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There are frustrations that come with building your career as a professional freelancer. For starters, a highly competitive marketplace might not be an ideal place for you to start because most clients are looking to give their projects to the best hands, and by best hands, I mean those who have already built the ranks and have all the gold stars lined up on their profiles.
You might be good at what you do, or let's conclude you are just coming out of a paid course. Here are some platforms you can use to earn on the side while building your profile on those competitive platforms.
1. Appen
Appen is a global microtasking platform that connects businesses with a diverse range of remote workers to perform tasks related to artificial intelligence and machine learning. Eligibility to join Appen typically involves proficiency in English and access to a computer with a stable internet connection. The registration process may include language assessments or specific skill tests depending on the task requirements.
The amount you can earn on Appen can vary based on the type of tasks and projects available. Tasks given out include data labeling, transcription, and content moderation. Compensation can range from a few cents to a few dollars per task, and the hourly earnings depend on the complexity and duration of the tasks. It's important to note that the availability of tasks can fluctuate, impacting the consistency of your income. Some tasks may have specific requirements, such as a minimum number of working hours per week. But you can earn at least $14-$30 per day mostly from hourly projects if you qualify.
There are no mandatory time or task; Appen provides flexibility for everybody to choose their working hours, making it suitable for those seeking part-time or flexible work arrangements. The platform often has a global user base, so you can participate in microtasks irrespective of your race or country. Communication skills and attention to detail are crucial for success on Appen.
2. OneForma
OneForma provides a limited set of internal tasks, relying significantly on its integration with Microsoft's UHRS platform. Compared to other microtask sites, it has a higher task approval rate, which makes it a more appealing choice for those who prefer to avoid time wasted on rejections of writing proposals.
Most tasks are based on Search results rating.
3. Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)
Amazon MTurk is a well-established microtask platform provided by Amazon. MTurk is generally open to individuals in various countries; the registration process only requires creating an Amazon Mechanical Turk Worker account, then you wait for approval.
On MTurk, workers, known as "Turkers," can choose from a wide range of microtasks, including data annotation, image recognition, surveys, and more. The compensation for tasks varies widely, ranging from a few cents to several dollars, depending on the complexity and time required. The platform often allows requesters (those who post tasks) to set the payment for each task.
Earnings on MTurk can be influenced by factors such as task availability, the Turkers' efficiency, and the types of tasks they choose to complete. Some workers may find success in identifying higher-paying tasks or securing longer-term projects.
4. Microworkers
Microworkers connects employers, referred to as "Employers" on the platform, with workers, known as "Microworkers," to perform various online tasks. All you have to do is create an account and set up your profile on the platform to be eligible for tasks.
Tasks on Microworkers range from data categorization and verification to social media engagement and testing website functionalities. Workers can choose tasks based on their interests and skills. The platform compensates workers on a task-by-task basis, with payment amounts varying depending on the complexity and time required.
Microworkers allows workers to withdraw their earnings once they reach a specified minimum threshold.
5. Telus
Telus International [UK / USA], formerly known as Lionbridge, provides remote microtask opportunities across various countries. They offer hourly pay aligned with the minimum wage in your location—approximately $14 per hour in the USA and £10 per hour for UK citizens with the freedom and flexibility typical of the best microtask platforms. Although you will have to submit a time-sheet on their website before you are considered. They are a very reliable option for earning extra income which surpasses traditional part-time work if you have 20 hours per week to spare.
You can explore available positions in your location beyond the UK and USA by using the locations menu on their website.