How to Earn Extra Money by Testing Websites
Every year, companies and businesses from small to large launch new websites or make changes to existing ones. Maybe the business has a new product or service offering? Maybe the company is looking to modify its image either to boost sales or to appeal to a different market segment? Perhaps the old website is getting stodgy and in need of a facelift? Whatever the reason, these businesses spend serious money creating and updating their websites, making it one of the most lucrative businesses in the United States. Whether it's a restaurant business, a hospital, a nonprofit charity, a law firm, medical practice or a retailer, it seems like everyone in business has a website, and making it sure it retains its appeal and continues to have current information has kept programmers and designers across the land busy. What's more, they do not want to leave anything up to chance. Sure, the folks in the boardroom might like the look and feel of the new or updated website, but what about the targeted audience? The executives and board members of the insurance company might think that their new Medicare supplement website projects the image they desire and contains pertinent information for senior citizens, but will retirees like the new website or find that it is confusing and difficult to navigate? This is where you come in as a paid website tester.
Website testing
Like its name implies, website testing is the system of hiring people based on their demographics to try out a website before it is launched. Much like product testing, the website tester is asked to go through all the different parts of the website to make sure they function correctly, are aesthetically pleasing, and, most important, user friendly. Your task will be to answer the question: does this website function like it is supposed to?
The companies requesting the website tests want to make sure that the target audience or customers will be happy with the website. This is why being honest about your background is extremely important. Demographics means that the company wants to know your age, ethnicity, location, job history, economic group, and other pertinent information to make sure that you are part of the target audience. If you fall within this group, you may be hired for that specific project as a website tester.
Typically, website testers get paid $10 for each website they test, although some may get paid up to $25 if they have experience and are part of a desired demographic. However, one of the benefits of being a website tester is that you can do all the work from the comfort of your own home on your own time schedule.
UserTesting
One of the biggest website testing companies is UserTesting. They not only offer jobs testing websites, but also product tests as well. The goal of UserTesting is to improve user experience on their clients' websites, which is referred to as UX. These clients range from small and startup companies to some of the largest businesses in the world. If you are chosen for a job with UserTesting, you will be paid $10 for every 20-minute test you complete, so you could potentially earn $30 per hour while still in your pajamas. UserTesting offers even higher compensation if you are chosen for interviews.
UserFeel
UserFeel engages in what it describes as "remote usability testing." This means that you will be testing the websites on a variety devices, including desktop and laptop computers, mobile smartphones, and tablets that use Android, iPhone or iPad technology. The goal is to make sure that the websites function on all different types of devices so that they are scalable, meaning that they will appear properly even on a small smartphone. The clientele of UserFeel reads like a who's who of world industry, service companies and even governmental agencies, so if you are chosen as a qualified tester, you will join people from around the world in testing some of the most important websites before they get launched. You will be tasked with going on the website and asked to perform a number of simulated functions all the way through the checkout process. Don't worry, you won't have to buy anything. You will be filmed during the process so that the company will be able to assess the functionality of the website. UserFeel pays $10 per test, which usually takes between 10 and 20 minutes to complete. As a result, it is conceivable that you could earn up to $60 per hour if you are chosen as a tester.
Userlytics
With a name that is derived from analytics, Userlytics offers its corporate customers the chance to optimize the customer journey, user interface and user experience of their websites, applications, mobile apps and prototypes. To do this, Userlytics hires testers like you to visit the subject website or download the mobile app to be tested. While you are doing this, you will be asked to answer some questions while also saying your thoughts and emotions out loud. For example, if the app is not functioning correctly, you should explain that you are frustrated. On the other hand, if you love the layout of the website, you should mention that too. Once you complete the user test, Userlytics will pay you at least $5 for your time, and may pay as much as $10, $15, $20 or even $90 depending on the project involved. Just like the other website testing companies, you can do the Userlytics tests from your own home in your free time.
UserZoom
UserZoom used to be called whatusersdo.com. If you go to the old website, you will be redirected to the new one. UserZoom helps its customers start, scale and advance the user experience on their websites through website testing. If you are interested, you can join their IntelliZoomPanel, which features some cool graphics that look like Muppet monsters to help guide you through the process. Each study will take between 10 and 20 minutes, with your participation chosen based on your personal demographics. If you are chosen for a recorded website test, you will be paid $10 on average from UserZoom, while the compensation for answering standard surveys is $2 per survey. All payments are made securely through PayPal within 21 business days of completion of each study, so you can quickly see your funds build up as you participate as an IntelliZoomPanel members. All you need are a computer, tablet or smartphone, a reliable Wi-Fi connection, a quiet place to relax, and a download of UserZoom's eCertified testing software. You can then join all the others earning money while influencing the marketplace.
Beta testing
One other area that is similar to website testing is becoming a Beta tester. Beta testers are people who download and test apps and software before they go live. These are mostly videogames, but can also be things like banking apps, shopping apps, and entertainment apps. Your job is test out the app to make sure it does not contain any bugs, meaning errors. You will basically be compensated for spotting any mistakes, whether a feature that doesn't function, a link that is broken, or even a misspelling of a word. Companies want to make sure that their apps and software don't have a problem when they launch them as this can cost money, reputation and embarrassment. To avoid this, they employ folks like you to be their last line of defense. Beta testers typically earn around $10 per test, but may receive more if they have greater experience. Four the best Beta testing companies are betabound, VMC of Keywords Studios, and BetaTesting. Each of these employ people around the country and can be a great way to earn some extra money through Beta testing. While none of these pay enough to substitute for regular, full-time employment, each will give you enough work to help supplement your earnings or retirement income.
The benefits of working from your own home on your own schedule
There really is nothing like working from home and making some extra money in your free time. Working as a website tester or Beta tester is a fun way to supplement your income, especially if you love to browse the Internet, play video games, and try new things on your devices.