Let’s talk about a super fun and easy way to make money online: testing websites and apps. Yup, you can actually get paid to browse websites, play around with apps, and give feedback.
Companies are constantly improving their user experience, and they need real people (like you!) to test their websites and apps to make sure everything is working smoothly. Best of all? You don’t need a website, any special skills, or a ton of time to get started.
If you’re the type of person who loves trying out new apps or who can’t help but notice when a website is hard to navigate, this side hustle could be perfect for you. Testing websites and apps is a great way to earn some extra cash, and the tasks are generally short, simple, and flexible—meaning you can do them whenever you have a few spare minutes.
Let’s dive into how you can start making money by testing websites and apps.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Test Websites and Apps Without a Website
1. Sign Up for Testing Platforms
To start testing websites and apps, all you need to do is sign up for a few testing platforms. These platforms connect you with companies that need their websites or apps tested by real users. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- UserTesting: One of the most well-known platforms, UserTesting pays you to visit websites or apps and provide feedback. You’ll record your screen and voice as you navigate the site, explaining what you think along the way.
- TryMyUI: Similar to UserTesting, TryMyUI has you complete tasks on websites or apps while recording your thoughts and reactions. Afterward, you’ll fill out a short questionnaire about your experience.
- Userlytics: This platform allows you to test websites, apps, prototypes, and even videos. You’ll be asked to provide feedback and answer specific questions while navigating the site or app.
- WhatUsersDo: You’ll be assigned various tasks to complete on websites, and you’ll need to record your actions and provide your honest feedback about the user experience.
Signing up is easy! Most platforms will have you fill out a short profile so they can match you with tests that fit your demographic (like your age, interests, or tech experience). After that, you’ll receive notifications when a test becomes available.
2. Complete Qualification Tests
Before you can start earning money, most platforms will have you complete a sample test to show that you understand how the process works. Don’t worry—it’s nothing too complicated! The qualification test usually involves recording yourself while you navigate a test website or app and talk about what you see.
During the test, you’ll want to speak clearly and explain your thought process as you go. The goal is to show that you can give valuable feedback by pointing out what you like, what you find confusing, and how you think the website or app could be improved. Once you pass the qualification test, you’ll start receiving paid testing opportunities.
3. Start Testing Websites and Apps
Once you’re approved, you can start testing right away. Each test typically takes between 10 and 20 minutes to complete, and you’ll get paid anywhere from $10 to $60 per test, depending on the platform and the complexity of the task.
Here’s how a typical test works:
- Accept a Test: When a new test becomes available, you’ll receive an email notification or see it in your dashboard. Tests are often on a first-come, first-served basis, so try to accept them quickly.
- Follow the Instructions: You’ll be given a set of tasks to complete, like navigating through different parts of a website, checking for broken links, or testing how easy it is to complete a purchase.
- Record Your Screen and Voice: As you complete the tasks, you’ll need to record your screen and talk about your experience. Don’t hold back! Be honest about what you find frustrating, confusing, or helpful. Your feedback helps companies improve their websites and apps.
- Submit Your Test: After you finish, you’ll upload your recorded session and fill out a quick survey or answer a few questions about your experience.
It’s important to remember that companies aren’t looking for perfection—they want real, unfiltered feedback. If something is confusing or you can’t figure out how to complete a task, just say so! That’s exactly the kind of feedback they need to improve their product.
4. Get Paid
After you submit your test, the platform will review your work and approve your payment. Most platforms pay via PayPal within a few days, though the exact timing can vary. Tests generally pay between $10 and $60, depending on the length and complexity of the task.
Here’s the thing: You won’t get rich testing websites, but it’s a great way to make quick cash in your spare time. If you can snag a few tests each week, those payments can add up pretty fast.
Resources for Website and App Testers
Here are a few tools that can help you succeed as a website and app tester:
- Good Headphones: Clear audio is essential for listening to instructions and providing clear feedback, especially for app testing.
- Loom or QuickTime Player: While most testing platforms provide their own screen-recording tools, it doesn’t hurt to familiarise yourself with basic screen-recording software like Loom or QuickTime, in case you need a backup.
- PayPal: Most platforms pay via PayPal, so make sure you have an account set up to receive your earnings.
Example: A Tester Earning $100 Per Month Doing Website Testing in Spare Time
Let’s meet Mike. Mike has a full-time job but wanted to find a side hustle he could do in his free time without a huge commitment. After hearing about website testing, he signed up for UserTesting and TryMyUI.
He started receiving test invitations almost immediately and completed his first few tests in just under 20 minutes each. With most tests paying $10 to $15, Mike quickly realised he could make $100 or more each month just by testing websites and apps in his spare time.
The best part? Mike enjoys the process. He loves seeing new apps and websites before they’re fully developed, and the feedback he provides actually helps improve user experiences for others. Plus, it’s a flexible gig—he can do it whenever he has some downtime.
Final Thoughts on Testing Websites and Apps
Testing websites and apps is one of the easiest ways to make money online without a website of your own. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a flexible side gig that you can do from home, with no special skills or big time commitment. All you need is a computer, an internet connection, and the ability to provide honest, useful feedback.
The pay might not be sky-high, but it’s an easy and enjoyable way to earn extra cash when you’ve got some spare time. Plus, it’s fun to see new websites and apps before they’re released to the public!
So, if you’ve got 10 or 20 minutes to spare here and there, why not sign up for a few testing platforms and give it a try? You’ll get paid to do something that’s both simple and interesting—and every little bit of extra income helps, right?
Next up, we’ll dive into the world of dropshipping, where you can sell products without ever holding inventory. It’s another great way to make money online without a website, so let’s keep the momentum going!