Many hands make light work, right? The concept of crowdsourcing has taken off in recent years and for very good reason. Crowdsourcing software has become an invaluable tool for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to connect with talented people around the world. Nowadays, you can outsource any project or task, finding the right (or better-suited) person for the job.
In 2023, there will be many powerful crowdsource solutions available that can help business owners bring their projects to fruition quickly and cost-effectively. These platforms provide access to talented and skilled individuals around the world who can contribute ideas, insights or actual work to complete any task required.
Crowdsourcing software also offers features such as task management tools, analytics and payment systems that make it easier than ever before to collaborate remotely with people from all over the globe. This article will explore some of the best crowdsourcing software solutions in 2023 that are currently available.
What is crowdsourcing?
A recent report from Deloitte’s describe crowdsourcing as a way for businesses to access new pools of external talent, and offers otherwise frustrated and nomadic employees a greater diversity of work. In fact, research demonstrates that horizontally distributing work, particularly in the fields of health and medicine provides substantial complementary value and increases the reliability of the work itself.
However, almost any industry can benefit from crowdsourcing, and the easiest way to do so is to use crowdsourcing software. Whether you need a new logo design, are looking for software testers or need high-quality marketing content for your business – utilising crowdsourcing platforms could save you valuable time and money in the long term.
What is the best crowdsourcing software?
One of the leading crowdsourcing platforms in 2023 is Upwork. This platform offers a wide variety of features and services and ideally suits businesses of all sizes. It also allows for both hourly or fixed-price contracts and payments can be made with PayPal or Payoneer. Upwork is perfect for businesses that are looking for short-term projects as well as long-term and consistent contracts as it offers access to a large pool of freelancers in various fields.
Here are the best crowdsourcing platforms for businesses in 2023.
- UpWork
- 99Designs
- Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (mTurk)
- Innocentive
- uTest
UpWork
Overview
The first platform to consider is Upwork, one of the leading crowdsourcing platforms on the market. Upwork enables businesses and entrepreneurs to connect with a global network of freelancers for projects ranging from web design and software development to marketing and research. The platform makes it easy to find, hire and collaborate with talent from around the world as well as provide feedback and payment.
Highlights
- Connect with accomplished and qualified freelancers around the world
- Industry-experts that provide high-quality content and services
- Mobile app and desktop compatibility
- Easy to use interface for clients, enterprise-clients and freelancers
Pricing
UpWork is free to join as a client, as well as a freelancer. With Upwork, you can rely on their 3% service fee as it is not simply a cost for you but also for your freelancers. This amount goes towards ensuring the safety and security of payments made through Upwork’s platform.
Bottom Line
UpWork is ideal for finding and securing the best freelancers to complete any imaginable task. You can also keep your work confidential, by using UpWork’s credit card payment option and ensuring everything stays between yourself and the hired freelancer. One of the best features of Upwork is that you can feel confident you’re hiring talented, qualified and highly skilled people to complete your work. Whatsmore, it’s very well priced for such a comprehensive crowdsource platform.
99Designs
Overview
99Designs is another standout crowdsource platform option that is worth considering in 2023. This platform is an online marketplace for creative professionals and is superb for any graphic design and branding requirements. On 99Designs, businesses and entrepreneurs can find top-notch designers from around the world who specialise in logo design, app development, web design and other creative ventures.
Highlights
- Wide range of professional, engaging and beautifully designed graphics that give your brand a visually strong identity.
- The ‘design contest’ method means talented designers compete to deliver their graphics, expediting the process for clients
- No need to seek out the right freelancer for the job
- Get designs for logos, branding, merchandise, website or packaging
Pricing
99Design’s pricing caters for a range of business needs:
- Logo & brand identity pack – $889
- Logo & business card – $669
- Logo & website – $1399
- Logo & social media pack – $589
You can also enquire about bespoke packages for branding and design for your business
And if you’re still unsure, take their helpful branding quiz to help refine your branding needs depending on your industry, business structure and more.
Bottom Line
If you’re seeking extraordinary graphic design solutions for your business, 99Designs is one of the best crowdsourcing software not to be missed in 2023. 99Designs does what it says, in delivering a vast selection of professionally crafted graphics that ensures you get a design that looks inviting, polished and full of unique concepts.
Amazon’s Mechanical Turk (mTurk)
Overview
Amazon’s Mechanical Turk is also an excellent choice for businesses and entrepreneurs looking to crowdsource projects. This crowdsource platform affords you access to a wide range of freelancers from around the world who specialise in tasks such as data entry, web research and translation services. Amazon’s Mechanical Turk is famous for the ‘microtask’, where small jobs, administrative and creative projects (known as HITs or Human Intelligence Tasks) feature prominently.
Highlights
- Prospective workers browse through the current HITs available on MTurk and select the most intriguing ones to complete, after which points are paid for their service.
- Makes the most of outsourcing to a large number of workers to complete small jobs.
- Give more attention to a given task using a remote team, which improves turnaround times in a cost-effective manner.
- Flexible payment options depending on your requirements
Pricing
MTurk’s pricing differs, depending on what workers should be paid for each task.
Additionally, the platform will charge 20% from the given reward and bonuses in return. There are a few different qualifications including Masters, Premium or Basic. Each level may incur additional charges, so it’s best to contact MTurk directly for more information.
Bottom Line
Amazon’s Mechanical Turk provides you with the opportunity to tap into a powerful network of dedicated workers, enabling you to achieve your business aspirations, however they present. With its expansive network of providers, Amazon’s Mechanical Turk crowdsourcing platform makes it easy to find talented people for your specific tasks. It’s a unique way to crowdsource your projects in a creative way using their HIT method, all the while helping you get jobs done quickly and efficiently.
Innocentive
Overview
Innocentive is a groundbreaking crowdsource platform that makes an audacious statement, right from their homepage. Innocentive is considered one of the best crowdsourcing software options in 2023, as it seeks to unite ‘solvers’ with challengers, as they help worldwide businesses in both public and private arenas. Because modern problems demand modern solutions, this platform uses the power of crowdsourced solutions and addresses global issues in inventive and creative ways.
Highlights
- Leveraging the collective wisdom of multiple people can be a powerful resource for problem-solving.
- Get advice and feedback from those who are familiar with your organisation’s challenges by connecting directly to experts in that field.
- Source creative solutions to your problems simply by listing them on this platform.
- Gain expertise through helping others – so not only can you make an impact with your ideas but also become better at what you do.
Pricing
Contact Innocentive directly for more information on their pricing structure.
Bottom Line
With the immense potential of innovation stemming from difficult problems, governments and organisations of all sizes are keen to capitalise on the collective power of human ideas. Innocentive understands how important it is to consult the best minds with the cleverest of ideas to solve complex global problems. Ultimately, this gives people the chance to move towards finding solutions that will have a lasting impact on society.
uTest
Overview
Last but not least on the list of best crowdsourcing software options in 2023 is uTest. This community platform is ideal for digital freelance software testers and has helped thousands of businesses develop their digital products. In the world of digital technology, uTest values the experience of the user. They provide access to and connect a wide scope of testers, who provide feedback on web designs, smartphone apps and more.
Highlights
- Connect to a global community of professional digital freelancers that contribute to digital product development.
- Take advantage of over half a million testers in their online community.
- Upon joining uTest, expect to be afforded quality freelance software testing positions that are tailored to your individual skills and preferences.
- Be rewarded for your feedback on the latest products regardless of any prior knowledge.
Pricing
Joining uTest is free. In fact, you actually get paid for the tests you participate in. This offers an incredible opportunity to those looking to gain experience with software user testing and learn more about the digital product marketplace.
Bottom line
uTest is an online community platform designed for digital freelance software testers. It connects over half a million people, who are able to provide feedback on web designs, smartphone apps and other digital products. Joining uTest is free, and members are even rewarded for their feedback with payments. uTest is one of the best crowdsource platforms that support user testing jobs that actively influence digital product development.
What is Crowdsourcing Software?
Crowdsourcing software is a type of digital platform that allows business owners and entrepreneurs to access the collective wisdom of their customers, employees, or other stakeholders. It can crowdsource ideas for product development, market research, customer feedback, or any other business-related activity.
By leveraging the knowledge and experience of a large group of people, businesses can make better decisions more quickly than they could on their own. A crowdsourcing platform also helps companies save time and money by reducing the need for expensive consultants or surveys. It has become increasingly popular among small businesses looking to get an edge in today’s competitive market.
Crowdsourcing Software – FAQs
How can businesses benefit from using crowdsourcing software?
Crowdsourcing platforms are incredibly versatile, meaning any industry could benefit from using them. For example, a business in the retail sector could crowdsource ideas on product designs and marketing campaigns; while a business in the technology sector could use it to solicit feedback on app design.
What features should I look for when choosing a crowdsourcing software platform?
There are a few features to look out for when selecting the best crowdsourcing software. The main ones include the ability to collect and organise suggestions from users quickly and easily. Also, a great crowdsourcing software or platform offers tools that enable collaboration between different stakeholders, as well as a rewards system for participants.
Are there any risks associated with crowdsourcing software platforms?
You should ensure that the platform has clear terms and conditions of use for both freelancers or workers and clients alike. Make sure that any ideas or suggestions collected from users remain confidential. Also, make sure there are transparent guidelines and criteria for evaluating submissions.
What are the costs associated with running a successful crowdsourcing project?
Costs for running a successful crowdsourcing project will depend on the features and complexity of the platform used. Generally, most platforms will charge a monthly subscription fee, in addition to any additional costs that may be incurred during the setup or maintenance of the platform. Costs can also vary depending on how many users are participating in the project. It’s best to do your research and find out which crowdsourcing software suits the needs of you and your business.
Final Thoughts on the Best Crowdsourcing Software in 2023
Crowdsourcing platforms are amazing online resources. They serve to unite people and ideas, giving users access to experts and solving problems along the way. No matter what type of project you need to crowdsource, there are many great crowdsourcing platform options available in 2023.
From Upwork and 99Designs which celebrate talented freelancers and designers, to Amazon’s Mechanical Turk where you can microtask your work into bite-sized ‘HITs’. Then, there’s Innocentive which fosters solutions to the world’s largest problems. Finally, there’s uTest for digital product testers.
Each platform offers a unique set of features that can make it easier to crowdsource ideas, manage projects and pay freelancers. Be sure to do your research before selecting the right one for you. With the right platform, businesses and entrepreneurs can launch their projects faster and with less effort, making these platforms a powerful asset for getting a job done efficiently and affordably.