Tasks vs Gigs vs Remote Work
Understanding the differences to choose the right work type for your needs
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Tasks | Gigs | Remote Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | One-time | One-time | Ongoing |
| Who Posts | Client | Freelancer | Client |
| Application Process | Freelancers apply | Clients order directly | Freelancers apply |
| Platform Fee | 10% | 10% | 5% |
| Payment Timing | Upon approval | Upon approval | Weekly |
| Typical Timeline | Hours to days | 1-7 days | Weeks to months |
| Best For | Quick microtasks | Predefined services | Long-term projects |
Tasks: One-Time Microtasks
Tasks are perfect for one-time jobs that need to be completed quickly. Clients post what they need, freelancers apply, and the client chooses who to assign the task to.
When to Use Tasks:
Examples of Tasks:
Data & Research
- • Compile a list of 100 email addresses
- • Research competitors in a specific market
- • Transcribe a 30-minute audio file
- • Data entry from PDFs to spreadsheet
Creative Work
- • Edit 20 product photos
- • Write a 500-word blog post
- • Design a simple logo concept
- • Create social media graphics
Technical Tasks
- • Fix a bug in existing code
- • Set up a WordPress plugin
- • Configure email automation
- • Test a website on mobile devices
Administrative
- • Schedule 10 social media posts
- • Format a document to specific guidelines
- • Create a presentation from notes
- • Organize files in cloud storage
💡 Pro Tip:
Be as specific as possible in your task description. The clearer your requirements, the better quality applications you'll receive, and the smoother the process will be.
Gigs: Predefined Services
Gigs are services that freelancers offer repeatedly. Think of them as a menu of services that clients can order instantly without negotiation. Freelancers create the listing, set the price, and clients order when they need that service.
When to Use Gigs:
Examples of Gigs:
Design Services
- • Logo design (3 concepts + revisions)
- • Social media banner pack (5 designs)
- • Business card design
- • Instagram story templates (10 pack)
Writing Services
- • SEO blog post (1000 words)
- • Product descriptions (10 items)
- • Email newsletter writing
- • Website copy for landing page
Development Services
- • WordPress website setup
- • Landing page development
- • API integration (standard services)
- • Mobile app bug fixes (up to 3 bugs)
Marketing Services
- • Social media management (1 week)
- • SEO audit report
- • Email marketing campaign setup
- • Competitor analysis report
✨ For Freelancers:
Gigs are perfect if you offer a service repeatedly. Create your gig once, and clients can order it multiple times. Build your reputation and get repeat customers easily.
Remote Work: Ongoing Contractor Relationships
Remote Work positions are for longer-term contractor relationships with weekly payments. Perfect for ongoing projects that need consistent attention over weeks or months.
When to Use Remote Work:
Examples of Remote Work Positions:
Development Roles
- • Full-stack developer (20 hrs/week)
- • Mobile app developer (part-time)
- • DevOps engineer (ongoing support)
- • QA tester (continuous testing)
Marketing Roles
- • Social media manager (ongoing)
- • Content writer (weekly articles)
- • SEO specialist (monthly optimization)
- • Email marketing manager
Design Roles
- • UI/UX designer (product design)
- • Graphic designer (ongoing needs)
- • Video editor (weekly content)
- • Brand designer (continuous work)
Administrative Roles
- • Virtual assistant (daily support)
- • Customer support rep (ongoing)
- • Project manager (part-time)
- • Bookkeeper (weekly/monthly)
⏱️ Time Commitment:
Remote Work positions can be part-time (10-20 hrs/week) or full-time (40 hrs/week). Specify the expected hours in your job posting to attract the right candidates.
Fee Differences Explained
ZaphWork charges different platform fees based on the work type to reflect the different levels of service and support required. Here's why:
Tasks & Gigs
10%One-time transactions require more platform overhead per transaction:
- Application review and matching process
- Escrow setup and management per task
- Dispute resolution support if needed
- Quality assurance and platform moderation
Remote Work
5%Ongoing relationships have lower per-transaction overhead:
- One-time matching, ongoing relationship
- Automated weekly payment processing
- Lower support overhead per payment
- Encourages long-term platform relationships
💡 Remember:
In all cases, the platform fee is paid by the client, not the freelancer. Freelancers always receive 100% of the posted reward or rate. The fee structure is designed to be fair and transparent for everyone.
Fee Comparison Examples:
Still Not Sure Which to Choose?
Here's a quick decision guide to help you choose the right work type:
Choose Tasks if:
- • You need something done once and won't need it again
- • You want to review applications and choose the best freelancer
- • Your requirements are unique or custom
- • You need it done quickly (hours to days)
Choose Gigs if:
- • You need a standard service that many freelancers offer
- • You want to order instantly without an application process
- • You want to see portfolios and examples before ordering
- • You might need the same service again in the future
Choose Remote Work if:
- • You need ongoing support over weeks or months
- • You want to build a relationship with a dedicated contractor
- • You prefer weekly payments instead of large upfront costs
- • You need someone who will learn your business and processes
✨ Pro Tip:
You can use all three work types! Many clients post tasks for quick jobs, order gigs for standard services, and hire remote freelancers for ongoing needs. Choose the right tool for each job.
Need Help Choosing?
Our support team can help you decide which work type is best for your specific needs