How to Make the Most of Surveys
Let’s be honest most of us spend a good chunk of our day online. Scrolling through social media, browsing websites, or just killing time between tasks. But why not get paid for some of that time? That’s where online surveys come in.
I was sceptical at first. I’d tried a few survey sites before and either got disqualified too often, earned peanuts, or just felt like my time wasn’t valued. But after some trial and error, I discovered a system that works. Here’s my detailed guide on how to turn online surveys into a legit side hustle.
Why Take Online Surveys?
Online surveys are essentially a way for companies to gather feedback. They want to know:
What customers think about a product
How easy a website or app is to use
Opinions on services or advertisements
In return, they pay participants for their time. While surveys won’t replace a full time income, they’re perfect for:
Extra spending money
Gift cards
Small savings goals
The key is knowing which platforms are worth your time and how to maximize earnings.
Choosing the Right Survey Sites
The first step is choosing legitimate survey platforms as not all sites are created equal. Some are slow, pay very little, or are outright scams. Focus on trusted platforms that we have reviewed on our survey page.
A good survey platform will:
Provide transparent information about rewards.
Have clear payment methods (PayPal, gift cards, or bank transfers).
Offer a reasonable number of surveys per week for your location and demographics.
Setting Up Your Profile
Your profile is your golden ticket to better surveys. Most platforms ask for:
Age, gender, location
Education, occupation, and household info
Interests and hobbies
Companies use this information to target specific demographics for their surveys. A complete profile = more survey matches = more earnings.
Finding and Qualifying for Surveys
Once your profile is set up, you can browse available surveys. Each survey typically shows:
Estimated time – How long it will take
Payment – How much you’ll earn
Eligibility requirements – Age, location, occupation, etc.
Most surveys have a screener questionnaire to determine if you qualify. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Answer honestly. Screener questions are meant to filter for your target audience.
Even if you don’t qualify, some platforms give a small “thank you” reward, better than nothing.
Keep a notepad or spreadsheet of surveys you’ve completed and your earnings. It helps track which platforms are most profitable for you.
Taking Surveys
Here’s where the real work begins. While surveys are simple, there’s a method to maximise earnings:
Set aside dedicated time – Treat surveys like a mini job. Don’t rush through them while half watching TV.
Be honest – Companies value genuine feedback. Rushing or being inconsistent can disqualify you from future surveys.
Follow instructions carefully – Some surveys have attention checks or require you to do specific tasks. Skipping them can lead to disqualification.
Use multiple devices if allowed – Some surveys are mobile only, others desktop only. Having options helps you qualify for more tests.
Getting Paid
Payment depends on the platform:
PayPal – Fast and convenient; most sites allow this.
Gift cards – Amazon, Starbucks, or other retailers.
Bank transfers – Less common, but available on some platforms.
Most sites have a minimum payout threshold (usually $5–$10). Payments are usually reliable if you stick to reputable platforms. I personally like PayPal because I can quickly transfer earnings to my bank.
Tips to Maximise Your Earnings
Here are some practical tips I’ve learned:
Sign up for multiple sites – More surveys, more opportunities.
Complete your profile fully – Better matching means higher paying surveys.
Check frequently – Invitations can fill up fast. Set a schedule for 15–30 minutes daily.
Focus on longer, higher-paying surveys – Sometimes, 20–30 minutes pays better than multiple 5-minute surveys.
Avoid rushing – High quality responses often lead to better survey opportunities in the future.
Track your earnings – Keep a simple spreadsheet to see which platforms give the best return for your time.
My Experience
When I first started, I made around £20 in the first week just doing surveys in short bursts. Over time, as I learned to filter for high paying surveys and complete profiles thoroughly, my earnings steadily increased.
Some surveys were surprisingly fun. I got to:
Test new food packaging ideas
Review mobile app interfaces
Give opinions on potential ad campaigns
Other surveys were a little repetitive, but the payout was worth it. Overall, it became a simple, flexible way to make extra money on my own schedule.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Flexible, work from anywhere
Legitimate way to earn extra cash
No special skills required
Opportunity to influence products and services
Cons:
Low earning potential compared to a full-time job
Some surveys disqualify you mid way
Can be repetitive
Final Thoughts
Online surveys aren’t going to make you rich, but they are a legit, low risk way to make extra cash while doing something you probably already do. With a little patience, a careful selection of platforms, and consistent effort, surveys can become a reliable side hustle.
