UserTesting Review: How To Get Paid To Provide User Feedback on Websites
GOBankingRates Score
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Ease of Use
4.5
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Features
4.5
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Earning Potential
5.0
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Customer Service
4.0
Pros
- Prompt payment within one week
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices
- Quick startup time with no waiting period
- Established company has been active since 2007.
Cons
- Payment only available through PayPal
- Tests are localized, so you should not take tests when you're traveling.
- No notification system to let you know when new tests are available.
UserTesting Overview
UserTesting is a video-first platform that gives companies a way to get feedback from their target audience about their products. The process is similar to a focus group, but it happens entirely online. Instead of meeting in a room with a company representative, testers interact with the product and share their experience with the product, site or app.
Contributors can participate in unmoderated tests and live conversations. Unmoderated tests include several formats like site navigation, card sorting, first click and surveys. For live conversations, the contributor speaks directly with a representative from the company. During the conversation, the company representative may ask the contributor to complete specific tasks and share opinions about the product.
Key Features
UserTesting earned a score of 4.5 from GOBankingRates based on these features.
Fees
Contributors do not pay any fees to join the site or participate in UserTesting tests. Since the company does not offer a subscription service or premium membership levels, all contributors have equal access to the tests available for their demographic.
UserTesting sends payments through PayPal, which may charge some users fees when they withdraw funds. The company does not deduct payroll taxes from payments. Contributors should check with a tax professional to verify their tax obligations.
Features
The UserTesting platform is easy to use. Contributors navigate the site through a series of tabs to see available and completed tests, update their profile, view or send messages, and get help. The company offers both desktop and mobile platforms, which allows users to apply for tests when it’s most convenient for them.
On the desktop and mobile versions of the platform, contributors can scroll through a feed of test invitations that clearly display the type of test and how much it pays. The dashboard also shows pending and completed payment totals that make it easy for contributors to track their earnings.
From the dashboard, contributors can access and update their profiles. Keeping this information current is important because it determines the test invitations users receive.
Security
Contributors must share the entire computer screen and give the system access to the microphone when providing feedback, which may raise concerns for some users. Fortunately, the company implements several security measures to ensure contributors’ information stays secure.
To protect personal data, the platform requires complex passwords and uses encryption keys managed by AWS Key Management Services. Additionally, the system automatically logs out users after they have been inactive for too long.
Customer Service
UserTesting offers extensive customer support for contributors. The website includes a number of articles and an FAQ section on topics like using recorders, navigating the dashboard and interpreting ratings. The help center also offers tips for completing tests and improving ratings.
How UserTesting Stands Out
According to users, UserTesting tends to offer higher-paying tests compared to similar testing platforms. This may be because it attracts more mid-level businesses, while other platforms have more small businesses seeking feedback.
Comparable UserTesting Options
There are several online user experience platforms available for customers who want to earn cash by giving feedback to companies. These companies share many similarities, but the pay structure, type of work, or user requirements can make one of the competitors more attractive to some users.
Userlytics
Userlytics advertises that testers can earn as much as $90 for completing tests, but users typically earn between $5 and $15 per test. Its platform is similar to UserTesting, and its user based is more global. This may make it a better option for some international contributors.
However, the platform accepts testers who are as young as 16 years old. This expands the pool of available users, which can mean more people are applying for the available tests. Contributors in certain demographics may not have as many tests available to them.
Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a market research platform that brands use to solicit feedback from their target audiences. Like UserTesting, Survey Junkie pays people for their insights, which they gather through surveys or a browser extension that shares browsing data.
Compared to UserTesting, Survey Junkie tends to pay less for similar tests. Contributors on this platform earn credits for each survey they complete. They can exchange them for cash via PayPal or e-Giftcards.
How To Apply
Before applying to become a contributor for UserTesting, make sure your equipment meets the company’s minimum requirements. This includes the device you plan to use, its operating system, and a working microphone with a clear sound. For some tests, you need a webcam .
You’ll need to provide your email address and complete a practice test that takes no more than 20 minutes to complete. Within a few days, the company will reach out, and you can begin participating as soon as you receive approval.
Who UserTesting Is Best For
UserTesting.com is best for people who have the time to check the site regularly because the company doesn’t send notifications when new tests arrive. The most successful users say they leave the platform open in a tab on the computer so they can quickly see available tests as they come in. It helps to have a strong command of English and excellent communication skills.
Final Take
UserTesting offers a great way to earn some extra cash helping businesses improve the user experience of their websites and brands. The platform is easy to use, and the company pays regularly. The work can be inconsistent, though, which means it’s not a reliable source of regular income.
UserTesting FAQ
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about UserTesting.- Is UserTesting legitimate?
- Yes, UserTesting is a legitimate company that has been in business since 2007. The number of tests you qualify for and the amount of money you make will vary, depending on the needs of the companies looking for testers and your user rating.
- How much do you make from UserTesting?
- The reward amounts vary, depending on the company and the type of test you complete. Unmoderated tests typically pay about $10 per test, and live tests can pay as much as $60 per test because they take more time.
- How often do you get paid with UserTesting?
- UserTesting pays contributors seven days after they complete a test. All payments go through PayPal, so contributors must have a valid PayPal account.
- Is UserTesting a good way to make money?
- UserTesting is a good way to make money if you fall within an attractive demographic and have the time to take tests when they're available.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
