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Are you looking for ways to make some extra money by simply browsing the web? Whether you’re a college student, a stay-at-home mom, or anyone else in need of some additional income, there are companies out there that will pay you to search the web. All you need is a computer and a reliable Internet connection. In this article, we’ll explore various web search opportunities that can help you earn some spare change with minimal effort.
Companies That Pay You to Browse the Web
Several websites will reward you for using their search engines and browsing the Internet as you normally would. Each of these websites has its own requirements, redemption schedules, and rules to follow. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular ones:
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a well-established reward and loyalty program that has been around since 2008. By using Swagbucks Search, a Yahoo-powered search engine, you can earn points or “SBs”. Although you won’t get paid for every search, when you do earn SBs, you can claim them by clicking on a notification that pops up on your screen. In addition to searching the web, you can also earn points by watching videos, answering surveys, and shopping online.
How points work: 100 SBs equal roughly $1.00
Cash out minimum: 160 SBs or $1 for an Amazon gift card
Payment options: SBs can be redeemed for cash through PayPal or gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon and Target.
Daily earning limit: Unclear
Sign-up bonus: 1,000 SBs or $10 (terms and conditions apply)
2. InboxDollars
Founded in 2000, InboxDollars has paid out over $59 million in rewards to its members. By using InboxDollars Search instead of your usual search engine, you can earn rewards every time you complete four web searches. These rewards can be in the form of scratch cards, which you can unlock once your “Scratch & Win bar” is full. InboxDollars also offers additional ways to earn money, such as watching videos, taking surveys, reading emails, printing coupons, and playing games.
How scratch cards work: The value of scratch cards can range from a few cents to $0.25, with occasional higher-value cards.
Cash out minimum: $30
Payment options: Once you reach the cash-out minimum, you can choose to receive your earnings via check, Visa prepaid card, or an electronic gift card. You also have the option to donate your earnings to a charity.
Daily earning limit: Unclear
Sign-up bonus: Earn $5 for activating your account
3. iRazoo
iRazoo is an online rewards and cash-back site that has been around since 2007. By setting iRazoo Engine, powered by Yahoo, as your browser’s default search engine, you can earn iRazoo Points every time you make a unique search. These points will appear randomly on your screen, and you’ll need to click a button to claim them. In addition to searching the web, you can also earn points by taking surveys, watching videos, and entering promo codes.
How points work: 3,000 iRazoo Points equal $5
Cash out minimum: 3,000 iRazoo Points
Payment options: You can redeem your points for PayPal cash or gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon and Home Depot.
Daily earning limit: 25 iRazoo Points per day
Sign-up bonus: 100 iRazoo Points
4. Qmee
Qmee is a free app launched in 2012 that partners with advertisers and rewards members for their online activities. By using the Qmee browser app, you can earn rewards while searching on Google, Yahoo, and Amazon. When you click on a search result that interests you, you’ll receive a reward, typically a few cents. Qmee also offers additional opportunities to earn money through surveys, shopping, and other online activities.
How rewards work: Rewards are displayed in dollar amounts, such as $0.07 for clicking on a search result.
Cash out minimum: None. You can redeem your earnings at any time.
Payment options: You can choose to redeem your rewards for gift cards, PayPal cash, or donate to charity.
Daily earning limit: None. You can earn as much as you want.
Sign-up bonus: None
5. Microsoft Rewards
Formerly known as Bing Rewards, Microsoft Rewards was founded in 2010 to promote the use of the Bing search engine. By using Bing for your searches, spending money at Microsoft.com, playing trivia, and taking polls, you can earn credits. There are two levels of membership: Level 1 and Level 2. To become a Level 1 member, simply sign up for a Microsoft account and stay signed in. To reach Level 2 and claim up to 600 points per month, use the Microsoft Edge Browser to search with Bing.
How points work: Earn up to 5 points for every search.
Cash out minimum: The cash-out minimum depends on the reward you choose (gift card, sweepstakes entry, or donation).
Payment options: You can use your points to redeem gift cards, enter sweepstakes, or make donations to non-profits.
Daily earning limit: Level 1 members: 5 points per day, 150 points per month; Level 2 members: 20 points per day, 600 points per month.
Sign-up bonus: None
Other Ways to Earn Money Searching the Web
While using search engines can earn you some spare change, there are other opportunities that require more time and dedication but offer higher earning potential. Here are a few options:
6. Download Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel
Nielsen is a market research company that collects information on consumer behaviour. By downloading the Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel app, you can earn rewards for your online searches. Nielsen tracks your Internet usage and shares the data with companies that use it to improve their products and services. As you accumulate points through the app, you can redeem them for free gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon and Starbucks.
7. Become a Search Engine Evaluator
Search engines are always looking to improve their algorithms, which is why they hire Search Engine Evaluators. As a Search Engine Evaluator, you’ll be responsible for assessing the quality and relevancy of search engine results. This role requires a deep understanding of how search engines work, and you may need to pass a test or interview to get hired. Companies like Lionbridge, Appen Butler Hill, and Leapforce often offer Search Engine Evaluator opportunities.
8. Search and Test Websites
User-friendly websites are crucial for businesses, and they are willing to pay for feedback on their site’s usability. By signing up with websites like UserTesting.com, you can earn money by visiting websites and providing valuable feedback on their user experience. UserTesting.com pays around $10 to $15 for short, 20-minute site reviews. To get started, you’ll need to complete a sample test. Payments are made via PayPal.
9. Use Websites to Research
Companies like AskWonder.com hire research assistants to find answers to detailed questions. As a research assistant, you’ll be tasked with conducting thorough research and providing insightful answers. The pay depends on the complexity of the question, but researchers can make between $15 and $25 per hour. Payments are typically processed every two weeks via PayPal.
Maximising Your Earnings
To maximise your earnings from web search opportunities, consider the following tips:
- Sign up with multiple websites: By signing up for multiple websites, you can increase your earning potential. Start with one and gradually add more to your rotation.
- Set your default search engine to Bing: Setting Bing as your default search engine and signing up for Microsoft Rewards can help you earn more points for your searches.
- Maximise your daily searches: Whenever you have a question or need to research something, use one of the websites you’ve signed up for. Set your default search engine to one of these sites and bookmark the others to ensure you don’t miss out on any earning opportunities.
Conclusion
While browsing the web won’t make you a full-time or part-time income, it can be a great way to earn some spare change with minimal effort. Whether you choose to use websites that pay for your searches or explore other web search opportunities, there are various options available to suit your preferences and earning goals. So why not make the most of your time online and earn some extra money along the way?