In 2021, Zapier conducted an online survey of more than 2,000 Americans about side gig trends. The results? The automation developer found that nearly 35% of Americans work one job while maintaining a side hustle.
These days, online paid surveys are a popular option to earn some extra money. Various platforms compensate users for completing surveys, but how do these sites measure up in the gig economy?
For those looking to make extra cash from the comfort of home, here’s the skinny on online paid survey sites, how these sites work, and the advantages and disadvantages of using them:
What is a Paid Survey Site?
Essentially, the name says it all. An online paid survey site rewards users for completing surveys and polls via a website or app. The survey content is mainly geared toward market research. As a survey-taker, you offer your opinions and habits, surveyors use this data to improve products and services, and then you are compensated for your participation.
How Do Paid Survey Sites Work?
Right off the bat, users will want to partner with legitimate platforms that don’t require you to disclose personally identifiable information (PII), like credit card information, your Social Security number, or your driver’s license number. After registering, you’ll be offered a multitude of survey options. Once you’ve completed one or more surveys, which can take anywhere from minutes to in excess of an hour, you’ll be paid in cash or a gift card.
Some sites operate on a point scale in which users must acquire a certain number of points to receive their reward, while others offer payouts after completing a survey. Rewards vary depending on the site, content, and length of the survey. Generally, though, you’ll receive cash, gift cards, prepaid Visa credit cards, and/or free airline miles.
What Are Some Advantages of Using Paid Survey Sites?
For starters, these websites are easy to navigate and use. Indeed, just about anyone can complete a paid survey on any device from the comfort of just about anywhere. For those wanting to earn a little extra in their downtime, paid survey sites are a simple method of doing so, even while on the go.
Not to mention, these platforms benefit both consumers and the partnering companies themselves. On the one hand, you’ll earn a little extra spending money for giving your opinion that you could put toward things like vacation funds, college savings, or that pair of sneakers you’ve had your eyes on. Meantime, the insights that companies glean from survey-takers cannot be overstated. In particular, the market research data compiled from various demographics and consumer groups can help improve processes. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Is There Any Reason to Avoid These Sites?
Despite the inherent benefits of getting paid for your opinion, these types of surveys can be time-consuming. Of course, upon taking a survey, you’ll be informed of approximately how long it will take to complete one. However, be prepared to invest several hours of your time earning enough points to cash out.
Those taking on side-gigs and looking to maximize some extra income potential may want to pair paid survey site participation with other money-making opportunities that they can do simultaneously, like investing in a 529 plan for college expenses or using a driver delivery app.
Hassle or Hustle? You Decide
All in all, are online paid survey sites worth the effort? It depends on what you want to achieve. If you want to accumulate a lot of cash in little time, you may want to use paid reward sites in tandem with other side gigs. But if you have plenty of free time, are looking to save up over time for a specific goal, or are just expecting to make a few extra dollars a week, paid survey sites are a good option. As famed writer, Anais Nin said, “Good things happen to those who hustle.”
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