Online surveys are research tools used by businesses, nonprofits, academia, and other organizations to collect data from a specific target audience. These surveys may ask about your behavior, attitudes, opinions, or experiences related to various topics. The purpose is usually to gather information to improve products or services, inform business decisions, conduct academic research, or measure customer satisfaction.
Many online survey platforms compensate participants for their time and feedback. While it’s not typically a way to earn a large income, taking online surveys can be a simple way to earn a bit of extra cash or gift cards.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make money with online surveys:
Step 1: Find Legitimate Survey Sites
Your first step is to find legitimate online survey sites. Some popular ones include:
- Swagbucks
- Toluna
- MyPoints
- Pinecone Research
- Vindale Research
- LifePoints
- InboxDollars
- Survey Junkie
Do your due diligence before signing up. Check reviews, payment proofs, and the site’s privacy policy.
Step 2: Create an Account
Most survey sites require you to create an account using your email address. Some may also ask for additional information to help match you with appropriate surveys. This could include your age, profession, hobbies, family status, and more.
Step 3: Verify Your Email Address
After creating an account, you’ll usually need to verify your email address. This is typically done by clicking a link in a confirmation email sent by the survey site.
Step 4: Complete Your Profile
Survey sites often use demographic information to match you with relevant surveys. Be sure to fill out all profile sections truthfully. It can also be advantageous to update your profile regularly.
Step 5: Start Taking Surveys
Once your profile is complete, you can start taking surveys. You’ll receive survey invitations via email, or you can often find available surveys on the site’s dashboard.
Step 6: Be Honest and Consistent
It’s crucial to provide honest and consistent answers. If you rush through surveys or provide inconsistent responses, the survey site may flag your account, leading to fewer survey invitations or even account suspension.
Step 7: Regularly Check for New Surveys
The more surveys you complete, the more you can earn. Regularly check for new surveys and respond promptly to invitations.
Step 8: Redeem Your Earnings
Each survey site has a different payment threshold. Once you’ve reached this minimum amount, you can redeem your earnings. Some sites pay cash through PayPal, while others offer gift cards or other rewards.
Please note that making money with online surveys requires patience and consistency. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, and the payout for each survey usually reflects the time and effort required. Always be aware of potential scams, and never pay a fee to join a survey site.