Last month, while looking into ways to make money online, I stumbled upon a fun and easy method to earn some extra cash from home. I’ve been getting paid to share my thoughts on new websites!
Here’s how it works: I visit a website, explore it for a bit (usually between 5 and 20 minutes), and then answer a few questions about my experience. Typically, I earn $10 for about 20 minutes of simple work.
There are several companies offering paid website testing jobs. I’ve been using UserTesting and WhatUsersDo, but there are many others out there. These companies pay you to test websites for their clients. Sometimes you’ll get specific tasks, like making an appointment using an online form. Other times, you just browse the site and click on pages that catch your interest.
While you browse, screen recording software runs in the background, capturing your screen activity so the client can see what you’re doing. It also records your voice as you talk through your impressions and any confusion you might have. This software doesn’t record you via webcam or access anything else on your computer—only the website you’re testing.
To be a website tester, all you need is a computer with a microphone, which most modern laptops have built-in. If not, you can use an external mic. Tests are sometimes available for smartphones and tablets too, but you need to sign up with your computer first. You’ll also need to download a small file for the screen recording, which is a quick and easy process. Most sites pay via PayPal, so you’ll need an account there as well.
Anyone can be a website tester, as no specific qualifications are required. However, some tests are only available to certain demographics, so you might need to complete a short screener quiz before accepting a new job.
I’ve been using two website testing companies so far:
1. **UserTesting** – Pays $10 for a 20-minute test and $3 for a 5-minute test. Payment is made to your PayPal account one week after completing each test.
2. **WhatUsersDo** – A British company that pays £8 for a 20-minute test. Payments are made on the 25th of each month for all tests completed in the previous month.
Both companies pay automatically, so you don’t need to submit an invoice. These rates are typical for other website testing companies as well.
My experience with website testing has been great! The tests are easy and fun, and the time flies by because you’re actively engaged the whole time. It’s a wonderful feeling to earn $10 in just a few minutes while relaxing at home.
The websites are usually interesting, and I’ve mostly tested for small local businesses. It’s rewarding to know that my feedback could help improve their services. However, the main downside is the limited availability of tests. I log on to UserTesting and WhatUsersDo almost daily but only manage to get one or two tests a week. UserTesting has many test alerts, but most have pre-screening questions, and I often get screened out. WhatUsersDo rarely has tests available in the evenings, which is the only time I can do them. If you can get online during the day, you might have better luck.
The best strategy for making more money with website testing is to sign up with as many companies as possible and keep their windows open in the evening to catch new tests as they pop up.
**Pros:**
– Fun
– Quick
– Simple and fast cashing out process
**Cons:**
– Limited availability
– Getting screened out of tests
**Rating:**
4/5 – An easy, quick, and fun way to make money from home. Point lost for lack of availability.
**10 companies that will pay you to test websites:**
1. **WhatUsersDo** (8 GBP per test)
2. **UserTesting** (3-10 USD per test)
3. **UserFeel** (10 USD per test)
4. **IntelliZoom** (10 USD per test)
5. **TryMyUI** (10 USD per test)
6. **Userlytics** (10 USD per test)
7. **Analysia** (10 USD per test)
8. **TestingTime** (up to 50 EUR for a 90-minute test via Skype)
9. **StartupLift** (5 USD per test)
10. **Enroll** (pay varies)
If you’re ready to start earning money by testing websites from home, give these companies a try!