Online Surveys: Getting Started
We’re going back to basics today, for those of you who are just joining the world of online surveys. There is so much information out there; I thought I’d share some of what I’ve learned.
When you’re first starting, you’ll find many survey websites with a lot of information, and you’ll have bunches of questions. When your head starts spinning, you don‘t need to panic. You’re not wandering around lost anymore, you’re here now, and hopefully I can answer some of your questions for you.
First of all, read. There’s lots of information out there about online paid surveys. Beware of any websites or blogs that have only good reviews. There writing fluff and will not tell you about questionable or shady survey websites.
I tell things as I find them, and anyone who has read any of my reviews knows this. I have even been accused of being harsh, but I believe you deserve accurate information. You can always use Google, and should look up any websites you question. Type in “name of website” + the word ‘scam’, and see what info you get. You may be surprised.
Next, don’t expect to get rich. If a site tells you you’ll be making $500 an hour, leave. They’re lying to you. It’s not going to happen. Look at the forum on this blog and see what some of the members here are making. It’s not nearly that much.
It may take a few months for you to see income from your surveys. Some payouts take that long. Some sites only send a couple of surveys a month and require a minimum amount before they’ll send you a payment.
Other sites don’t pay in cash. They offer sweepstakes entries or gifts. You need to be careful and look over the site information before joining. There are legitimate sites and there are those where you need to proceed with caution, if you proceed at all.
Marketing firms and the websites that are doing surveys for them are very serious about what they’re doing. Answer honestly and take time to think about your answers. They have ways of evaluating data and you will be red flagged and disqualified if you finish a survey in less time than they think it should take to give thoughtful answers.
After a short time, you will realize it’s necessary to join many survey sites to make any money at all. Only joining a couple won’t generate enough income to make it worth while.
There are blogs, like this one, that will help you figure out which survey sites are the best to join. Why not learn from people who have already made the mistakes you’d like to avoid? Others have joined and quit survey sites, read their experiences and you’ll learn about the process.
Be sure to share what you learn on your survey site journey here, in comments! I want to know if I misrepresent a survey site, and I need to hear about others’ experiences.
