Lately, I’ve been exploring various ways to make some extra money online, and getting paid for sharing your opinion is one of the easiest and fastest methods I have found. Participating in online surveys has become a great source of additional income for me. It requires minimal effort and no special skills. It can be done anytime, anywhere.
As a struggling working parent with three small children, I am definitely happy to earn some extra cash. I was most excited when I made my first ten dollars. On average, I make a few dollars a day, which adds up to about $200 a month. While it’s not going to make anyone a millionaire, but it does help cover some groceries, and get kids’ toys and books when the budget is tight. To be noted, it is not a good long-term plan to earn money.
In this blog, I’ll share with you the top survey sites you should try, and tips to maximize your earnings and avoid scams.
Companies worldwide spend billions to understand consumer opinions on their products and services to stay competitive and grow their businesses. According to ESOMAR’s global market research report in 2023, there was an increase in expenditure on passive data collection, particularly online questionnaires, with global spending exceeding $66 billion in 2022. Companies aim to identify market needs and gaps by directly asking potential customers for their feedback. They pay survey research companies to distribute surveys and gather insights that help them make informed decisions on customer preferences and other business aspects. Survey companies also host surveys from universities, researchers, and organizations conducting important studies that can potentially positively impact our society.
Top Survey Companies
Here are some trustworthy online survey companies. After signing up and providing your demographic information, you’ll receive survey opportunities that match your profile. Answering these surveys allows you to earn money.
- Swagbucks. Swagbucks offers multiple ways to earn, including surveys, watching videos, internet searches, online shopping, and playing games. You earn points for completing tasks, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. It’s user-friendly and offers a wide variety of survey opportunities, making it a favorite for many.
- Prolific. Unlike many traditional survey platforms, Prolific focuses on academic and scientific research, connecting participants with researchers conducting various studies. This unique approach ensures that your opinions contribute to meaningful research while you earn money.
- Survey Junkie. Survey Junkie focuses exclusively on surveys, providing a straightforward way to earn money by sharing your opinions. With a transparent point system and a low payout threshold, users can easily cash out their earnings via PayPal or e-gift cards.
- Pinecone Research. Pinecone Research is a reputable survey company that offers a flat rate per survey, often higher than other platforms. They also provide product testing opportunities, allowing you to try out new products and give feedback.
- Toluna Influencers. Toluna Influencers combines surveys with a social media-like platform. Users can participate in surveys, polls, and content creation, making it interactive and engaging.
- InboxDollars. InboxDollars pays users for taking surveys, watching videos, reading emails, and playing games. It offers a clear cash-out process and multiple earning opportunities beyond just surveys.
- MyPoints. Similar to Swagbucks, MyPoints offers various ways to earn points, including surveys, online shopping, and watching videos. You can redeem the points for gift cards or cash through PayPal.
- Opinion Outpost. Opinion Outpost provides frequent survey opportunities and allows users to quickly earn points redeemable for cash, PayPal, or gift cards.
- YouGov. Specializing in surveys on public opinion and consumer behavior, YouGov is great for those interested in contributing to polls and studies influencing major brands and governments. Points earned can be exchanged for cash or gift cards.
- Branded Surveys. Branded Surveys offers a user-friendly interface and a consistent stream of surveys. They have a robust rewards program and various payout options, including cash and gift cards.
Tips for Taking Online Surveys for Extra Cash
- Ensure Legitimacy Before joining, verify that the survey sites are legitimate. Reputable sites won’t ask for extremely sensitive information, such as social security numbers or credit card details. They also don’t charge a fee to participate. Check their privacy policies to understand how they handle your information.
- Use a separate email for all of your surveys. The survey companies will send your email about the survey opportunities that you are qualified for. A separate email will avoid your other emails being cluttered.
- Sign Up for Multiple Platforms Joining multiple survey platforms increases your survey options and earning potential. Some platforms may have limited surveys, so having several options allows you to pick higher-paying ones.
- Be Honest Provide truthful information about yourself and your opinions to maintain your reputation and eligibility. Honest answers are important as they influence community and societal outcomes. Only share information you’re comfortable with and protect your privacy.
- Skip Low-Paying Surveys Prioritize higher-paying surveys and skip the low-paying ones. Focus on those that offer better compensation for your time.
- Cash Out Often Cash out your earnings as soon as you reach the minimum balance. Keeping your money in your own bank account is safer than leaving it with a survey website.
By following these tips and using the recommended survey sites, I hope you can start making some extra money online. Happy surveying!