As a freelance copywriter, I’m always on the lookout for new opportunities to expand my skills and earn extra income. That’s why I decided to give UserTesting a try and embark on a 60-day journey to explore its review platform. In this article, I’ll share my personal experience using UserTesting, from the review process to the user feedback I received as a tester.
During my 60 days on the UserTesting platform, I was able to get a firsthand look at how businesses leverage this tool to understand their users better. It offered me a unique perspective on the user experience and allowed me to provide valuable insights that can help companies improve their products and services. Spoiler alert, I earned approximately 350$ in this period. You make about 8-10$ per hour on UserTesting. But it was not that I wouldn’t take every opportunity, it was more like I only got 1 or 2 reviews per day or each time I logged in. Sometimes I just wasn’t a fit for these companies. But more on that later.
Throughout this review period, I had the opportunity to participate in tests across various industries, ranging from e-commerce websites to mobile applications. Each test presented a different set of challenges, which allowed me to refine my testing skills and provide more informed feedback.
One of the aspects that stood out to me was the effectiveness of the UserTesting review process. It was intuitive and easy to navigate, ensuring that I could focus on providing valuable feedback rather than grappling with complicated procedures.
Key Takeaways:
- UserTesting provides a platform for freelance testers to offer their feedback on various products and services.
- The review process on UserTesting is user-friendly and streamlined, allowing testers to focus on providing valuable insights.
- Participating in tests across different industries provides testers with the opportunity to broaden their experience and refine their skills.
- User feedback on UserTesting can help businesses improve their offerings and cater to their customers’ wants and needs.
- My 60-day UserTesting journey was a positive experience, and I would recommend it to both testers and businesses looking to gain valuable insights.
What is UserTesting?
UserTesting is a human insight platform that businesses can leverage to gain valuable feedback on their products or services. As a third-party vendor, UserTesting connects businesses with qualified product testers who are representative of their target market demographic. These product testers, who work as freelancers on the UserTesting platform, provide feedback on their experience using the product or service, helping businesses understand how their offerings resonate with consumers.
“UserTesting allows businesses to tap into the real insights of their target market demographic by leveraging the expertise and experiences of actual users.”
The feedback collected through UserTesting is invaluable to businesses, as it enables them to make informed decisions and improvements based on real user experiences. By understanding the pain points, preferences, and overall usability of their products or services, businesses can optimize their offerings to meet the needs and expectations of their customers.
Product testers on UserTesting are given specific tasks to complete, based on their profile and the target market demographic they represent. These tasks may involve navigating a website, testing a mobile app, or providing feedback on a new feature or design. After completing the tasks, testers provide detailed feedback, which encompasses their thoughts, opinions, and suggestions for improvement. This feedback not only helps businesses uncover potential issues but also highlights areas of success that can be further enhanced.
Human Insights for Targeted Decision-Making
By leveraging the UserTesting platform, businesses gain access to a diverse pool of product testers who provide valuable human insights. These insights go beyond quantitative data and surveys, as they reflect the genuine thoughts and impressions of users navigating and interacting with a product or service in real-time.
The feedback gathered from product testers allows businesses to:
- Identify usability issues and areas for improvement
- Spot emerging trends and preferences within their target market
- Understand the emotional response and overall user satisfaction
- Validate assumptions and hypotheses about their products or services
The UserTesting platform acts as a bridge between businesses and their target market, fostering meaningful connections and facilitating valuable insights. With the help of UserTesting, businesses can unlock the human element of their decision-making process and make data-driven improvements that resonate with their customers.
| Benefits of UserTesting for Businesses | Benefits of UserTesting for Product Testers |
|---|---|
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The Founders of UserTesting
UserTesting, the leading human insight platform, was founded in 2007 by Dave Garr and Darrell Denatar. Recognizing the need for fast and scalable solutions to test web experiences, they created UserTesting to provide businesses with valuable feedback from real users.
Since its inception, UserTesting has grown significantly under the leadership of its founders. Dave Garr, one of the founders, has been with the company since 2006 and has played a pivotal role in its success. On the other hand, Darrell Denatar, also a co-founder, has served as the executive chairman since 2018, contributing his expertise and insights.
Currently, UserTesting is led by CEO Andy MacMillan, who continues to drive the company’s growth and innovation. With the combined vision and expertise of Dave, Darrell, and Andy, UserTesting remains at the forefront of the user testing industry.
These extraordinary individuals have shaped UserTesting into the trusted platform it is today, enabling businesses to gain valuable insights and improve their products and services.
“Our goal has always been to provide businesses with valuable insights from real users. By connecting companies with their target market, we believe we can help them create exceptional user experiences.”
– Dave Garr, Co-founder of UserTesting
| Founder | Role | Tenure |
|---|---|---|
| Dave Garr | Co-founder | 2006-present |
| Darrell Denatar | Executive Chairman | 2018-present |
Is UserTesting Legit?
When it comes to UserTesting, legitimacy is an important factor to consider. As someone who has spent the last 60 days on the platform, I can confidently say that UserTesting is indeed a legitimate company. Testers have the opportunity to get paid for completing tests and providing valuable feedback to businesses. However, it’s important to acknowledge that there have been some concerns raised by testers, which we will explore further.
UserTesting Reviews:
Let’s start by addressing the issue of account deactivation and payment process. Some testers have reported that after completing tests, their accounts were deactivated, and they did not receive payment. While this is a worrying experience, it’s important to note that these issues may vary from user to user. Just as some testers have faced account deactivation and payment delays, others have had a smooth experience with timely payments.
“While I did face some issues with UserTesting, including account deactivation after completing tests, I have also received timely payments for the majority of my completed tests.” – UserTester123
It’s worth mentioning that UserTesting has a strong social media presence and a good reputation among its customer base. The positive customer reviews and testimonials contribute to the overall legitimacy of the platform. With that being said, it’s essential to approach UserTesting with realistic expectations and be aware that there might be some challenges along the way.
UserTesting Legitimacy Overview
| Testers’ Concerns | Real User Experiences |
|---|---|
| Account deactivation after completing tests | Varies between users; some experience it, others do not |
| Payment delays and issues | Varies between users; some experience delays, others receive timely payments |
| Positive customer reviews | Contributing factor to the platform’s legitimacy |
Overall, while UserTesting is a legitimate platform with an established reputation, it’s important to be aware of the potential challenges that may arise. Maintaining a balanced perspective and understanding the experiences of other testers is crucial when considering UserTesting as a potential source of income.
Earning Potential on UserTesting
While participating in UserTesting can provide you with some extra income, it is important to note that it is unlikely to replace your main source of income. UserTesting compensates testers based on the type and duration of the test they complete, with payment rates ranging from $3 to a maximum of $60 per test. On average, testers can expect to earn around $10 per test. However, it is worth mentioning that testers may also be required to answer follow-up questions after completing a test, providing additional information and insights.
The earning potential on UserTesting depends on various factors, such as the availability of tests and the tester’s demographic. The number of available tests can fluctuate, which means that the frequency of earning opportunities may not always be consistent.
The Payment Rates on UserTesting
UserTesting pays testers different rates for different types of tests and the length of time it takes to complete them. Here is a breakdown of the payment rates:
| Test Type | Payment Range | Average Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Website or App Test | $10 – $60 | $15 |
| Micro Test | $3 – $5 | $4 |
| Live Conversation Test | $30 – $60 | $40 |
These rates are subject to change and may vary depending on the specific requirements of each test.
Furthermore, it is important to keep in mind that the duration of a test can influence the earning potential. Tests can range from a few minutes to 20 minutes or more, with longer tests often having higher payment rates. However, longer tests may also require more effort and time commitment from the tester.
Follow-Up Questions on UserTesting
After completing a test, you may be asked follow-up questions to provide additional information and insights. These follow-up questions allow businesses to gather more specific feedback and dive deeper into your experience with their product or service. Answering these questions thoughtfully can contribute to an improved overall testing process and help businesses make informed decisions based on your feedback.
Remember, while UserTesting can provide you with extra income, it is important to manage your expectations. It is unlikely to serve as a main source of income due to the fluctuating availability of tests and the variability in payment rates.
Disclaimer: Earning potential may vary and depend on factors beyond the control of the tester, such as the number of available tests and the tester’s demographic. The information provided above is based on general trends and rates observed on UserTesting at the time of writing. Actual earnings may differ.
Becoming a Tester on UserTesting
If you’re interested in becoming a tester on UserTesting, you’re in the right place! To get started, there are a few steps you need to follow:
- Age Requirement: UserTesting requires all testers to be at least 18 years old. This ensures that testers have the necessary maturity and legal capacity to participate in testing activities.
- Joining Process: To join UserTesting, simply visit their website and sign up as a tester. You’ll need to provide some basic details such as your name and email address.
- Sample Test: Once you’ve signed up, UserTesting will ask you to complete a sample test. This is to assess your skills and ensure that you meet the requirements for becoming a tester.
- Profile Completion: If your sample test is approved, you’ll be asked to provide more personal details to complete your profile. This includes information such as your demographics, interests, and devices you have access to.
- PayPal Account: In order to receive payment for completing tests, you’ll need to have a PayPal account. UserTesting uses PayPal as the primary method for transferring funds to their testers.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be ready to start taking tests on UserTesting and earning money for your valuable feedback!
A friendly tip: Make sure you provide accurate and up-to-date information during the joining process. This will help UserTesting match you with relevant testing opportunities and ensure a smooth experience for both you and the businesses seeking feedback.
Here’s a visual representation of the joining process:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Sign up on the UserTesting website |
| Step 2 | Provide basic details like your name and email address |
| Step 3 | Complete a sample test |
| Step 4 | Provide more personal details to complete your profile |
| Step 5 | Create a PayPal account to receive payment |
A picture is worth a thousand words. Take a look at the image below for a visual representation of the joining process:
Now that you know how to become a tester on UserTesting, it’s time to get started! Join the UserTesting community and start earning money while providing valuable feedback to businesses.
Recommendations for UserTesting
Based on my extensive research and personal experience, I highly recommend UserTesting as a platform to earn additional income. It provides a unique opportunity for individuals to make money by providing valuable feedback on products and services.
However, it’s important to have realistic expectations when using UserTesting as a source of additional income. While there are earning potentials, it may not replace your main source of income. Many factors, such as the number of available tests and your demographic, can affect the frequency and availability of testing opportunities.
The Importance of Real Human Insight
UserTesting offers businesses a valuable opportunity to gain real human insight into their products or services. By receiving feedback from testers who fit their target market demographic, businesses can make informed decisions and improvements that directly benefit their customers.
Unlike automated testing methods, UserTesting provides genuine user feedback that captures the nuances of human experiences. This real human insight allows businesses to identify pain points, improve usability, and create a more customer-centric approach to product development.
Real human insight is invaluable for businesses as it provides a deeper understanding of customer needs and preferences. UserTesting enables companies to tap into this invaluable resource and make data-driven decisions based on actual user experiences.
The Limitations of UserTesting
It’s important to recognize the limitations of UserTesting and not to have false expectations. While it can be a great platform to earn additional income, it’s essential to understand that the number of available tests may vary. Some testers may have more testing opportunities than others, depending on their demographic and the demand for their specific profile.
Additionally, it’s crucial to approach UserTesting with a mindset of providing helpful feedback rather than solely focusing on the earning potential. UserTesting is not a get-rich-quick scheme but an opportunity to contribute to the improvement of products and services.
Testers as Catalysts for Change
As a tester on UserTesting, you have the power to influence the direction of product development. Your feedback not only benefits businesses but also helps shape the experiences of future users.
By providing honest and thoughtful feedback, you contribute to the iterative process of product refinement. Your insights can lead to meaningful changes that enhance user satisfaction and drive business success.
Success of UserTesting
In the success of UserTesting, one of the key factors that sets it apart is its low barrier to entry for testers. Unlike other platforms, UserTesting is free to join for contributors, allowing normal people with no prior experience or degree to start earning money online. This approach has played a significant role in the scalability of UserTesting, making it one of the leading human insight platforms in the industry.
A low barrier to entry means that anyone who has access to a computer and an internet connection can become a tester on UserTesting. There is no need for specialized skills or qualifications, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals looking to earn extra income.
The free-to-join policy implemented by UserTesting removes the risk factor associated with joining fees, which can be a significant deterrent for potential contributors. By eliminating this financial burden, UserTesting motivates new testers to join and actively participate in testing opportunities, ultimately contributing to the platform’s success.
UserTesting Scalability
The scalability of UserTesting can be attributed to its ability to attract a large pool of testers from diverse backgrounds. With a low barrier to entry and a free-to-join model, UserTesting has been able to build a community of testers who can provide valuable feedback on a wide range of products and services.
The scalability of UserTesting allows businesses to receive comprehensive feedback from a diverse pool of testers, ensuring that their products or services cater to a wide range of user perspectives. This scalability sets UserTesting apart from traditional testing methods, providing businesses with a valuable resource for user insights.
UserTesting’s Risk Factor
The free-to-join model of UserTesting significantly reduces the risk factor for testers, making it an attractive platform for those looking to earn money online. By eliminating upfront costs and providing a low-risk opportunity, UserTesting encourages individuals to give it a try, leading to a higher number of active testers.
Removing the risk factor associated with joining fees eliminates one of the major barriers that testers face when considering participating in testing platforms. The absence of financial risk encourages new testers to explore UserTesting and contribute to its success by providing valuable feedback on various products and services.
UserTesting’s success can be attributed to its low barrier to entry, scalability, and free-to-join model, which minimize risk factors for testers and make it an appealing platform to earn extra income.
| Factors Contributing to UserTesting Success | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Low barrier to entry | – Accessible to individuals with no prior experience or qualifications – Anyone with a computer and an internet connection can join |
| Scalability | – Ability to attract a large and diverse pool of testers – Comprehensive feedback from a wide range of user perspectives |
| Free-to-join model | – Eliminates upfront costs and financial risks for testers – Encourages new testers to participate and provide valuable feedback |
Alternatives to UserTesting
If UserTesting doesn’t meet your needs or budget, there are several alternatives available in the market. These usability testing tools offer unique features and pricing options that can help you find the best fit for your requirements.
Lookback
Lookback is a popular choice among usability testing tools. It offers a range of features such as remote moderated testing, screen recording, and task-based studies. Their pricing plans vary based on the number of participants and the length of studies.
Userbrain
Userbrain is another option for conducting usability testing. It provides unmoderated remote usability testing, allowing you to gather feedback from users around the world. They offer affordable pricing plans and quick turnaround times for the delivery of test results.
Userlytics
Userlytics is a comprehensive usability testing platform that offers both moderated and unmoderated testing options. They provide advanced features such as eye tracking and emotion analysis. Pricing plans are available on a per-test basis or as monthly subscriptions.
UserZoom
UserZoom is an enterprise-level usability testing tool that offers a wide range of research capabilities. It provides features such as remote usability testing, survey creation, and participant recruitment services. Pricing is available upon request and varies based on the scope of the project.
UsabilityHub
UsabilityHub is a user research platform that offers various usability testing tools, including FirstClick Testing, Five Second Tests, and Question Tests. It allows you to quickly gather feedback on specific design elements and user flows. Pricing options include both pay-per-test and subscription plans.
Maze
Maze is a user testing and research platform that offers features such as prototype testing and user feedback collection. It integrates with popular design tools like Sketch and Figma, making it easy to conduct tests on your designs. Pricing plans are available for individuals, teams, and enterprises.
PlaybookUX
PlaybookUX is a user research platform that offers tools for conducting moderated and unmoderated usability tests, interviews, and surveys. It provides features such as video recording, note-taking, and participant recruitment. Pricing options include both pay-per-study and subscription plans.
Optimal Workshop
Optimal Workshop is a suite of user research tools, including Treejack, OptimalSort, and Chalkmark. These tools are designed to help you conduct card sorting, tree testing, and click testing studies. Pricing is available on a per-study basis or as part of a subscription.
Hotjar
Hotjar is a comprehensive analytics and feedback tool that provides various usability testing features. It offers heatmaps, session recordings, and feedback polls to help you understand user behavior on your website. Pricing plans are available based on the number of pageviews your website receives.
Loop11
Loop11 is a remote usability testing platform that allows you to create and manage usability tests. It offers features such as card sorting, tree testing, and participant task tracking. Pricing plans are available for individuals, agencies, and enterprises.
Userfeel
Userfeel is a remote usability testing tool that lets you gather feedback from real users around the world. It provides features such as video and audio recordings, as well as written responses from participants. Pricing options include both pay-per-test and subscription plans.
UXarmy
UXarmy is a user research platform that offers various usability testing methods, including moderated and unmoderated remote testing. It provides features such as screen recording, clickstream analysis, and survey creation. The pricing structure is available upon request.
WatchThemLive
WatchThemLive is a remote user testing platform that allows you to observe and interact with participants in real-time. It offers features such as screen sharing, video recording, and live chat. Pricing plans are available based on the number of participants and the duration of sessions.
Fullstory
Fullstory is a customer experience analytics platform that provides session replay and heatmapping features. It allows you to analyze user behavior and identify usability issues on your website. Pricing plans are available based on the number of sessions recorded.
Microsoft Clarity
Microsoft Clarity is a free web analytics tool that offers features such as session recording, heatmaps, and clickmaps. It provides insights into user behavior, allowing you to optimize your website’s usability. Being a free tool, it is a cost-effective alternative to UserTesting.
Each of these usability testing tools offers a unique set of features and pricing options. Consider your specific needs and budget when exploring these alternatives to UserTesting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my personal experience with UserTesting over the course of my first 60 days has been overwhelmingly positive. I can confidently say that UserTesting is a legitimate platform that offers great opportunities to earn extra income. While it may not completely replace a main source of income, it can provide a valuable additional stream of revenue.
One of the key strengths of UserTesting is its ability to offer businesses real human insight into their products or services. Through the feedback provided by testers like myself, businesses can gain valuable insights into how their target market interacts with their offerings. This feedback helps them make informed decisions and improve the overall user experience.
The user feedback and reviews on UserTesting further contribute to the platform’s credibility. The diverse range of testers ensures that businesses receive a variety of perspectives, resulting in well-rounded feedback. It’s reassuring to see that many businesses are actively taking steps to enhance their offerings based on the user feedback received through UserTesting.
In conclusion, UserTesting is a reliable and effective platform for both testers and businesses. Testers have the opportunity to earn extra income by providing their feedback, while businesses can benefit from real human insight into their products or services. The platform’s credibility is supported by positive user feedback and reviews. If you are looking to improve your offerings or earn additional income, I highly recommend considering UserTesting.
