Self-proclaimed make-money-fast schemes are littered across the internet advertising online surveys that pay big bucks for little or no work.
But as you’ll see, the reality is a little bit different.
We’ll dig into the truth behind making money on the internet, and fast!
Are online surveys like this the right choice for you? Read here to find out.
Why Companies Pay for Surveys
Companies pay for surveys because they want to gather valuable insights and consumer feedback from their target audience.
By conducting surveys, companies can better understand their customers’ preferences, opinions, and behavior so customers’ opinions are something that they are happy to pay for!
This information can then be used to improve their products, services, and marketing strategies, ultimately leading to increased sales and customer loyalty.
By compensating people to take surveys online, companies can get more people to participate and provide the companies with more accurate and valuable data to better their products.
This is a great way for a company or retailer to get feedback without having to host people for a focus group or meetings.
How Do Online Surveys Work?
The process of signing up for and taking surveys on an online survey company can seem daunting. Thankfully, the process is pretty straightforward and usually follows the same steps:
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Choose a legitimate survey company:
- I’ve listed my personal favorites below
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Create an account:
- Once you have chosen a survey site, you will need to create an account, which includes basic personal information such as your name, email address, and demographic information.
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Complete your profile:
- To maximize your chances of receiving surveys that you qualify for, be sure to complete your profile with as much information as possible, including your age, gender, education level, and employment status. This is really important to make sure you qualify for the surveys that you sign up for and eventually, the surveys that will be offered to you to complete.
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Look for surveys:
- Once you have created an account and completed your profile, you can start looking for surveys to take. Survey companies will typically send you survey invitations via email, or you can log in to your account to see if there are any available surveys.
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Complete surveys:
- When you receive a survey invitation, read the instructions carefully and complete the survey to the best of your ability. Some paid survey opportunities may be short and straightforward, while others may be longer and more complex. Usually, you are compensated based on the size and commitment of the survey.
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Earn rewards:
- Once you have completed a survey, you will typically earn rewards such as points to redeem towards gift cards or even cash. Some survey sites may also offer other rewards or bonus points such as gift cards or prizes. Gift cards are usually offered to larger retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, Walmart, etc.
How Much You Can Make Taking Online Surveys?
The amount you can make by taking surveys online varies depending on several things, including the number of surveys you take, the length of the surveys, and the compensation offered by the survey site or company. Pay is usually $1-$10 per survey.
In general, taking online surveys is not a way to make a full-time income, but it can be a way to earn a little extra money in your spare time.
Most survey sites, in general pay anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars per survey, and some may offer other rewards such as gift cards, Paypal cash or prizes.
The amount you can earn per survey also depends on the complexity and length of the survey. Longer surveys that require more detailed responses usually pay more than shorter surveys.
If you’re looking for extra spending money working from home, or a small side hustle, this is a great option!
Spotting the Fake Survey Companies
There are several warning signs that can throw up a red flag that an online survey company isn’t legitimate.
Here are a few things to watch out for when you are wondering how to know fake survey companies.
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High payment promises:
If an online survey company promises high payouts for very little effort, it may be a scam. Legitimate survey sites typically offer modest compensation for completing surveys with a payout threshold that you should meet as well to get compensated. Doing online surveys will not replace the income of a full-time job.
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Request for payment:
If an online survey company asks you to pay a fee to sign up, to get your earnings, or to access surveys, it is likely a scam. Legitimate survey sites do not require payment to participate.
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Personal information requests:
If an online survey company requests too much personal information such as your social security number, bank account information, or credit card number, it is likely a scam. Legitimate survey sites will only ask for basic demographic information such as your age, gender, and location.
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No contact information:
If the branded surveys sites do not provide any contact information or customer support, it may be a scam. A legitimate paid survey site should have a way for you to contact them if you have any questions or concerns.
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Poor website design:
If the online survey sites company website looks unprofessional or have poor design, it may be a scam. Legitimate survey sites typically have well-designed websites with clear information about their services and compensation policy.
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Unsolicited emails:
If you receive unsolicited emails inviting you to take surveys from a market research companies you haven’t heard of, it may be a scam. Legitimate survey websites sites typically do not send unsolicited emails.
If something seems too good to be true, it probably is, but no fear, we are here to give you our top survey companies that are legit and pay well.
Top Online Survey Companies to Check Out
There are many online survey companies available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Here are some of the top online survey companies and the best paid survey sites that are known for offering a variety of surveys and paying their members fairly:
1. Swagbucks:
Swagbucks is a popular survey site that offers a variety of surveys as well as other ways to earn rewards, such as watching videos, shopping online, and playing games.
2. Survey Junkie:
Survey Junkie is a well-known survey site that offers a variety of surveys on a wide range of topics. The site pays members in points, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
3. Opinion Outpost:
Opinion Outpost is a survey site that pays members in cash for completing surveys, watching videos, and other activities. The site is known for offering higher-paying surveys than some other sites.
4. Toluna:
Toluna is a survey site that offers a variety of surveys as well as product testing opportunities. The site pays members in points, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
5. Tippp:
Earning points by playing games is fun and straightforward. You have to reach certain levels, unlock hidden secrets or just beat the high score. Every time you complete a task, try an app or take a survey you get points for it to redeem for gift cards or cash.
6. YouGov:
YouGov is a survey site that offers surveys on current events, politics, and other topics. The site pays members in points, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
OK, now it’s your turn to sound off! If you have done online surveys, what’s your favorite online survey company and why??