Posting a gig on Colledge is a great way to connect with skilled workers for the gig you need help with. However, a poorly written gig post can make it harder to attract the right person. To help you get the best responses, here are some common mistakes to avoid when posting a gig.
Be Specific—Vague Gigs Get Ignored
Ever seen a gig that just says “Need help with yard work” or “Looking for a tutor”? That’s not enough. Workers need details! Instead, say:
- “Looking for someone to mow my lawn, trim hedges, and remove weeds. Should take about 2-3 hours.”
- “Need an SAT tutor for high school math. Looking for someone with test prep experience, Mondays from 4-5 pm.”
When workers know exactly what’s expected, you’ll attract the right fit faster.
Set a Clear Budget
Not listing a price? That’s like going to a restaurant with no prices on the menu—it makes people uneasy. Even if you’re flexible, give a ballpark range. Instead of “Message me for rates,” try:
- “Offering $50 for a two-hour gig”
- “Pay is $20/hr, negotiable based on experience.”
A clear budget builds trust and encourages quality applicants.
Don’t Leave Out Location & Timing
Workers need to know where and when the gig is happening. If you don’t include these details, you’ll waste time answering questions—or worse, get responses from people who aren’t available. Try:
- “Gig is in downtown Austin. Need help this Saturday between 10 AM and 2 PM.”
Be clear, and you’ll get serious applicants who can actually do the gig.
Special Requirements? Say So Upfront.
Imagine hiring someone to move furniture, only to find out they don’t have a truck. Or booking a tutor who’s never taught the subject your kid needs help with. Avoid the headache by listing any necessary qualifications or tools upfront.
- Need a handyman? Do they need their own tools?
- Hiring a tutor? Should they have experience with a specific test or grade level? Virtual or in-person?
- Babysitting gig? Do they need CPR training or their own car to pick up the kids?
The more details you give, the less time you’ll waste on unqualified applicants.
Proofread Before You Post
A gig post full of typos and unclear wording can look unprofessional—and might make workers think twice before applying. Take 30 seconds to read over your post before hitting submit.
Don’t Ghost Your Applicants
You posted your gig, got a few messages… and forgot to check your inbox? Big mistake. Workers won’t wait forever, and if you’re slow to respond, they’ll move on to other gigs. Check your messages regularly and reply ASAP to keep the hiring process smooth.
Update or Remove Your Gig Once It’s Filled
Once you’ve hired someone, don’t leave your gig up. Otherwise, you’ll keep getting messages from people who think the gig is still available. Instead, mark the gig as filled or remove it once the gig is taken.
A great gig post is clear, detailed, and easy to understand. Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll attract quality workers faster—saving yourself time and hassle. Whether it’s a one-time task or an ongoing gig, a well-written post makes all the difference.
