On the hunt for the perfect side hustle? It’s sometimes hard to find something that fits in with your lifestyle. Have you ever thought to look into micro job sites to make some fast cash? If not, you should look into it because you can earn money doing small tasks, some with little effort.
Look, you’re busy, and you have lots of other things on your plate. So you don’t want to dedicate a lot of time to something that will only pay you weeks in the future.
That’s why many people like you are turning to micro job sites. As the name suggests, these ask you to take on very short tasks and get paid for doing so.
What are these, and is micro-tasking something you should look into? Here’s everything that you need to know.
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Make money doing micro tasks FAQ
What is micro tasking?
Before you even get started, you need to know what micro-tasking actually is. You may also see it referred to as microwork, so keep that in mind as you’re browsing jobs.
The act of micro-tasking is splitting a large job into small tasks and giving those tasks to many people. It’s often referred to as human automation, as the tasks are simple but not simple enough that you can’t just automate the process.
For example, as a micro tasker, you could be asked to label images, describe products, transcribe scanned documents.
Companies have found it’s very simple to find workers online and split these tasks up between a lot of them. With lots of people looking to do this kind of work, they can get tasks handled quickly and efficiently.
The benefits and drawbacks of micro tasking
If you’re looking for a side hustle, is microwork right for you? There are a lot of reasons why you may want to look into joining micro job sites. For example:
- The jobs are flexible, so you can easily do them around your main job or other commitments
- Most jobs are straightforward to do, so you won’t find it difficult to meet the job’s requirements
- You can usually do microwork with the equipment you already have, such as a computer and a high-speed internet connection
- Most jobs pay on the same day or on completion of the work
Of course, there are some drawbacks that you should also be aware of. For example:
- Most jobs aren’t the highest paid out there, so you’re not going to make big bucks out of microwork alone
- Jobs are competitive, as there are so many other micro taskers out there also looking for work
- Micro tasks are the subject of a lot of work from home scams, so you need to be careful when accepting any microwork job
If micro-tasking sounds as though it could be for you, then you’ll need to start finding jobs. Here are some of the best job sites to start looking at.
11 Best Micro Job Sites
1. Amazon Mechanical Turk
This is probably the most well-known micro-tasking site out there. You may have already heard of it in passing but didn’t know what it actually does.
The site specializes in listing Human Intelligence Tasks, or HITs. These are all jobs that AI or robots cannot yet do, so employers need humans to do them for them.
Here, you’re going to find jobs like doing questionnaires, bookkeeping, data processing, and so on.
Studies show most members on this site are only making $2 an hour here. That’s not encouraging, but you can work here and make decent pay.
Look for the jobs that are paying $1 plus per task. If you’re going for the higher-paying jobs, they’ll be more work, but you can make around $300-$400 per month here.
2. Swagbucks
Again, SwagBucks is another site that you’ve probably heard of. In fact, you probably didn’t even realize it’s one of the best micro job sites out there.
It’s a popular site because they offer a wide range of ways to make money with them. Most know them for the surveys they offer, which pay out points when you complete them.
Additionally, you can surf the web using their browser extension, play games, and get cashback when you buy items online or in-store.
As there are so many ways you can earn points here, there will be plenty of jobs that you can take on. The best thing is that things like surveys can easily be done while you’re relaxing and watching TV, so you can make money in your downtime.
Once you earn enough points, you’ll be able to cash them in. You can exchange them for cash via PayPal or for various gift cards for brands such as Amazon.
3. Appen
Appen offers a wide array of microwork, and you can be paid pretty well here. In addition, the company specializes in data learning, AI, search results personalizations, and so on.
What’s very interesting about the site is that they pay by the hour. That’s very unusual for sites like these, and so you can maximize your earnings if you sign up here.
The one downside is that it takes a long time to sign up. You’ll need to fill out an involved application and then wait for the team to evaluate you.
This evaluation can take anywhere from 15 to 30 days, so you could be waiting for a while. Once you’re on board, though, you’re ready to start making money.
4. Respondent
Respondent is a site that sources people to take part in high-end focus studies. As such, they need a good mix of people from all over the world.
All you have to be is 18 or over, and you’re eligible to sign up. Once you’ve registered, you’ll be able to keep checking out their study board and sign up for any that would work for you.
This is another site where members have been able to make good money. There have been some reports of people making thousands of dollars in their downtime using this.
However, you should be aware that the site takes 5% of any money you earn. Also, it’s very competitive, as there are lots of members looking to get in on the same roles.
Because of this, you may find it a little difficult to get accepted for some studies. However, it’s well worth it as you can make very good cash when you do get in one.
5. ySense
Are you looking for somewhere where you can do very small, simple tasks for a little extra cash? Then you’ll want to check out ySense.
This site looks for people to run Google searches or test new products and apps. As such, you won’t as much as you would on other apps, but you will still be able to pick some extra cash here.
There’s another way of making extra cash, too, by referring friends to the site. If you refer them, you’ll be able to get 20% of whatever they make here.
6. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is somewhat similar to Swagbucks, as they give you lots of different ways to make money through the site. You are sure to find something here that works for you.
For example, you can work here by doing surveys, watching videos, playing games, shopping online, surfing the web, or reading emails. Many have found that the best and most consistent way of making money here is through doing surveys.
The surveys pay out around $0.50 to $5 per survey, so it’s usually better to wait for the high-paying surveys to get the most from your time. You’ll also get a $5 just for signing up too.
You’ll get your cash via PayPal, but you’ll need to wait until you have $30 in your account before you can claim it.
7. ClickWorker
This site will require you to do various small tasks. These can include testing apps, writing and proofreading, surveys, mystery shopping, data work, web research, and many other tasks.
This works well for those who like variety in what they do, so take a look if you want to do different things every time you log on.
To get started, you’ll need to sign up and then fill out a skill assessment. Once you’ve done that, the site will send you jobs that fit your skills.
All payments are sent through PayPal, and you’ll be able to request payment once you hit just $5 in your account.
8. EasyShift
This is an app that’s a little bit different, as it asks you to take on micro-tasks that are in your local area. For example, you may be asked to take pictures of things or review products.
If you’re someone that’s out and about a lot anyway, then you should check this out.
When you have the app, you’ll be given a map of the area and the shifts available. Click on a shift to claim it, and then complete the job within 24 hours.
You’ll be paid anywhere between $4 and $20 per shift, and all payments are sent through PayPal.
9. GoTranscript
If you’re already a dab hand at transcribing audio, then you’ll want to take a look at GoTranscript. This site asks its members to transcribe audio files that are 10 minutes or less.
You’ll be paid somewhere between $2 and $10 for each file you transcribe, and it shouldn’t take you too long to do each one. So if you’re speedy, you can make some decent money here.
There are always jobs available here too, so there’s always something to do. It’s good for transcribers who want to dip in between longer and more complex jobs or those who just want to make a bit of money on the side.
Be aware that you will need to pass a test to become a member here. If you do, though, it’s a good little earner.
10. TaskRabbit
Here’s another micro working site that you may have heard of. This site puts you in touch with people in your local area, so you can take on tasks for them.
What’s unique about it is that you’ll do the tasks in person. These are often things like moving items around, cleaning, home repairs, and so on.
If you’re good with your hands, this is going to be the site for you. However, if you want to be a member, you will need to go through a lengthy application process.
This does make sense, as you need to show you’re trustworthy and reliable to work with this site. If you want to get started right away, though, it is going to be frustrating.
Once you do, you’ll see that the pay is often higher here than on other sites, so it’s worth checking out.
11. FieldAgent
FieldAgent is a mystery shopping app that lets you check out stores in your local area and get paid for it.
Usually, you’ll be given two hours to check something out. That includes time to get to the store, find the product, take a photo, and then submit it.
Once you’ve done that, you’ll just need to wait on the pay. Each job pays anywhere between $2 to $12 per job, so you may want to wait for the higher-paying jobs to pop up.
This does work well if you have time to kill in an area and there are opportunities nearby. If you spend time near these stores, you can start making some extra cash this way.
All payments will be sent to you via PayPal.
As you can see, there are all kinds of micro tasks you can do in your spare time. There’s data entry, mystery shopping, taking surveys, labeling photos, transcribing, and so much more.
Within that list is something you’re going to be good at and can take on when you have a spare moment.
Sign up with some of these micro job sites, and see what’s available to you. There’s bound to be something here that will help you earn a good amount of spare cash.
