Want To Get Paid For Your Opinion?
How to find focus groups and surveys for cash
Have you ever wished you could get paid for your opinion? Well, now you can! There are companies all over the world that are willing to pay people for their opinions on products and services. All you need to do is sign up with a few companies and you can start earning extra cash today!
How Focus Groups Work
Focus groups are usually conducted in person, although there are some companies that conduct them online. You will be given a topic to discuss with a group of other people, and the discussion will be moderated by a company representative. The representative will ask questions and guide the discussion, but it is up to the group to come up with the answers.
As a marketing person, I find focus groups to be very useful. In fact, it’s often eye-opening to watch actual consumer behavior vs. what consumers say. In other words, Consumers will often say one thing but do something entirely different.
This is the real power of a focus group. They’re usually designed in a way to capture real, authentic consumer behavior and insight. So, if you decide to participate, be honest.
If you think it sucks — be sure to say so (and why).
The whole process usually takes about an hour or two, and you will be paid for your time. The amount of money you make will depend on the company you sign up with and the type of focus group you participate in. Some focus groups pay more than others, so it is important to do your research before signing up.
I’ve participated in several focus groups over the years, and each time, the process was pretty easy and straightforward. I recently spent 60 minutes reviewing some software being designed and was paid $200 for my time.
Once, I was paid $600 for a 90-minute call.
Types of Focus Groups
There are many different types of focus groups, so there is sure to be one that interests you. Here are just a few examples:
Market research and product testing: Try out new products before they hit the market and give your feedback to the company.
- Product Report Card: This is a well-established market research company that offers a variety of opportunities for consumers to earn money. They offer paid surveys, product testing and review gigs, and online focus groups. Their goal is to gather consumer opinions on a wide range of products and services to help companies improve their offerings.
- Respondent: Respondent is a global platform for qualitative research that connects companies with their target audience. They offer paid focus group opportunities where participants can earn money by providing valuable feedback and insights. The company serves a variety of industries, including tech, education, healthcare, and consumer goods.
Entertainment and television shows: Give your opinion on new shows and commercials before they air.
- WatchLab: WatchLab is a US-based research firm that offers both online and in-person focus groups. Participants can earn anywhere from $50 to $200 per study, providing valuable insights on a variety of topics, including TV shows.
- USAAudiences: This focus group company specifically targets those interested in rating movies and TV shows. Participants can join the group and provide their feedback on pre-release screenings or ongoing series.
- Probe Market Research: Probe is a well-rounded market research company that conducts both surveys and focus groups. They work with major brands and offer payments between $50 and $400 for participation in their research studies, which often include rating TV shows.
Advertising: Help companies create more effective advertising campaigns.
- Swagbucks: Swagbucks is a popular platform where users can earn rewards for various online activities, including watching videos (which often include ads), shopping online, playing games, and taking surveys. The feedback from these activities helps companies understand how their content is perceived and how it can be improved[⁷^].
- User Interviews: User Interviews is a platform that connects companies with consumers for paid research studies, including online focus groups. Studies often involve watching and providing feedback on ads. Participants are compensated for their time and insights, which companies use to refine their advertising campaigns[⁴^].
Wrapping up
If you are looking for a way to make some extra cash, participating in focus groups is a great option — especially if you have a specialized, and in-damand skillset. You can share your opinions on products, television shows, advertising campaigns, and more.
Sign up with a few companies and you can start earning money in a few weeks and likely every month. After all, you’re probably already offering your opinion on things — may as well get paid for it!