What Can You Crowdsource?
After learning what crowdsourcing is, you will immediately begin thinking of all the tasks you want to crowdsource. You'll learn quickly, however, that not every task is suitable for crowdsourcing. Below is a list of some common categories of crowdsourcing:
Microtasks
Microtasking has small, repetitive tasks completed by online crowdworkers. Microtasking is a great place to start when new to crowdsourcing. Having a crowd of workers complete "small and repetitive" tasks can significantly lowers costs and save time. Some microtasks that can be crowdsourced are:
- Creating content
- Writing product descriptions
- Researching and organizing contact information
- Small web research
- Language translations
- Tag, sort, and label photos
- Digitizing paper work, scanning documents
- Transcribing audio files
Many microtasks include data work, so a tool like Smartsheet is a great help. It has a built-in crowdsourcing feature, which you can use to test the crowdsourcing waters before diving into a complex project.
Graphic Design
Graphic design is the most common task to crowdsource. Basic graphic design is a good place to start. We suggest crowdsourcing any design that you would consider sending to freelance, or internal, designers. The best part of crowdsourcing graphic designs is that you’ll get something totally original and customized. Some examples of graphic design to crowdsource are:
- Logo design
- Webpage redesign
- The design of your next direct mail piece or business card
Macrotasks
Macrotasking involves having crowdworkers use their specialties to complete portions of a larger, more complex project. Macrotasking jobs often consist of research and development projects, including innovation challenges. Remember you are empowering the crowd to use their skills for a bigger project or challenge, so organization and communication are essential here. Usually macrotasks fall under broad categories. Some examples of macrotasking categories are:
- Ecological/Green solutions
- Socially-motivated projects
- Medical solutions & innovations
- Innovations that maximize productivity and convenience
Crowdfunding involves having a crowd give funds to a project or task you will complete. Rather than you giving money to a crowd to complete tasks, they are giving you money to complete your own task or project. With crowdfunding, the sky is the limit! If you can convince a crowd to fund your idea, you can do it. But, to help you get a grasp on projects you could possibly crowdfund, some examples are:
- Charitable or practical inventions
- Educational programs
- Films & documentaries
- Music albums & concerts
- Book publication
- Charitable projects that require travel, resources, and assistance