We’ve laid the foundations for the gig economy in our guides so far, and if you follow guides 1-4, you should have your first $100 in your bank account. So, what’s next now that you have reached this critical milestone? Well, now it’s time to level up and maximize your gig earnings.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps you need to take to maximize your income. Because now you are no longer figuring things out or suffering from trial and error, you can begin to earn more in less time because maximizing your earnings is all about working smarter. That means choosing the best gigs at the right time, dropping low-paid tasks, and using strategies that multiply your efforts.
Let’s make a start.
The Danger of Leaving Money on the Table
Some gig workers don’t last that long in this industry, and there is a good reason for this: they fail to take that leap from starting to maximize their earnings, leaving money on the table, and ultimately leaving them demotivated.
It’s easier than you might imagine to fall into a habit of “just getting by’ with gig work. This doesn’t happen out of laziness. It’s normally the result of not realizing that extra (and better) income is within easy reach with just a few minor changes.
When you’re new to gig work, you might feel tempted to stick with some gigs that become familiar to you. Low-paying tasks often feel comfortable, too. But when you do this, you’re working within your comfort zone and stopping yourself from enjoying the many financial opportunities you can experience with high-quality (and well-paid) tasks. Here are some ways people tend to go wrong:
- Sticking to off-peak hours
- Not checking the hourly rate before beginning a task
- Ignoring bonuses, tips, or referral programs
- Not diversifying or expanding your skillset
Keep an eye out for these common traps. If you spot yourself getting into routines that lead to low-paid gigs, adjust your approach. Small tweaks, like joining a new gig platform or switching up your hours, can often have a big impact.
Simple Strategies to Boost Gig Earnings
Working smarter with your gigs means having some strategies to hand that will help boost your income. Here are some of the best tried-and-tested strategies to get you a better hourly rate.
Monitor Peak Hours
Peak hours will differ by gig and platform. Monitor these each week to help spot times when demand is highest, which will give you the greatest choice of gigs and help you find the best-paid ones.
Try Upsells
Some platforms, like Fiverr, allow you to offer upsells and add-ons. These can be a great way to maximize your profit. Offer tasks that are quick to complete but add lots of value, as that will help you maximize your hourly earnings.
Refer Friends
Almost all platforms have a referral scheme, and these sometimes come with generous rewards. Speak to friends and family about the benefits of gig work and send them your referral link to use.
Track Your Gigs
There are free tools like Everlance and Gridwise that can help you log your gig work. Over time, you’ll be able to spot the most profitable gigs.
Keep Your Profile Updated
Remember to update your profile as you get better at gig work. If you are developing new skills, add these to your profile. Don’t forget to include client testimonials and a portfolio, too, especially if you are doing professional tasks like graphic design or copywriting.
Build Systems That Help You Grow Without Burning Out
The trick to maximizing your earnings isn’t to chase every task. The trick is to create a rhythm that supports your growth without draining you in the process. The most successful gig workers build systems that help them achieve tasks in a repeatable, fast, and sustainable fashion. Here is how you can emulate that success:
Create a Weekly Routine
Set hours like a professional, and you’ll start earning like a professional! That doesn’t mean long hours but aim to be consistent. A predictable routine makes it easier for you to handle, which means you’ll perform better, which will positively impact your earnings.
Use Templates
Templates for your tasks can help save you time and boost your earnings. For example, if you work on Fiverr, you could use client email templates to speed up communication on projects. It also helps you respond faster to clients, which will leave a great impression on people and could get you repeat orders.
Batch Your Admin Tasks
Do admin work in batches. For example, you probably want to check apps throughout the day for new gigs or customer emails, but batch these checks into a dedicated timeslot. It’s a more efficient way of working and will help you clear some mental space.
Automate Your Work
Use tools to help automate as much as possible. For example, Everlance can help you track mileage, and AI tools can help you keep track of processes or support you in drafting emails. The more you can automate, the easier it makes your tasks.
Plan Time Off
High-quality time off will help you recharge. That means not checking your emails or gig apps but taking time away from screens or your delivery vehicle. Focus on your mental and physical health during your downtime.
Task List: Double Your Gig Earnings
Are you ready to put these tips to work? Here is a simple action plan for you to follow:
- Begin identifying your top-earning gigs
- Keep tabs on what you’re earning and how long tasks take to complete
- Set a new weekly goal to stretch yourself
- Schedule your productive hours and try to get into a routine
- Drop low-paying tasks that waste your time
- Optimize your online gig profiles
- Plan a reward and incorporate plenty of high-quality downtime
You’ve already proven you can earn, so it’s now time to scale that up. Keep this up, and we’ll see you in the next guide where we’ll share more about gig stacking.