These days, folks get paid to give their opinions on digital products. This fantastic side hustle is called user testing or online usability testing. UserTesting is often touted as the leading platform for this money-making venture. So the natural question is: is UserTesting legit?
It is, and I’ll tell you why in this post.
I’ll also walk you through the sign-up process and how much you can expect to make.
Let’s get started.
UserTesting 101 – Is UserTesting Legit
When you join the Usertesting platform, you’ll be able to look at websites that run and record tests.
Depending on the size and type of assessment required, these tests can be performed on multiple devices.
The person who takes the test is compensated for each one they finish.
Your role is to simulate a general participant in whatever test they’re running.
You’ll answer detailed questions that will provide the company with information on User Experience (UX).
You won’t be an employee of these websites.
Because you are self-employed, you will be obligated to file your taxes.
This also applies if you work as a tester outside of the United States.
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The Basics of UserTesting
UserTesting is a human insight platform that allows businesses a behind-the-scenes look into how their target audience interacts with their product.
It’s been around since 2007.
Walmart, Facebook, Adobe, Wayfair, and other major brands use this platform to learn more about enhancing their products, communications, and apps.
It’s comparable to a focus group, but it’s conducted entirely online and is usually unmoderated.
This usually implies there isn’t a real person to ask questions to.
There also isn’t a group setting, and the eligible participant must follow the company’s on-screen directions.
Businesses can use UserTesting to locate testers for their new site, product, and user experience.
Those who want to use UserTesting’s tools can choose between individual or enterprise plans.
After the company has received enough data and input through UserTesting, they should be able to develop their product further.
Using UserTesting As A Tester
Let’s get to the point of this post: getting paid to test.
It’s exactly what it sounds like, and anyone over 18 can sign up for free.
You provide your input through a microphone and a shared screen once you’ve qualified for a test or an interview.
To join, you’ll need a computer, laptop, tablet, or mobile device, as well as an Internet connection.
If your device doesn’t already have a microphone, you’ll need a separate one.
Tests frequently concentrate on the user experience of a website or app.
Usually, retail sites, banking apps, and meal ordering apps all look for real users to provide candid opinions.
How UserTesting Generally Works As A Tester
1. You log into your account and check your dashboard for available tests.
2. Each test has corresponding screening questions to check if you’re qualified to take it.
3. If you’re qualified, you start recording your screen and voice as you follow the client’s instructions.
4. You upload your test once you’ve finished it.
5. Your earnings are reflected on your PayPal account seven days later.
Know that you’ll mostly be unqualified for tests because brands occasionally look for a very select group of people.
However, if you put up the effort to keep track of tests, it may be a rewarding experience.
How Much You Can Anticipate To Make As A Tester
The majority of tests pay $10 if you complete them.
You can earn $10 on average per 20 minutes, which is the average length of each test.
You can sometimes finish a test in 5-10 minutes and still get paid $10.
It is entirely dependent on the brand and what you are asked to do on-screen.
Live Tests are more extended tests with a moderator present.
Depending on the length of time, you can earn up to $30 to $60.
How UserTesting Live Tests Usually Go
I read around to know what other people’s experiences were like with live tests.
Here’s generally how a $60 live test goes:
1. Once you get accepted, you’ll be given a specific date and time to show up for your live test.
2. Right from your dashboard, you can join a Zoom call corresponding to your time slot.
3. A moderator will explain the guidelines to you.
4. You’ll be sent a link to an NDA, which you will have to sign virtually.
5. During the test, you’ll be instructed to do some tasks. As you perform these tasks, you need to voice out your thoughts. Someone on the other end will ask you questions and take notes in real-time.
6. Once the test has been completed; you’ll be sent a post-test survey. These surveys usually have around five questions to answer.
Live tests usually go on for around 50 minutes to an hour. You’ll have to share your screen the entire time the test is ongoing. So technically, it runs like a one-person focus group.
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How To Become A Tester For UserTesting
If you love providing feedback on a website or product, then you’re a good candidate for a tester.
The same goes for those who can consistently speak their opinions and sincerely want to help a brand develop by providing input.
To become a UserTesting tester, you must complete their practice test, which is free. Here’s how:
1. Go to the UserTesting site and sign up using your email.
2. Check your email for a verification link.
3. Watch the short video detailing how UserTesting works.
4. Download the UserTesting browser extension. It will record your screen and voice when you take tests.
5. You’re ready to take the practice test.
You should be informed if you passed or failed the practice test within 48 hours.
Make sure your microphone is working (you’ll be prompted to do so).
Then find a quiet spot to take the practice test and any future tests!
Close any other browser tabs you might have open as well.
To avoid being distracted, you should have your screen displaying the UserTesting test solely.
They do not need to know about your Amazon purchases, Facebook chats, or work details.
What Happens After You Pass The Practice Test
After passing the practice test, you’ll be directed to complete your profile and enter your PayPal information.
They need these details so that you can get paid for future tests.
This also enables UserTesting to send you available tests for which you may be qualified.
This record often includes your location, age, household income, work status, and other details.
Tips For Potential Testers – Is UserTesting Legit
Make Sure You Set Up A PayPal Account
Because PayPal is the only way to pay for UserTesting, make sure you have a PayPal account.
You can set one up for free.
UserTesting pays quickly, and when you’ve completed a test, they’ll send you your money within seven days.
Their three payment statuses are “processing,” “pending,” and “paid.”
The Details button will display all of the questions you were given for that specific test.
We’ll go into the intricacies of what ratings are later.
Avoid Common Test Mistakes
You might be eager to take your first test once you learn you’re qualified for it.
Although, there are a couple of key points to keep in mind.
First, remember not to prattle on the actual content of the site.
Companies want feedback on user experience, not necessarily your personal experiences.
Keep your feedback succinct.
Most users structure their tasks within 15-20 minutes.
Second, there’s no need to read what’s on the page.
All you have to say are your thoughts, not the presented content.
Third, avoid making broad statements like, “that’s interesting” or “I don’t like that.”
Remember to include your reasoning behind such statements.
Lastly, always include suggestions for improving the site or app in question.
Companies are paying you to know what you expect from their software.
The Matter of Ratings
You’ll receive a four or five-star rating from a UserTesting staff member.
This should increase your chances of obtaining future tests.
You don’t want to receive a bad score on any test.
You will have a difficult time getting more tests if you have low ratings.
Still, a poor rating is preferable to no rating at all.
To receive a lower rating, you must fail to follow directions or describe your reasoning process poorly.
It would be difficult to make these mistakes.
Merely approach each test with a positive attitude and make sure you understand the tasks expected of you.
Always Check For Tests
Because it would result in too many emails, UserTesting does not send emails when a new test is created.
Plus, by the time you see the email, the test may have already been taken by someone else.
As a result, you’ll need to be proactive.
Hustlers usually keep the UserTesting site open in a different tab.
A number appears in parenthesis to indicate the number of tests to screen for.
If you have sound turned on, you’ll hear a “ding” when a new test is available.
Just keep in mind that they’re always on the lookout for specific types of testers.
So you’ll be disqualified more often than you’ll be accepted.
The screening tests are brief, and you may always decline the ones you know you won’t qualify for or don’t want to do.
Using Your Phone
UserTesting also has an iOS and Android app.
Although, you will still have to qualify for app tests as well.
Users say it’s a smooth mobile process that’s remarkably similar to a desktop.
The only contrast is that you have to test through a retailer’s app or mobile experience.
Pay Your Taxes
Because UserTesting does not send out 1099-MISC forms, you will be responsible for figuring out and paying any taxes.
Consult your CPA to see if your profits are sufficient to disclose.
Once you make $600, it’s usually deemed “other income” and must be reported in Box 3 of the 1099-MISC form.
UserTesting’s Terms
To test for UserTesting, you must agree to the following terms:
- Relinquish any rights to control the use of any photographs, audio, or other data collected during the tests.
- Agree to enable usertesting.com to save and preserve personal information about you, like your name, address, and email address.
- Also agree to enable your data to be transmitted to other data centers for the purpose of improving processes. This information will remain private.
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UserTesting Pros and Cons
PROS
- For 20-30 minutes of work, you’ll get a decent wage. If you could accomplish two per hour, you’d be making $20/hour.
- You will be paid immediately via your PayPal account within a week.
CONS
- UserTesting is not available internationally.
- If the company that requested the test is dissatisfied with your results, they may refuse to pay you. This isn’t something that happens very often.
- Tests are quickly snatched up. You’ll miss out on the opportunity if you don’t click the test quickly enough.
- If you click too late, you risk losing the exam because the company’s quota of testers has been reached.
Final Thoughts – Is UserTesting Legit
UserTesting as a side hustle won’t make you rich, but it’s a great way to supplement your income.
You should sign up if you enjoy talking about your ideas and assisting brands in improving their user experience.
Check for tests ahead of time, and keep in mind that you’ll be denied more often than accepted.
You’ll get in if you keep taking screener tests.
Also, be sure to follow the directions to ensure that you receive a good rating to receive more tests.
A low rating is the last thing you want.
If you want to check out other sites like UserTesting, its top competitors are:
Using the UserTesting site is an entirely self-contained operation.
Otherwise, other folks will take your place if you don’t continuously monitor the dashboard for exams.
And, as with any side hustle, it will take some time to get into the swing of things.
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