What is the gig economy?
A gig economy refers to a labor market characterized by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs. In a gig economy, temporary and flexible jobs are commonplace and companies or individuals hire independent contractors and freelancers instead of full-time employees.
The gig economy works on the premise that individuals and businesses, or individuals and potential clients and customers, can connect quickly and easily. Gigs come in a range of forms. From pet minding to providing stand alone services to corporate clients.
If you are the sort of person who thrives with a little bit of uncertainty and can motivate yourself to jump off the couch at a moments notice to get a job done, then gigging is right up your alley.
To learn more about the gig economy, head to the article outlining the rise of the contingent workforce which includes the gig economy here
This article takes a look at the more straight forward gig economy apps for basic tasks that millions of people will be able to perform at the drop of a hat. I’ll cover how they work and the skills and experience you need to demonstrate to use them successfully, plus a few pros and cons of the gig economy apps market itself.
Digital disruption has made accessing and working as part of the gig economy easy. Gig economy apps you can use on your mobile device, allow you to browse jobs on the go. And for clients and customers, gig economy apps allow them to access your skills and experience from a large pool of workers who are ready and waiting for their next job.
This article outlines various popular gig economy apps appearing on the market that are making gigging easier. So whether you are on a career break, looking for a side hustle or keen to embrace “gigs” as your work style of choice, this article is for you.
Keen to jump straight to gig economy apps to see which one will work best for you? Click here.
Navigating gig economy apps
Our world is changing. Yes. I know you know. But do you remember any other time period in your life that offered so many freelance work opportunities?
The technology is really and truly here to help you find work in the gig economy. But people are still catching up. This is not surprising particularly if you aren’t overly technology savvy.
Let’s have a look at some of the pros and cons of using gig economy apps.
The benefits of using gig economy apps
- No start up costs which are necessary in setting up a traditional service based business
- No physical space required to complete tasks – although when working on remote tasks, you will need somewhere to plant your laptop to get the work done
- Offers flexibility to work in and around your other life commitments
- A great way to earn a little extra money as a side hustle
- If you are good at what you do, you have the power to generate a lot of work (most apps rely on high ratings from those you complete work for)
The pitfalls of using gig economy apps
- When doing jobs in person, you are limited to the jobs that are available near you
- Some gig economy apps are hugely competitive which might mean you bid for many more jobs than you win
- You often need to use your own equipment, tools or vehicles so you will experience some wear and tear
- You are going to be working with the best of people and the worst of people. And gigs occasionally don’t work out. Some people have unreasonable expectations and make demands outside of the work you have agreed to complete
- Dealing with unforeseen circumstances. Meals not ready, products you are meant to be collecting not available, items heavier or larger than anticipated, you’ve missed the brief altogether
- Competition – keep an eye on how many gigs you apply for and how many you win. Some gig economy apps have a huge number of people signed up to assist customers and clients
Few protections in place
The gig economy are not unionised. That means you are pretty much fending for yourself. No wage protection, no one to turn to for insurance if you are injured. No health benefits.
There is a fair amount of media scrutiny about this aspect of the gig economy but there are no major breakthroughs on the horizon for this at the moment, as far as I can see.
Watch out for high percentage service fees
- Before signing up, make sure you check to see what percentage fee the gig economy apps takes for each job you do
- Some apps have a sign up cost – check to see how much it is
Whilst there are likely to be some fees applied on each gig economy app, you need to remember that you have not had to invest any time in business development to pick up jobs.
Some useful gig economy app hints and tips
Create a template of wording you can use each time you bid for a job
Many gigging apps require you to bid to win the job that has been posted. You often need to write something compelling to ensure you win the job. If you need to create this EVERY time you bid for a job, you will spend a lot of your time bidding.
Set up your “elevator pitch” content that you add each time you bid for a job. You can tweak it slightly for each job to match the requirements for the task to be completed. Having a template of content to start with each time you bid will save you HEAPS of time. Make sure any content you write when bidding is error free
Blow your own trumpet
I know that this does not come naturally to everyone. But to stand out in a crowd you should blow your own trumpet. Don’t be too shy to mention or refer job posters to your great customer reviews (assuming you have already completed jobs to a high standard).
Building a strong reputation is really important to “win” jobs in the gig economy. Your goal is to build trust without even meeting or talking with the customers you are going to complete work for.
Start with one gig economy app at a time
It is really important to take the time to come up to speed with whatever gig economy app you would like to try first. Whilst there are many similarities between apps when it comes to setting up profiles, bidding for work and providing work samples, you will quickly become overwhelmed if you hit the go button on a number of gig economy apps at once.
Once you have your head around one gig economy app, add another if your original app is not providing you with the sort of cash flow or work type you are seeking.
Look for apps that offer streamlined, stress free payment systems
Many well established gig economy apps have a streamlined payment system in place. You don’t want ot be chasing money from the person you have completed a job, task or service for. That turns into one HUGE nightmare of debt chasing.
Choose apps that clearly explain how their payment system works.
How do clients or customers know what skills I have?
Most gig websites (and in turn gig economy apps) require you to set up a profile. That usually includes nominating your key skills and experience. You may also be required to provide other key information about yourself, such as uploading samples of your work or further substantiating your skills in some way.
Most gig economy apps require you to enter a password and other information as security given you are going to be performing work or delivering services to clients and customers you don’t necessarily know.
Why we should care about gig economy apps
Big and growing global work forces (think Uber and AirBnB) are being powered almost exclusively by their proprietary workforce apps. When you combine this with text messaging (via SMS), close to 100% of worker interaction is via phone—with a consumer-like experience. Now that’s enabling and powerful stuff!
Gig economy apps “on board” you fairly seamlessly and provide you with an employee experience of sorts. Don’t expect a lot of bells and whistles but do expect an easy user experience to help you to get set up and going.
After you have signed up for specific gig economy apps, you can usually get on with your work, job, task or service pretty quickly – which of course is the point of connecting clients and customers with “doers”.
What sorts of gig economy apps are out there?
It is impossible to describe the breadth of services and tasks gig economy apps cover and do the spectrum justice. Let’s just say that there are apps to connect dog owners with dog walkers, apps that connect odd jobs taskers with handy people, lift sharing and home minding, food delivering and creative banner writing.
You name it, there is probably a gig economy app available to connect you with tasks and services immediately.
How do you stand out in the crowd when using a gig economy app?
If you are keen to sample what the gig economy has on offer, you need to put your best digital foot forward. Ensure that any profile information you provide is professional and articulate. Make sure that the content you provide is error free. And tick all the boxes required by the gig economy app wizards to ensure that you are up and running in no time.
If you get the opportunity, create a profile that is informative but also innovative, making sure your tone matches the sorts of jobs you will be undertaking. Provide samples of your work with high definition images and if you need to provide a photograph of yourself, make sure that it is professional.
What, no interview?
Unlike applying for a permanent role with a company, gig economy apps don’t allow you to make your first impression with your resume or your LinkedIn profile. In fact, you are very unlikely to be interviewed by anyone in person at all. So make sure that the profile information you provide, creates the right impression.
As far as your reputation is concerned, you are starting from scratch. Your work effort will be assessed on the quality of each job you are assigned. There is no room for finger pointing at others in your team – you must front up, complete the task, job or service as outlined competently to ensure that any ratings left for you by the client or customer is positive.
Building your reputation on gig economy apps is based on doing a great job on every single task you perform. It’s a merit based system, which certainly has you pulling your socks up to perform well! Most apps allow both the tasker and the assigner to leave feedback on each other – that keeps everyone honest.
So let’s have a look at some of the more popular gig economy apps out there. There’s something here for everyone!
The best gig economy apps
Top gig economy apps for dog lovers
WAG!
As the name suggests, this is a dog walking app. Check out a recent review by Gizmodo.
Key skills you need to demonstrate to get exceptional customer feedback:
- Reliable with an ability to build rapport with dogs and their owners
- Flexibility – you never know what can happen on your walk with Mitsy
Interview required? Yep, so prepare some answers to questions that demonstrate your reliability and your trustworthiness.
ROVER
Rover is better known for its house-sitting and doggy daycare features. Tasks on this app are traditionally more of a commitment than Wag!, but Wag! gives you the option to dog sit as well.
Key skills you will need to demonstrate:
- Reliable with an ability to build rapport with dogs and their owners
- Able to communicate how you will care for their dog and their home if you are house sitting to boot
- Trustworthiness – clients are allowing you in their homes to spend a lot of time with their dog (which they probably see more like their child…)
NOTE: Background check required
DOGCAY
This is another dog sitting app where you have a bit more control over the jobs you take. You can choose the types of dogs you mind including their age, size and breed. You can also set your own rates.
Key skills to demonstrate in your profile:
- Reliability with an ability to build rapport with dogs and their owners
- A love for dogs
- Able to communicate how you will care for their dog and their home if you are house sitting to boot
- Trustworthiness – clients are allowing you in their homes to spend a lot of time with their dog (which they probably see more like their child…)
- Pictures of your home to show it’s dog friendly (if you plan to mind dogs at your place rather than the dog owners place)
CARE.COM
Key skills to demonstrate:
- The vetting process for this app is actually pretty thorough. Make sure that you dot your i’s and cross your t’s when you are filling out the required information on the app itself
- Bring your A game – user testimonials play a part in setting you apart from other dog walkers and minders
Top gig economy apps for on-demand workers
Are you handy? Perhaps you are a deft hand at lifting heavy stuff or popping pamphlets in neighborhood letter boxes. Check out a few of the most popular gig economy apps in the on-demand worker space.
Generally speaking here are the things you will need to complete tasks on a handy task services gig economy app:
- Form of transportation to get to gigs
- Tools (may be necessary for handyman and assembly gigs)
- A smartphone
- Cleaning supplies (if applying as a cleaner)
- Tools (if applying as a handyman)
- Transportation
- Previous experience
- You’re responsible for supplies
TASKRABBIT
If you are ready to “start tasking” and “earn money your way”, then Taskrabbit invites you to “be someone’s hero today”. Love it! Who doesn’t want to be a hero??
Earn money by helping people with their everyday to-dos”. Sound like you? Taskrabbit is a great gig economy app for those looking to make a few bucks helping with every day tasks.
It’s available in 43 metro areas across the United States and in the United Kingdom. At this time Taskrabbit doesn’t have firm launch dates for other cities, but they seem to be expanding quickly.
Key skills to demonstrate:
- Your core skills
- Communicate that you always undertake your work with a focus on quality
- Mention that you are able to complete tasks within tight time frames and deadlines
You need to say how much you would like to get paid for using your skills so have a think about this before you bid for a job.
HANDY – a gig economy app for cleaners, movers, IKEA furniture building lovers and more
This gig economy app connects people to their local handyman or woman. It is marketed as “the easy, reliable way to take care of your home.”
You supply your own cleaning tools or building equipment. This app is great for finding work nearby and making customers who will hire you again and again. The great thing about this gig economy app is that they have a streamlined payment system that deposits money into your bank account when the job is completed.
Key skills to demonstrate:
- You need to provide proof that you have previous paid experience in your area of “handiness”
- A “can do” attitude and reliable work ethic
- A hard working nature and commitment to working at a job until your client is 100% happy with your work quality
- Evidence that you have your own cleaning tools and building equipment
Check out the HANDY gig economy app here
FIVERR
This app offers a great opportunity for you to show your creativity and make money doing it. Fiverr is great for writers, tech professionals, editing, photography, editing and translating skills.
Prices start at 5 dollars (hence the name) but you can charge more than that for some tasks.
Key skills to demonstrate:
- Professionalism and competence in your area of expertise
- Ability to work to deadlines and tight time frames
- Superior communication skills which allow you to clarify exact task parameters before commencing work
- Your commitment to working under your client is 100% satisfied with the result of the work you do (within reason of course!)
Don’t forget to spell check your profile details really carefully.
Fiverr is a VERY popular gig economy app. It is actually a little overwhelming to navigate initially, depending on your area of expertise. You need to find a way to stand out from the crowd on this app.
Quick tip: Take a look at how others are selling themselves in their profiles. Pay particular attention to the profile of those with many reviews and high client satisfaction ratings.
Top gig economy apps for chauffeurs and drivers
Once you get your head around how to set up your profile and provide required information to kick start your account, you can “gig” with more than one gigging company. A perfect example of this is when it comes to using driving and lift sharing gig economy apps.
Generally speaking here are the things you will need to complete jobs on driving gig economy apps:
- A driver’s license
- A smartphone
- A qualified 4-door vehicle (each location will have its own vehicle requirements)
- Car insurance
- Vehicle registration
- Must be 21+ years old
Downsides to consider for driving services:
- Wear and tear on your car
- You pay for your own gas/petrol
- Dealing with unruly or inebriated passengers
- Unforeseen downtime between calls
Here’s are a few car driving gig economy apps you may have heard about already:
LYFT/UBER
There has been a lot of speculation about whether Lyft or Uber is a better company to work for. A lot of giggers actually end up driver for both companies. Try not to bite of more than you can chew initially. Start with one and then add the other once you get into the swing of things.
See what it takes to get good reviews and meet client expectations.
To get started with most driving gig economy apps you will need:
- A driver’s license
- A smartphone
- A qualified 4-door vehicle (each location will have its own vehicle requirements)
- Car insurance
- Vehicle registration
- Must be 21+ years old
Key skills to demonstrate:
- An ability to drive (and a current full drivers licence!)
- Sound navigation skills to getting from place A to place B
- Amiable communication skills – being polite and friendly goes a long way to creating an excellent customer experience (and excellent reviews)
VIA
Via is relatively new. You can only gig in Washington D.C., Chicago and New York City (not Brooklyn… yet) at the moment. This is a carpool app with fixed rates and no option to ride alone. So you are killing two birds with one stone – getting a cheap trip somewhere and meeting your people – gosh, you could even network in the car!!
Key skills you need to demonstrate:
- A strong work ethic – those who continuously cancel services are not well loved
- That you are an upstanding citizen – if people are going to get in the car with one another, there is a general level of trust that needs to be in place.
The app is still young so there are still lots of promotions available.
Other Car Related Gig Economy Apps
Maven
Car share app but only available in a few cities. Check if yours is on the list
Turo
Another car share app available in more cities that Maven
GetAround
Peer to peer sharing service designed to rent your car out on an hourly or daily basis
Top gig economy apps for food deliverers
Apart from Uber, food delivery services get some serious media attention. Are the drivers being paid enough? Is the service “eating into” (pun completely intended!) the profits of mom and pop restaurants and cafes?
None the less, people are flocking to earn some additional cash in the food delivery gig economy. Not all food delivery apps allow you to join their gigging community without a car, however some allow you to ride bikes and scooters to make deliveries.
Some of the less well known food delivery gig apps to consider:
To get started with any of these food delivery gig economy apps you will need:
- Reliable mode of transport (and a valid licence)
- Be 21 years or older
- Some delivery services will allow you to work with them if you have a bike. scooter or other mode of transport (like a teleport-er…just kidding – wanted to see if you are still reading this. It’s a long article…)
Key skills to demonstrate:
- That you are reliable and can communicate with a range of people. The set up of most apps includes picking up food from multiple fast food chains, cafes and restaurants. That means you will be communicating with restaurant owners and staff. You need to make sure you are picking up the correct delivery
- A decent sense of direction
- Customer service skills
- An eye for detail – check before you leave the restaurant that you’ve got Bob’s food order rather than Betsy’s order, otherwise Bob will be grumpy!
INSTACART
For all of you shopper lovers out there, this gig economy app is for you! This app allows you to pick up and deliver food for customers who are unable to do their own shopping for whatever reason.
Instacart offers deliveries from a number of shops like Whole Foods, Costco, CVS, Fairway, etc.
You sign-up for a time frame to work in a certain area and you’ll get a notification about which grocery store to go to and which items to pick up. Using an Instacart credit card, you make the purchase and then deliver the items to the customer. And you can choose shifts that work with your schedule.
What you need to get started:
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- A car and a smartphone
- Ability to carry 30 or more pounds
- Be at least 21 years of age
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Key skills to demonstrate in your profile
- Patience to deal with finding and scanning items
- Reliable and able to communicate with a range of people
- A decent sense of direction
- Customer service skills
Top gig economy apps for people who want to share their stuff
I am such a huge advocate for the sharing economy. If you are too, check out these renting gig economy apps. They cannot really be categorized as “work” but they can put money into your bank account.
Key things you will need to demonstrate to optimise your usage of renting gig economy apps:
- Reliability – collect things when you say you will. Return things when you say you will
- Maintenance of the things you are happy to rent out – keep things in excellent used condition
ZILOK
The power to rent anything out online. Zilok allows you to make a little money off…your things. Maybe you have a computer, speakers, a paper shredder, camera, blender, car, skiing equipment, party equipment or nearly anything else that someone might be looking to borrow, not buy.
You will need to write articulate descriptions of your items and be helpful with any queries people may have.
Check our Zilok here
MAVEN
Lifetime membership is free and cars are available on an hourly and daily basis. One caveat is that Maven is only available in a few cities.
TURO
Listing your car through this car sharing app could earn you up to $6,500 a year. The plus side is that Turo is available in more cities than Maven.
GETAROUND
This peer to peer car sharing service has a wide range of cars which can be rented on an hourly or daily basis. Getaraound boasts that people can make up to $10,000 a year renting out their car.
How do I choose the best gig economy app for me?
If you head to the App Store and Google Play Store, you are likely to find hundreds of gig economy apps. Yes hundreds of them! All will make grand claims and promises about the money to you make using their app, but the truth is that not all gig economy apps will deliver on those promises.
One of the biggest issues for gig economy app companies is that they struggle to create a balance between those that want something done and those who are keen to assist them. If the market on the app is currently too small, the app itself will not make people the money they had hoped.
In addition, you cannot rely on a steady flow of income from gig economy apps. If you are the sort of person who thrives with a little bit of uncertainty and can motivate yourself to jump off the couch at a moments notice to get a job done, then gigging is right up your alley.
As mentioned at the start of this article there are many variables you need to consider before signing up to any gig economy app.
Related Articles and Further Reading
Australia’s Gig Economy. Is work on demand the new normal
Rideshare companies with jobs like Uber
20 Platforms for Workers in the gig economy
Ultimate List of Australian Gig & Sharing Economy Sites