    • Micro jobs are a type of job that can usually be completed online or in person in a short amount of time. Microworkers typically earn a fee per microtask completed.

  • How do I get a micro job?

    • Several online micro job sites provide online and in-person opportunities for all types of skilled and unskilled workers.

  • How much money can you make as a micro worker?

    • Micro jobs can pay as little as a few cents to $60 or more. There are not enough job opportunities for most microworkers to earn a full-time income, but micro jobs can be a good side hustle for a source of extra cash.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 9 Best Micro Job Sites for Your Side Hustle

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