Earning more gold

any suggestions on how to earn more gold without actually having to use real money? I know about the daily videos but the reality is, upgrades cost more than what I’m earning. I’m moving at slower than a snails pace getting through the game and it really takes the fun out of it as it seems I am just waiting and waiting to earn the odd piece of gold here and there. I get they don’t want to give it away but I’m on the verge of just calling it a day because I don’t see the point of just hanging around waiting to get what I need. I have coins in abundance but don’t have anything to spend them on. Suggestions on what to do with the coins would be helpful too. TIA