Have you ever wondered what user testing is and whether these jobs really exist?
Is this a legit way to earn money, or is this another clever scam targeted at stealing your money and leaving you with nothing?
After a great deal of research, I was able to come up with quite a bit of information on this topic and I’ll be sharing this with you guys here today.
If you have ever wondered what a user tester job consists of and where to find the jobs that pay the most then I encourage you to continue reading as I’ll be revealing all of this in the following article.
Quite often you will come across someone who claims to make a lot of money working online from “the comfort of their couch”.
Nevertheless, most of them never really tell you how to do that and they only give you information that leads nowhere.
Well, here is an honest article telling you of a legit way to make money from home; and guess what…It’s not a scam or pyramid scheme or anything of the sort.
It is a small job that could get you somewhere if you are determined. Welcome to the world of user testing.
What Is User Testing?
User testing is determining the utility or user-friendliness of a product, usually an app or a website.
It involves interacting with a product in order to give feedback to the manufacturer or creator.
User testing is about letting the producer of the product know if the targeted user will like the product in question before committing resources (that is why they do not mind paying testers if it might save them a whole lot of money).
In other words, it is aimed at letting the producer know what the customer experience is. User testing is usually task oriented, that is, you are required to carry out certain tasks as the researcher analyzes your behavior in real time.
How Does User Testing Work?
You sign up for a site that offers these jobs, complete your profile then take a sample test. From there you can begin testing websites and apps.
Most of them require you to voice whatever goes through your mind as you test the product—speak your thoughts out loud.
Whatever you say is recorded for the creative team to analyze and make any necessary changes. It goes without saying, therefore, that you will need a smartphone and/or a computer and a microphone.
How Much Will You Get Paid As A User Tester?
First things first; you will not become super rich doing user testing jobs so it is wise that you do not ahead of yourself. A user testing job is more of a side hustle, something to boost you a little bit.
Most of these tests last for 10 to 30 minutes.
You get paid $5 to $35 depending on the length of the test, of course. The average pay on many sites is $10 per test.
Top 5 Sites That Offer User Testing Opportunities
There are hundreds of sites that claim to offer user testing jobs but some of them are dead ends—just looking for clicks.
Never mind, though, because the sites listed below are real and depending on your efforts (and maybe luck) you can be sure to get the quick buck that you are looking for.
UserTesting
Top of the list is this site that is simple, straightforward and pays fairly well. They pay to test apps and websites. To become a tester here, visit their website and apply.
You will need a Mac or PC, a microphone and good internet connection to sign up. You can add your smartphone or tablet later for you to take mobile tests.
You must be fluent in English as you are supposed to voice your thoughts in English and at least 18 years old. Payment is made via PayPal.
So, ensure that you create an account!!
The pay is $10 for every complete 20-minute video. It is open to global residents.
TryMyUI
Give your honest feedback after using apps and websites in exchange for cash.
Their aim is to let website designers and coders understand what their users feel or go through as they use their apps or websites.
The test involves a video of your screen and your voice as you use the product in question and a short, well-written response from you.
There is no upper limit to the number of tests that you can take. They pay $10 for every test which typically lasts 20 minutes.
Payment is disbursed every Friday via PayPal, as long as your feedback has been reviewed and accepted by the graders.
StartUpLift
As the name suggests, StartUpLift helps startup companies improve their websites to enhance user experience.
The startups submit their URLs along with tasks that testers are supposed to undertake on the site.
Your job is to perform these tasks, say what you think and give a short written response.
Payment is $5 for every approved feedback. The startups can reject your feedback if they find it low quality so you need to do a good job.
Payment is via PayPal, every Monday.
Userlytics
Userlytics gives you an opportunity to be a user tester working during your free time, wherever you are.
You will need a PC (Windows 7 or newer) or a Mac (MacOS 10.7.3 or newer) and a microphone.
You are supposed to follow all the instructions as required by the client. In case a webcam view is needed, make sure your face shows clearly.
User tests on these sites last 20 to 40 minutes.
Payment is $10 per test and money is disbursed once every week via PayPal.
Userlytics allows clients to rate testers so you better bring your A-game.
Enroll
If you spend too much time on your tablet/phone it is time you started making money out of it.
Enroll lets you see companies’ websites before everyone else, tell them what you think and get paid for it.
Tasks include clarifying content, giving your opinion on a logo or any other task that involves you interacting with the app or website.
The reward is in form of badges and cash via PayPal.
Payment varies with the length of the test.
If you need some money to spend on something, do not rush to drain your savings account.
Try user testing jobs and you may even get more money than you anticipated.
The good thing about these jobs is that anyone with a smartphone, tablet or computer can do them.
You create your own schedule and work when you are free.
Giving honest and thorough feedback increases your chances of getting more jobs.
Join any one or all of the above sites and get to work.
What I Really Think
If you meet the requirements listed above and have the necessary equipment then I think user testing could be a great additional income source for you that’s both easy and fun.
Personally, I had no idea that these jobs even existed until here recently when I was researching product testing jobs a few weeks back and stumbled upon this opportunity as well.
I’m always on the lookout for fun and exciting ways for you guys to earn an extra side income doing something that won’t take up your entire day.
Depending on what company you go through will determine how much money you can earn here, but if I was you, I wouldn’t quit your day job just yet.
These types of jobs weren’t meant for you to earn a full time income from then alone, instead, you should think of this as supplementing your existing income and adding to it.
If the thought of becoming a user tester doesn’t appeal to you and you’re looking for an opportunity where you can earn a full time living then perhaps you should look into affiliate marketing instead.
I really hope this article has helped you guys out and that you now understand what a user tester is and how to go about applying for these jobs.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this and answer any additional questions that I failed to address in the article above in the comments below.
~Scott~