How to Get Started with Gig Economy Apps

Gig economy apps are changing the way people work and get work done. From food delivery to dog walking to catching a ride wherever you need to go, chances are, there’s a gig economy app that can do whatever you need.

Not only do these apps make everyday tasks more convenient, but they’re also a great way to pick up a side hustle.

According to data from the United State Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 36% of U.S. workers can be classified as freelancers or independent contractors. It's estimated that, given the current rate of expansion, more than half of the U.S. workforce will be part of the gig economy by 2027.

Even though gig workers don’t reap the same benefits that full-time employees might receive – like health care of paid vacation – there are still a number of positives to gig work, such as:

Flexible Schedules

Gig economy work puts you in charge of your schedule, allowing you to decide when you want to work and for how long.

No Strings Attached

Another attractive benefit of gig work is your ability to start and stop work whenever it’s convenient for you. No two weeks notice. No worrying about leaving your boss or a business high and dry. Simply work when you can.

Supplemental Income

Even if you have a full-time job, having some extra income never hurts! Gig economy apps enable you to easily pick up a side hustle and earn money quickly. You can even find some gig apps that pay same day or offer instant payout options, meaning you can have the money you earned in your bank account within minutes.

New Opportunities

Whether you’re looking to pursue a passion project, meet new people, or expand your business, you can explore these opportunities through gig work.

How to Get Started

Getting started might seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are five quick and easy steps you’ll need to take to get started:

Download the App

One of the best parts about gig economy work is that nearly all opportunities are available through an easy-to-use mobile app.

Finding your next side gig is as simple as clicking a few buttons on your phone.

Whether you’re an iPhone or Android user, you should be able to find the right version of the mobile app through your respective app store.

Before downloading a gig economy app, you’ll be able to view user ratings and reviews so you can get a better understanding of the types of data the app collects.  

As you search for the right gig app for you, you should also take into consideration what's important to you (ie: money, working for a reputable app, trying gig apps in your area, etc.)

Try researching some of the following to see which gig app might be right for you:

• "Gig app reviews"
• "Gig apps to make money"
• "Gig apps that pay same day"
• "List of gig economy companies"
• "Local gig apps"
• "New gig apps"
• "Top gig work apps"
• "Top gig economy companies"

Create Your Profile

Although the user experience will differ from across each gig economy app, the majority of them will likely prompt you to create a user profile.

The information you provide on your profile will depend on the app you’re utilizing, but commonly requested information includes:

• Name or Username
• Date of Birth
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Home Address
  

Add Your Experience

One of the most important steps in setting up your profile is adding in your relevant experience.

What jobs have in held in the past that are similar - or the same as - the job you’re applying to? For example, if you've worked in a restaurant in the past, you might want to do a search for hospitality or restaurant gig app opportunities.

While not everyone requires prior experience, showing that you possess some of the hard and soft skills that the opportunity requires will likely increase your chances of securing the job.

Some examples of these may include but are not limited to:

Hard Skills

Knowledge of POS systems

Shelf stocking

Licensed driver

TIPS certified bartender

Soft Skills

Management

Communication

Customer service

Problem solving

Set Up Your Payment Information

Perhaps the most important part of setting up your user profile is adding your payment information.

Adding the appropriate bank account or payment information to your account is a critical step and typically the only way you can begin applying for available opportunities.

While you might initially be wary of providing sensitive information, gig economy apps take serious precautions to ensure your personal details are secure. If you’re interested in learning more about the actions being taken to protect your information, be sure to visit the app’s Privacy, Support, or FAQs page on their website. It’s more than likely that you’ll find a comprehensive overview of the actions they’re taking and the policies they have in place to ensure data security.

Start Applying

Now it’s time to get to the good stuff! Once you’ve completed the key steps above, you should be ready to start applying for available opportunities.

Browse gig work that aligns with your interests, experience, and desired earnings, and apply for what seems like the right fit.

Keep in mind that every gig economy app is unique. There may be some additional steps in place before, like passing a background check, you begin applying for open opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to fulfill a passion project, pick up odd jobs over the summer, or simply earn some extra cash – gig economy apps are a great place to find your next side hustle.

shiftNOW strongly believes that the way people work is changing. We’re providing a flexible solution for people who want to test the waters in something new - either temporarily or full-time - while still being able to support their financial and personal needs.

To learn more about shiftNOW and how we’re shaking things up in the gig economy, visit www.shiftnow.com.

About shiftNOW

shiftNOW connects hospitality’s finest brands to quality talent. Founded in 2022, we provide a flexible solution to the hospitality industry’s toughest problem - talent. From one-time, recurring, or temp-to-hire shift workers, shiftNOW enables businesses to easily control how they resource their business and provides top-tier talent with an easy way to make money on their own terms. The right worker. The right shift. Right NOW.