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Have you ever visited a website and thought of all the ways you’d improve it? If so, picking up a few website testing jobs might be a great side gig for you.
Every day, business owners and bloggers are creating new websites and tweaking their old ones to be more engaging and user-friendly. They might need to improve their color scheme, their navigation, or even their tagline. How do these business owners and bloggers know which changes to make? They look at their analytics, they read articles, they ask their friends, AND they get feedback from a site such as Usertesting.
Whether you are a mom of young children, an older mom whose kids are grown, a fashion lover, a book lover, or a resident of a specific region, there are companies out there right now who are ready and willing to pay for your valuable feedback.
What Is Website Testing?
First things first: what’s the deal with website testing? Imagine you’re a business owner who just launched a brand-new website. You think it looks great, but how do you know if real people can actually use it? That’s where you come in!
Companies pay people like us to navigate their websites, try out different features, and give honest feedback. They want to know if their site is user-friendly, if there are any bugs, or if anything is more confusing than trying to fold a fitted sheet.
The best part? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to do this. If you can browse the internet and speak your thoughts out loud, you’re already qualified. Plus, it’s super flexible – perfect for fitting around your busy life.
Sounds Great! How Do I Get Started?
To sign up as a website tester for UserTesting, visit the company’s “Sign up to be a user tester” page and enter your information. Then, you’ll wait for the email confirmation, fill out a page of demographic information, and complete a sample test. The demographic information is used to match companies with testers in their target audience.
When a company is ready for feedback, you’ll find out one of two ways. Either you can wait for an email notification or you can log in to the site frequently to see what opportunities are available. The requirements will vary, and you will only want to select the ones where you meet all of the qualifications.
How Do I Actually Test the Website?
Once you’ve found a test that you’re a good match for, you will use the UserTesting on-screen recorder and a microphone to record your thoughts as you explore the website. Your face will NOT be recorded, and the company you are reviewing will not know your name. UserTesting will give you questions as prompts, so just explore the site and answer the questions to the best of your ability. The questions aren’t difficult. You’re just giving your feedback on the site in general. You’ll have a couple of written questions to fill out afterward, too. Then, once you’re done, UserTesting will send your feedback to the company, and you’ll get paid via Paypal!
Who Hires Website Testers?
In this article, we have been talking specifically about UserTesting.com, though you’ll notice many other user-testing websites stick closely to the UserTesting model. Here are several more sites that may be hiring at this time:
Now, let’s get to the exciting stuff – where can you find these gigs? I’ve done the research for you and rounded up 20 of the best platforms out there. I’ve arranged them based on user ratings, starting with the highest-rated:
- Conversion Crimes (5 stars on Glassdoor)
Test websites, apps, software, ad funnels, and Amazon listings. Each test takes 20 minutes or less, and you’ll earn between $10 and $100. They pay weekly and accept users from the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
- uTest (4.6 stars on Trustpilot)
uTest hires independent contractors for quality assurance testing. They work with big names like Google, Amazon, and Netflix. In 2016 alone, they paid out over $20 million to testers worldwide. That’s some serious dough!
- User Interviews (4.5 stars on Trustpilot)
This platform offers a variety of opportunities, including website testing, surveys, and online interviews. The pay range is impressive – anywhere from $20 to $1,500 per study! They accept participants from the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Germany, France, and the UK.
- Enroll (4 stars on DollarBreak)
Tasks vary in nature, as does the pay. I did one job that took less than a minute and it paid $0.10. Hey, every penny counts, right? Payments are made via PayPal.
- Ferpection (4 stars on Trustpilot)
Complete missions via your mobile phone, tablet, or desktop device. I recently did a test with them that took 45 minutes and paid $25. They offer text-based tests if you’re camera-shy.
- TestingTime (4 stars on Trustpilot)
TestingTime offers video call studies, in-person studies, and simple surveys. Pay varies based on the length and subject matter of each test. They’re open to global residents and pay via PayPal or direct deposit within ten days.
- Test IO (4 stars on Glassdoor)
Get paid for testing websites, apps, and games. You earn $50 when you find a glitch or bug, and even more for critical issues. They pay monthly via PayPal, IBAN bank transfer, or Skrill.
- Userlytics (3.9 stars on Trustpilot)
With Userlytics, you can earn between $5 and $90 per project, depending on its scope. They test websites, apps, prototypes, and more. Payments are made via PayPal.
- Userbrain (3.8 stars on Trustpilot)
Earn $5 per test, which takes about 5-20 minutes. Payments are distributed weekly via PayPal. You’ll need to download their recorder for Google Chrome or iOS.
- Userfeel (3.6 stars on Trustpilot)
Earn $3-$30 for providing your thoughts on various websites, apps, and prototypes. Tests take approximately 5-60 minutes each, and payments are made via PayPal at the end of each week.
- UserCrowd (3.5 stars on Trustpilot)
Take quick design surveys to help make products and websites better. You’ll earn $0.20 per minute for tests and $0.75 per minute for interviews. Cash out once you hit $10 in your account.
- Validately (Positive reviews from Frugal For Less)
Most tests pay $10 per 10-15 minutes. For live studies, expect a minimum of $40 for 30 minutes and $70 for 60 minutes. Payments are made via PayPal within seven business days.
- Loop11 (6 out of 10 on LushDollar)
This Australian-based company claims to pay above-average rates and bonuses. They work with big names like IBM, JPMorgan Chase, and GoDaddy.
- Gigwalk (Mixed reviews)
This smartphone app offers a variety of short tasks, including website testing. Tasks pay between $3 and $100 and take anywhere from 5 minutes to a few hours to complete.
- Intuit User Research (5 out of 10 on LushDollar)
Test Intuit products like TurboTax, QuickBooks, and Credit Karma. Studies range from 30 minutes to two hours, and you’ll earn a digital gift card for each 30-minute interval.
Checkealos (2.5 stars on Paid From Surveys)Feedback sessions last approximately 30 minutes, and you earn $10 for each session. They also have live conversations and advance testing opportunities that pay between 30 and 150 Euros.
- Trymata (2.9 stars on Trustpilot)
Earn $5 to $30 as a usability tester. Payments are issued biweekly via PayPal. Some users complain about the platform being glitchy, so proceed with caution.
FAQs
How much can I expect to earn from website testing?
UserTesting pays $10 per desktop test and $15 per mobile test, and the tests only take about 20 minutes each to complete. However, before you get too excited, you should realize that there are many, many more testers than jobs available, so this is ONLY a part-time gig. It’s a great way to make some fast and easy cash, but it isn’t going to pay your mortgage. Also, note that User testing does not withhold taxes, so you’ll need to set those funds aside yourself.
Earnings can vary widely depending on the platform, the complexity of the test, and how many tests you complete. On average, you can expect to earn anywhere from $10 to $60 per hour. Some platforms pay per test (often $10-$15 for a 20-minute test), while others pay hourly rates for longer sessions. Keep in mind that work may not be constant, especially when you’re just starting out.
How many hours do I need to commit?
That’s the beauty of website testing – you can commit as much or as little time as you want! Some testers do this for just a few hours a week, while others make it a full-time gig. It’s all about what works for your schedule. Just remember, the more time you put in, the more opportunities you’ll have to earn.
Do I need any special equipment?
For most website testing gigs, you’ll need a computer with a reliable internet connection, a microphone, and sometimes a webcam. Some platforms also offer mobile testing, so a smartphone or tablet can open up even more opportunities. Don’t worry if your setup isn’t top-of-the-line – as long as you can browse websites and clearly record your thoughts, you’re good to go!
What type of skills do I need to have to be a website tester?
Surprisingly, very few skills are needed, though any website or marketing knowledge you do have is always a plus. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom who knows very little about computers or a marketing mastermind, someone out there wants your feedback. After all, these companies aren’t necessarily selling to web gurus. They are sold to dog lovers, moms, people who wear socks, or people who run races. If you fit into their target demographic, then they want your feedback.
Is website testing legit? It sounds too good to be true!
I get why you might be skeptical – I was too at first! But yes, website testing is absolutely legitimate. Major companies like Amazon, Google, and Apple all use these services to improve their websites and apps. Just stick to reputable platforms like the ones I’ve listed in this article, and you’ll be fine.
How quickly will I get paid?
Payment schedules vary by platform. Some, like UserTesting, pay via PayPal 7 days after you complete a test. Others might pay weekly or monthly. Make sure to check the payment terms when you sign up for each platform.
Doesn’t giving feedback on websites sound fun? Are you going to sign up? Or have you signed up already?
I joined User testing a little over a month ago, and I really love it. The pay for the time spent is great! It’s true that these gigs/tests are picked up SO quickly, though! Still, I’m so happy to be a tester with them.
Thank you for the list. I hadn’t heard of most of the other sites, and I’m excited to check them out!
I am so happy to hear that, Evelyn! Thanks for sharing your experience.
I started a couple weeks ago and have enjoyed it. They paid exactly like they said they would too.
The only thing I’m not fond of is that it can take a couple days to hear from support and their forums are a bit messy.
Thanks, Jenn. Waiting is always the hardest part.
I’ve been with Usertesting for a couple of months now and it’s pretty cool. Sometimes you can get moderated studies that pay quite a bit I did one recently for $70. The test can be hard to come by but other than that it’s $10 for 10 to 15 minute test. Sometimes you can get 2 to three test a day depending. And once you’ve done a couple test you get invited to be a mobile tester where they send you a IPevo camera (free of charge) and you get 15$ for those. You can also download the app on your phone or tablet and make money on those two. The more device you have the better. I like to keep a pinned tab on my browser that way if a test becomes available it makes a ding noise. It’s nothing to quit your day job over but I enjoy the extra pocket change. Hope this helps.
Thanks for sharing, VaLyssia! Sounds like a great little gig.
Hi,
i am very interested in this, but i wonder does it provide international? cause i’m from Singapore. and looking for part time flexible job to handle my schedule.
Hi, Jastina. I’m not sure about international availability as I’m in the U.S. Check out this article for some worldwide opportunities:
http://workathomemoms.about.com/od/workathomecareers/a/Global-Work-At-Home-Jobs.htm