How to Make Money Online with App Testing: A User's Guide
Before any new app, website, or software is released to the public, companies need to make sure it's user-friendly, intuitive, and free of bugs. To do this, they pay real people like you to test their products and provide honest feedback. This is called user testing or app testing, and it's one of the most legitimate and interesting ways to make extra money online. You don't need any special technical skills; you just need to be observant, articulate, and willing to share your thoughts. This 1500-word guide will show you exactly how app testing works, the best platforms to sign up for, and what you need to do to become a top-rated tester who gets a steady stream of well-paid assignments.
What is User Testing and What Does it Involve?
User testing is the practice of having real users interact with a website or app while a company observes their behavior and listens to their feedback. As a tester, your job is to act like a typical user and speak your thoughts aloud as you complete a set of tasks. A typical test session looks like this:
- You receive an invitation for a test that matches your demographic profile.
- You start the test, which will activate your screen recorder and microphone.
- You are given a scenario (e.g., "Imagine you're shopping for a new pair of running shoes...") and a series of tasks to complete on the client's website or app (e.g., "Find a pair of blue running shoes in size 10 and add them to your cart.").
- As you navigate the site, you speak your thoughts continuously. You might say, "Okay, I'm looking for the search bar now... it's not where I expected it to be. Oh, there it is. Now I'm typing in 'blue running shoes'... The filter options are a bit confusing."
- After completing the tasks, you might answer a few written questions. The entire session usually takes 15-20 minutes.
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How Much Can You Earn?
The pay for user testing is quite good for the time involved. The industry standard rate is **$10 for a 15-20 minute test**. For more involved, live-moderated interviews with a client, you can earn $60 per hour or more. This won't replace a full-time job because the number of tests you receive depends on your demographic profile and quality rating, but it is a fantastic way to earn an extra few hundred dollars a month.
The Best User Testing Platforms to Join
The key to getting a steady flow of tests is to sign up for multiple platforms. Each has a slightly different focus and client base.
- UserTesting.com: This is the biggest and most well-known platform in the industry. They have a huge number of clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, which means a large volume of available tests.
- IntelliZoom (formerly UserZoom): Another major player with a steady stream of tests for both desktop and mobile.
- TryMyUI: A solid platform with a similar format to UserTesting. They are known for their clear instructions and reliable payments.
- Userlytics: A global platform that offers tests for websites, apps, and even prototypes.
- Userfeel: A great option that provides tests in multiple languages, not just English.
The Sign-Up Process: All of these platforms will require you to take an unpaid practice test. **Take this test very seriously.** Your performance on this initial test will determine your quality rating and whether you get accepted. They want to see that you can follow instructions and, most importantly, speak your thoughts clearly and continuously.
How to Be a 5-Star Tester and Get More Work
The platforms' algorithms send the most tests to the highest-rated testers. Here’s how to stand out:
- Speak Constantly: The client's main goal is to understand your thought process. Never let there be more than a few seconds of silence. Narrate everything you are doing, seeing, and thinking. If you're confused, say you're confused and explain why.
- Be Honest and Constructive: Don't be afraid to be critical, but always be polite and constructive. Instead of saying "This design is ugly," say "The color scheme feels a bit jarring to me, and it makes the text hard to read."
- Invest in a Good Microphone: Your audio quality is crucial. While a headset microphone is a good start, investing in a simple USB microphone will make your feedback sound much more professional and can improve your rating.
- Find a Quiet Space: Ensure there is no background noise during your test (no barking dogs, TVs, or family members talking).
- Check for Tests Frequently: Tests are often first-come, first-served. Keep the testing platform dashboards open in a browser tab and respond quickly when a new test becomes available.
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Conclusion: Get Paid for Your Perspective
App and website testing is a legitimate, flexible, and genuinely interesting way to earn extra money online. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at new products and allows you to play a direct role in improving the digital world we all navigate every day. The work won't make you rich, but it provides a reliable and rewarding stream of side income. By signing up for multiple platforms, investing in clear audio, and providing detailed, continuous feedback, you can become a highly-rated tester who enjoys a steady flow of interesting and well-paid assignments. Ultimately, if you're serious about building a more substantial online income stream, there's no better choice than a proven strategy. Ready to get started? Get the 'Passive Income System' I use and transform your financial future.
