Do you want to earn money online without spending hours learning a complex new skill? You do not need to be a programmer to start making extra cash this week. Companies are willing to pay normal people to test their websites and mobile apps. They want to know if their pages are easy to use. If a button is hard to find or a form does not work, they want to hear about it before they launch. This side hustle is called website testing, and it is one of the easiest ways to start making money from your couch.
How Website Testing Works
Website testing is very simple. A company wants to make sure their new online store runs well. They hire a testing platform to find everyday users. You sign up on one of these platforms, fill out a profile, and wait for test invites. When you get a test, you open the website and complete a list of tasks. For example, you might be asked to find a specific pair of shoes, put them in the shopping cart, and go to the checkout page.
As you do this, you speak your thoughts out loud. You might say, "The search bar is hard to see because the background color is too dark." Or you might say, "I clicked the checkout button, but nothing happened for five seconds." A screen recorder captures your movements and your voice. Each test usually takes ten to twenty minutes. Once you finish, you submit the video and get paid.
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The Best Platforms to Get Started
Several legitimate websites connect testers with big brands. You do not need any special gear. A laptop, a stable internet connection, and a decent microphone are all you need. Some platforms even let you use your smartphone.
Here are three of the most popular platforms you can join today:
- UserTesting: This is the biggest company in the space. They pay ten dollars for a standard twenty-minute test. They also offer live video interviews that pay up to sixty dollars for an hour of your time. They pay through PayPal exactly one week after you complete the test.
- TryMyUI: This site is very similar to UserTesting. They pay ten dollars for each test, which usually takes around twenty minutes. You will need to take a short qualification test to show you can speak your thoughts clearly.
- Userlytics: This platform offers tests for both computers and mobile phones. Payments range from five dollars to twenty dollars depending on how complex the test is. They accept testers from all over the world.
Signing up for multiple sites is the best way to get a steady flow of invites. If you only sign up for one, you might only get one or two tests a week.
How to Qualify for More Tests
You will not get every test you apply for. Companies look for specific types of people. For example, a car website might only want feedback from people who plan to buy a car in the next six months. Before each test, you will answer a few screener questions.
To get more tests, you need to keep your profile updated. Fill out every detail about your hobbies, your job, and the devices you own. When you do get accepted, make sure you speak constantly. Do not just sit in silence while clicking around. Talk about what you expect to see before you click. Explain why you are confused. The companies want your honest thoughts, not just a silent video.
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What to Keep in Mind Before You Start
This is not a full-time job. You should view website testing as a way to make some extra pocket cash. The number of tests you receive will go up and down. Some weeks you might make fifty dollars, and other weeks you might make nothing.
Never pay to join a testing site. Legitimate platforms will always be completely free to sign up. If a site asks for your credit card to let you test, it is a scam. Stay away from them.
Also, make sure you have a quiet place to work. Background noise like barking dogs or loud televisions can get your test rejected. If your test gets rejected, you will not get paid, and your rating on the platform will drop.
Ready to give it a try? Set up an account on one of the platforms mentioned above and take your first practice test. It takes less than thirty minutes to get started. You might find that you enjoy sharing your opinion and getting paid for it.