Making Money Online: Taking Surveys
If you're like most people, you have opinions about everything, from the features you want in a smartphone to the policy positions of political candidates. By sharing your thoughts you can earn extra income by taking online surveys.
With minimal effort, you can make anything from $1.00 to $10.00 USD or more by committing from five to ten minutes of your time answering questions about a particular product or service. Working a little harder can generate more money, but don't give up your day job! Cash payments are typically made via PayPal or check.
A word of caution: Some survey sites are a ruse to get your personal information, then bombard you with spam. Only sign up with reputable sites. We've listed a few below. An online search will turn up many more. Before you join, check them out.
Sites to ConsiderUpon signing up with this site, you will be randomly selected to participate in a survey. Every completed survey is rewarded with Opinion points, with every survey valued at specific number of points. Redeem points for cash at the rate of $1.00 for every 10 points.
Completing surveys earns you points that are redeemable for cash or merchandise. You will also be entered into a monthly sweepstakes.
By participating in surveys and online focus groups, you can earn between $2 and $50.Launched in 1999, the site provides market research to global clients. After completing your survey, you receive market points. Each survey rewards between 35 to 40 points. There are also sweepstake surveys available.
Tips1.Create an e-mail account that you use just for taking surveys. This will help keep you organized. In the event you get spammed, the damage will be limited.
2.Sign up with a number of survey sites. You will potentially get only a couple of surveys per week from a single site. Registering with a lot of them helps you earn more by completing several surveys from multiple websites.
3.Don't be choosy when it comes to completing surveys, even if it pays little. Use every opportunity to build your reputation and credibility. This will guarantee future business with the survey site, providing you with more work and possibly better remuneration.
4.Always provide honest opinions. Most online surveys question the performance of products and services. Presenting your honest view is necessary to help companies improve.
5.Enable the AutoComplete function in your web browser. This feature automatically fills in similar information including your name, address, telephone number and so on, saving you time.
6.Never divulge sensitive or private information like your Social Security number, credit card numbers, passwords, etc.
Taking online surveys has become one of the most popular ways of earning extra cash while working from home. However, be realistic. Don't expect to make a lot of money initially. By carefully building your reputation over time, you will reap the fruits of your efforts when survey companies gain confidence in your work.
Last update: Sept 14, 2010
