Website testing is a great way to make money online by using your feedback to help businesses improve their websites. Companies need real user experiences to ensure that their sites are functional, user-friendly, and effective. By becoming a website tester, you can provide valuable insights and earn money for your time and opinions. Here’s how you can start earning money by testing websites online:
1. Sign Up for Website Testing Platforms
To start earning money from website testing, you need to sign up for platforms that connect you with businesses looking for testers. These platforms act as intermediaries, offering a range of testing opportunities. Some popular and reliable platforms include:
- UserTesting: One of the most popular platforms for website testers. UserTesting pays testers to complete various tasks on websites and apps while speaking their thoughts aloud. Testers can earn anywhere from $10 to $60 per test, depending on the complexity of the task.
- Testbirds: This platform offers opportunities to test websites, apps, and software. Testbirds works with companies to gather feedback on usability and functionality. Testers are paid based on the test’s duration and type.
- TryMyUI: Similar to UserTesting, TryMyUI offers opportunities to complete website and app testing tasks. Testers are typically paid $10 for each completed test, which usually lasts 20 minutes.
- WhatUsersDo: This platform connects testers with companies looking for feedback. You can test websites and apps and get paid for your insights. Payments are made after each test is completed.
- Userlytics: Userlytics allows testers to provide feedback on websites and mobile apps. Payment for each test varies, but you can expect around $5 to $90 per test depending on the complexity.
These platforms typically require you to fill out a profile and complete sample tests to ensure you’re a good fit for the types of websites they need testers for.
2. Complete Usability Tests
Usability testing is one of the most common types of website testing. In these tests, companies want to know how user-friendly and intuitive their website is. Your task as a tester will be to:
- Navigate through the website and complete specific tasks (e.g., finding a product, signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase).
- Provide feedback on your experience, such as if the website was easy to use, any issues you encountered, and suggestions for improvement.
Usability tests usually require you to speak your thoughts aloud (known as a “think-aloud” test), which helps the company understand how you think while interacting with the website.
3. Test Website Functionality
Another key area of website testing is ensuring that the website functions correctly. Companies need feedback on whether their site works as intended, especially after updates or redesigns. Tasks you may perform include:
- Checking if all the links on the website are functional.
- Testing if the buttons and navigation menus are responsive.
- Verifying that the website works across different devices and browsers (mobile, desktop, Chrome, Firefox, etc.).
- Reporting any broken links, error pages, or features that don’t work properly.
Functionality testing helps companies ensure that users won’t experience any technical issues when visiting their website.
4. Test for Mobile Responsiveness
With the increasing use of mobile devices to browse the web, companies are placing a high priority on making their websites mobile-friendly. Mobile responsiveness testing involves reviewing how well a website performs on smartphones and tablets. As a tester, you might be asked to:
- Test how well the website adapts to different screen sizes.
- Ensure that text is legible without needing to zoom in.
- Confirm that buttons and links are easily clickable on smaller screens.
- Provide feedback on any layout or functionality issues that occur on mobile devices.
Being able to test mobile responsiveness is a valuable skill, as many companies are willing to pay testers more for this expertise.
5. Test Website Speed
Page load speed is critical for the user experience. Websites that load slowly can frustrate visitors, leading them to leave the site. Many companies are looking for feedback on how quickly their website loads, and you can help them by:
- Testing the website’s loading time.
- Providing feedback on any lag or delays you experience while navigating the site.
- Reporting if images or videos take too long to load.
Some platforms may offer specialized speed testing opportunities, allowing you to focus solely on performance and website load times.
6. Test User Experience (UX)
User experience testing is about evaluating the overall satisfaction of the user when interacting with a website. Companies want to know how enjoyable, intuitive, and easy it is for visitors to use their website. During these tests, you might be asked to:
- Complete tasks like finding information, making a purchase, or signing up for an account.
- Rate the website on aspects such as navigation, design, and ease of use.
- Provide suggestions for improvements to enhance the user experience.
UX testing can help businesses identify pain points on their website and improve the overall design and functionality to better serve their users.
7. Participate in A/B Testing
A/B testing involves comparing two different versions of a website or webpage to see which one performs better. As a tester, you could be asked to:
- Evaluate two versions of a website, typically differing in design, layout, or functionality.
- Provide feedback on which version you prefer and why.
- Rate aspects like ease of use, visual appeal, and the effectiveness of each design.
A/B testing helps companies optimize their website and marketing strategies, so they are always looking for testers to provide insights on which version works best.
8. Take Advantage of Special Testing Opportunities
In addition to the regular website testing jobs, some platforms offer specialized opportunities that can pay more or be more flexible. These include:
- Longer-term tests: Some companies need long-term testers who can provide ongoing feedback on their websites over weeks or months.
- Paid focus groups: Occasionally, you may be invited to participate in paid focus groups where you’ll discuss a website or app in detail, offering deeper insights.
- Video-based testing: Some platforms may ask you to record videos of your testing experience or provide a screencast of your actions on the website.
Specialized tests can pay higher rates and offer a more engaging experience, so be sure to take advantage of them when they arise.
9. Improve Your Skills and Increase Earning Potential
While most website testing jobs don’t require specific qualifications, improving your skills can make you stand out from the crowd. Here are a few tips:
- Learn about usability testing: Familiarize yourself with user experience (UX) principles to provide better insights during usability tests.
- Become familiar with different platforms: Learn how various website testing platforms work and the types of tests they offer so you can maximize your opportunities.
- Increase your profile ratings: On many platforms, higher ratings lead to more testing opportunities. Consistently providing detailed, honest, and useful feedback can help improve your reputation.
10. Get Paid for Your Work
Website testers are typically paid on a per-test basis. Payment methods vary between platforms, but most websites pay testers via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards. The amount you can earn per test depends on factors like the complexity of the task and the platform you’re using. On average, testers can earn between $5 and $60 per test.
Many website testing platforms also offer incentives for completing multiple tests or becoming a high-rated tester, which can increase your earnings over time.
Website testing is a flexible, easy way to earn money online, especially if you have an eye for detail and enjoy providing feedback on digital experiences. By joining testing platforms and completing tasks with care, you can steadily build an income stream while helping companies improve their websites and apps.