Make money testing websites & apps from home as a UserTesting customer experience tester!
In my UserTesting review, I will tell you about my experience as a tester, how you can get started, and what to expect.
These days it’s important to have many streams of income. One easy way I make money online is by working as a UserTesting tester.
I was in the corporate rat race for a lot of years but I work from home full-time now. No, I’m not retired. I developed a health issue and couldn’t do it anymore.
Of the many ways to make money online, testing for UserTesting is one of the best. It’s extra income. I pay 2 credit card bills a month with the money I make with UserTesting.
The number of available tests have recently increased. As Internet business grows so will UserTesting. Their need for testers will continue to rise.
Testing websites is not a get rich quick scheme. UserTesting is a legitimate service to make money online.
Also, it might be helpful for you to know that UserTesting does not have an affiliate program. I do not make money by recommending their site to you. My motivation is to share.
Customer Experience Tests
The two most common customer experience tests are Usability and User Experience (UX).
What is the difference between usability and user experience?
Usability and User Experience: The Relationship. Usability is narrower than user experience, in the sense that it mainly focuses on achieving various goals when a website is being used. On the other hand, user experience comes about as the result of everything that the user goes through whenever using a website. Usability Vs. User Experience
What is UserTesting? (Customer FAQ)
UserTesting is a platform for getting rapid customer feedback on almost any customer experience you can imagine, including websites, mobile apps, prototypes, and real world experiences. You’ll receive audio and video recordings of real people from your target market speaking their thoughts as they complete tasks you specify.
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UserTesting for testers
Testers help companies improve websites and apps by acting as real-time users.
UserTesting provides the test scenario to set expectations for the user. Each test provides a script to follow and questions to answer.
It is important to note UserTesting is good for earning extra money. The site is not meant to be a part-time job. The number of tests you will qualify for depends on your demographics, experience, etc.
However, I expect the number of available tests to multiply. I have already seen an increase and I am making more money!
Still, there are busy weeks and slow weeks. I find the slowest times are the last week of the month and weekends (esp. Sunday).
You will earn more money if you have both a laptop and a mobile phone.
Currently, I am registered with UserTesting, as well as, other user testing sites. In my experience, UserTesting is the most consistent and reliable platform.
I like UserTesting.com best. The site is professional and they pay as they promise. UserTesting pays in 7 Days to PayPal for each test.
How much do I get paid and when do I get paid? (Tester FAQ)
Testers get paid $10 for each completed test and up to $60 for a Live Conversation with a customer. A test consists of a 20-minute recording and answers to four follow-up written questions. A Live Conversation requires you to get on a video conference call with a customer at a scheduled date and time. Payments are made daily for tests completed seven days earlier.
Note: Sometimes the tests are longer than 20 mins. It can be frustrating but I do them anyway. I don’t like to quit tests unless there is a technical issue or I am uncomfortable with my knowledge of a subject.
PayPal is their only method of payment.
How to get started
What do I need to get started?
A PC or Mac, an internet connection, and a microphone. You’ll need an iPhone, iPad, Android phone or Android tablet If you’d like to take Mobile tests
Ability to download our testing software
You must be at least 18 years old
Ability to speak your thoughts aloud in English
UserTesting accepts applications from users worldwide.
You must have a PayPal account and live in a country that can receive PayPal money transfers.
The sign-up process
- Visit UserTesting.com to sign up and share your demographic information. The questions are basic such as, where you live, your age, range of income, devices you own, etc.
- Confirm your registration via the email they send to you for verification.
- Download their free software. It is the software used to record your voice and screen while you are performing tests.
- Find quiet privacy to focus and avoid disturbances. I use Bluetooth audio headphones with a microphone to avoid recording extraneous noises.
- Read the instructions and submit a sample test. (Read my tips below to qualify.)
The approval process claims to be about a week, but I received approval within 24 hours.
Tips for a successful qualifying UserTesting test
Use the Google Chrome browser. Most tests require Chrome.
UserTesting only records your screen and audio for most tests. Special tests will require a video of you using your webcam, but they will advise you if it is needed.
The test to qualify for UserTesting only records your screen and audio.
Read the instructions carefully. They are specific. Be sure you understand what they are asking you to do and not to do.
PRACTICE BEFORE THE TEST. We are not used to describing aloud what we are doing online while performing tasks.
I found the video below on YouTube and practiced with it multiple times turning the audio on and off. I practiced with other videos I found too.
I also opened websites and spoke aloud as I was using them. I read the text aloud and mentioned where and why I scrolled and clicked on the sites.
It is necessary to continue talking as you perform the test. Silence will ruin your chance.
A free tool you can use to test your audio is Screencast-O-Matic.
You get ONE chance to qualify.
If you make a mistake on the qualifying test and want to redo it, DO NOT SUBMIT IT. Instead, close the tab and start again. The test should be the same.
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What to expect once approved as a tester
Keep the UserTesting Dashboard open and check for available tests. You should hear a bell when new tests are posted if you keep the dashboard open. (Sometimes the bell does not work so it is better to keep an eye on the site.)
Do not rely on emails from them. They may send email notifications but they do not email most tests.
Only accept tests you are qualified to perform. Performing tests you are not qualified for will result in non-payment and poor ratings. Also, they will close your account if you are dishonest.
It takes time to build a relationship with UserTesting. As you become experienced and reliable more tests will become available. Customers do rate your work so aim to be a Five Star Tester!
It is normal to not qualify for many tests before you find ones you are qualified for. You must be diligent. The tests are first come first serve.
Gain experience with UserTesting, then register with other sites to grow your extra income. Most active and successful testers work for multiple companies.
My final thoughts about UserTesting
I enjoy being a tester for UserTesting. I do have to admit I get nervous, but the important thing is to carefully read the instructions.
Follow the instructions and remember to speak your thoughts.
When you visit UserTesting.com, be sure to read through the website. Learn about their services and customer expectations. This will help you be a better tester.
My conclusion is UserTesting is a great website to earn extra money. It is easy to sign up and become a tester.
Remember to keep the dashboard open. Do not wait for emails.
Once you have gained experience, sign up for other testing sites to earn more money.
As a website owner, I have found it interesting and educational to explore websites as a tester.
Note: UserTesting does not have an affiliate program.
Finally, UserTesting does not want you to critique their customer’s websites. Offering design suggestions is a no-no unless the customer specifically asks you in the test instructions.
UserTesting testers follow the scenarios provided and answer questions as asked. That’s it.
If you want to explore more ways to make money online, read 5 Best Work from Home Websites You Need to See. Updated for 2020!.
Thank you for reading UserTesting Review – Make Money Testing Websites & Apps. Do you have a question? Experience as a website tester? Please leave a comment below!
I found this link on YouTube. I cannot be sure the information is up to date. I can tell you the recording tool in the video is an old version. How to Pass the Test
I had some experience with this website as well! I had signed up with many testing websites like UserTesting but no other are as good as this one. I used to earn 10 to 20$ every week because I wouldn’t get many tests. I think it’s because of my location. But it was still some extra money for little time and work from my side.
Hi there RichPersonality, UserTesting does seem to be the preferred site for website testing. You may be right, but other things such as experience play a part too. I have received many test offers that I just do not qualify for because I do not work in the industry they are looking for, or because I am not actively shopping online. Also, I am limited because I do not have an up to date mobile phone. My cell is older because I just rarely use it and do not need a new one. People with nice newer phones can get many more opportunities to qualify for tests. Thank you for leaving a comment! ~Gina
Hi there!
10 – 20 minutes you said? That means I can make 30 to 60 dollars an hour? That sounds pretty amazing. I mean, if noone is around me, I don´t mind speaking to myself basically.
Is there a daily limit for tests that I can do? Such a great opportunity here. I bet, the more you do, the better you get and more test can be done!
Fantastic!
Hi Manny, While you are technically correct, if one could complete several tests per hour, that is not realistic. Tests require individuals to qualify for them based on the tester’s demographics and experience. UserTesting is meant for “extra money” and not as a part-time job. Serious testers are signed up with many sites that pay for website testing, so a person would have to work quite hard at it to make good money, but some do! Thanks for your comment. ~Gina