How to Write a Micro-Task That Gets Approved Work

If you post a micro-task and get messy or incomplete submissions back, the problem is often the instructions, not the workers. A good task is easy to understand in ten seconds. Here is how to write one.

1. Say exactly what you want done

Write the task in short steps. Instead of "Promote my page", write "Open this link, follow the page, then send a screenshot of the Following button." Each step should be one clear action.

2. Say what proof you need

Workers cannot guess what you want to see. Tell them exactly what the proof should show, for example "a screenshot showing your username and the Following button". If a link, a name or a time must be visible, say so.

3. Keep one task to one goal

A task that asks a worker to follow, like, comment and share is harder to approve because any missing part causes an argument. If you need several things, make several small tasks.

4. Pay fairly for the effort

If the effort is high and the pay is very low, few people will do it well. Think about how long the task will take a normal person and price it fairly. Better pay usually means better work.

5. Avoid anything that breaks platform rules

Do not ask workers for passwords, personal information or anything that could harm them. Tasks like that can get your account removed and put workers at risk.

6. Review quickly and explain rejections

When you reject a submission, give a short reason, such as "the screenshot does not show the Following button". Workers learn from it, and your next submissions improve.

Example

Weak: "Check out my new app."

Better: "1. Open the link. 2. Install the app. 3. Open it once and take a screenshot of the first screen. 4. Upload the screenshot as proof."

You can see how tasks work when you create a free QuickPlug account.