Completing online surveys is a straightforward way to earn extra income. Many companies and research firms pay for consumer opinions to help them improve products and services.
What is Online Survey Taking?
Online survey taking involves providing feedback by answering questionnaires. Businesses use this data for market research, and they pay participants for their time and responses.
While it won’t make you rich, surveys are an easy side hustle to earn small, steady payouts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Start Earning with Surveys
Step 1: Understand How Surveys Work
- Companies partner with survey platforms to collect data.
- You sign up, answer demographic questions, and get matched to surveys.
- Surveys typically take 5 to 30 minutes and pay based on length and complexity.
Step 2: Choose Trusted Survey Platforms
To avoid scams and low-paying sites, stick to reliable survey platforms such as:
- SurveyMonkey Rewards – pays for short surveys via PayPal or gift cards.
- Swagbucks – offers surveys and other earning options like watching videos and playing games.
- Toluna Influencers – a global survey site with regular surveys and sweepstakes.
- Pinecone Research – higher payouts per survey, though requires an invitation to join.
- InboxDollars – pays for surveys, reading emails, and simple tasks.
- YouGov – known for political and consumer surveys, pays in points redeemable for cash or gift cards.
Step 3: Create Accounts on Multiple Platforms
Maximize your earnings by signing up for multiple platforms. During registration:
- Fill out your profile accurately to get better survey matches.
- Verify your email.
- Enable notifications to receive survey alerts.
Step 4: Fill Out Your Profile Completely
Most survey platforms use your profile to match you to specific surveys. Ensure you:
- Answer all demographic questions.
- Mention interests and hobbies (e.g., tech, travel, health).
- Update your profile regularly to access more surveys.
Step 5: Start Completing Surveys
- Prioritize surveys with higher payouts and shorter completion times.
- Watch out for qualification questions (they filter out ineligible participants).
- Avoid rushing to prevent disqualification for inconsistent answers.
Step 6: Redeem Your Earnings
Each platform has its own payout threshold:
- Swagbucks – minimum $3 for gift cards or PayPal.
- SurveyMonkey Rewards – PayPal cashouts.
- Toluna – points converted to PayPal or gift cards.
- InboxDollars – cashout minimum $15.
- Pinecone Research – fixed $3 to $5 per survey.
Step 7: Look for Bonuses and Referrals
Many platforms offer:
- Daily bonuses for completing a set number of surveys.
- Referral programs where you earn extra when friends join using your link.
Step 8: Be Consistent
Survey-taking is a volume game. The more surveys you complete, the more you earn. Set aside 30-60 minutes daily to answer surveys.
Tools You’ll Need
- SurveyMonkey Rewards – survey app
- Swagbucks – multipurpose rewards platform
- Toluna – survey panel
- Pinecone Research – high-paying surveys
- InboxDollars – surveys + small tasks
- YouGov – reputable survey site
- PayPal – for cash payouts
- Excel/Google Sheets – to track your survey income and platforms
Final Thoughts
Completing surveys is one of the easiest ways to start making money online. It’s beginner-friendly, requires no investment, and can be done on your phone or laptop. While it’s best suited as a side hustle, combining multiple survey platforms can steadily add up over time.