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In this Validately review, I will share the 10 pros and cons of getting started with this user testing platform.
You’ll learn all you need to know about this company and if you can in fact make some extra money just for helping companies improve their products.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What is Validately?
Validately is a market research company that was started in 2013. It offers people an opportunity to make money by testing online platforms such as websites and apps.
Validately is the brainchild of Mark Bathie and Steven Cohn. The company eventually came under the control of UzerZoom.
Clients use the company to perform market research. The data they collect is used to make changes to their websites and applications. This not only improves company functions, but also transforms the user experience.
Remote unmoderated user testing is a research method that uses services like @Validately or @usertesting to test your app or prototype. In this method, users download your app, interact with it in their own time, and provide verbal feedback through voice and screen sharing
— Panacea Digital (@panacea_digital) April 13, 2020
They have attracted some interest from the online community because of their compensation plan, which is appealing in some ways. But some have questioned the company for its earnings potential, especially when compared to some of its competitors.
How Does Validately Work?
Validately is a fairly straightforward platform. When people create websites and apps, they do not want to launch them until they know how their target online market will react to them.
Therefore, they need people to take their platform for a test drive, and use their functions and features.
The objective is to not only determine whether or not every component of their platform functions like a fine tuned machine, but also to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable user experience.
This is where Validately enters the picture. It finds people (testers/panelists) to use these apps and web properties to figure out whether or not they work as intended.
These testers are chosen based on specific criteria. Validately wants to ensure that the right people are testing the right websites and applications.
This gives its clients a clear picture of the reactions they can expect to attract from their target audience. They use this feedback to make changes before officially making their platforms available to the public.
Validately sells this feedback to its clients for a fee. It then uses the the financial compensation it receives to reward testers for their part in the system.
How Do You Use Validately?
To use Validately as a tester, you will need a computer. Preferably a model running Windows 7 or higher (or an iOS-based system).
They only accept registrations from individuals that are 18 years or older. You also cannot work with the platform unless you can communicate in English.
High-Speed Internet and a valid Paypal account are also requirements. Their services can be accessed with a smartphone, if it has a webcam and a microphone.
But that only applies to people that want to test apps. As far as the websites are concerned, a Chrome extension is required. Therefore, a computer is necessary.
Once you join the program, if you qualify for a test, you can read the instructions for your assignment using the link in your email.
While tests are always available, do not expect to see them every single day.
The company will let you see the tests for which you qualify. And because most people do not qualify for every test, you should expect the number of tests available to you to fluctuate daily.
anybody tried “Validately”? It keeps telling me I’m not qualified to take the test 😓
— Queen (@carmelizedqueen) April 21, 2020
But if a test is made available to you, do not hesitate to check it out and follow the instructions closely.
They will tell you what is expected of you. You should also ensure that all your equipment is working properly. Otherwise, you might miss out on your payment.
Completing Validately Tests
Each Validately client has a specific collection of tasks that they want testers to perform on their website or app. In most cases, it is a simple matter of clicking specific links and using certain features.
The tests are supposed to be interactive. That is to say, you need to speak loudly as you test each website.
You are also encouraged to check your equipment before you proceed with a test. The company’s clients need to know what you think of every single aspect of their platform.
They need your feedback to make the necessary improvements. Therefore, if your microphone and audio isn’t clear, for example, even though you performed the test, you won’t get paid if Validately does not get the feedback they wanted.
The time it takes to perform each test will vary. Some clients want testers to simply interact with their websites.
Others have specific questions that must be answered during and after the test. Most tests have follow-up questions that will add to the client’s understanding of your overall experience.
The best way to ensure that you get paid for your time is to execute every single instruction that has been provided. That includes answering every single question. Otherwise, you might miss out on your financial reward.
How to Join Validately
Anyone can join Validately, so long as you are 18 years or older and speak English. The process is free and there is no registration fee.
You can either use your email or Facebook when signing up on the Validately website.
Validately expects you to build a profile that includes basic information such as your age, educational qualifications, the computing equipment available to you, the amount of money you earn, to name a few.
They will use this information to determine whether or not you fit the criteria for the tests they have.
Screener Test
Once you provide all the necessary information, the company will expect you to complete a screener test.
This is designed to measure the quality of your equipment. Another aspect of the test is designed to measure the quality of your responses.
They want to ensure that you can speak loudly when prompted to. After asking some follow-up questions, they will analyze your test results and determine whether or not you are a good fit for their program.
They will then contact you with their response via email. If they like you, they will start emailing you jobs.
Some people do not like jumping through so many hoops. But this process is necessary for the company to ensure that it has effective testers who can provide high-quality feedback to meet the expectations of its clients.
How Much Can You Make with Validately?
Validately states that payments vary. They also claim on their site that the minimum payment for a successful unmoderated test on both mobile and desktop is $10, and it lasts 10-15 minutes.
In addition, you can do scheduled moderated live tests where you speak through webcam on your device and share your screen with a moderator. These they say will earn you a minimum of $40 for 30 minutes, and $70 for 60 minutes.
Payments are made using PayPal. Validately will send you your money 7 days after you complete a test.
There is no minimum amount that you must hold in your account before they pay you. The amounts you earn will depend on the number of tests you perform each day.
One common complaint is that the company doesn’t have enough tests to satisfy the needs of all its testers.
The average tester is unlikely to get more than two or three tests per week. And as I mentioned before, even when tests are available, there is no guarantee that you will qualify.
Is Validately Legitimate?
The Validately platform is not accredited nor rated with the Better Business Bureau at the time of this review. On the TrustPilot review site, the company has an average rating of 3 out of 5 stars across all reviews.
The company has much stronger reviews on G2.com with 4.5 out of 5 stars. Users praised Validately on this review site for having a friendly platform and simple testing process.
Based on our research it appears that the company is legitimate with active members who are earning with them. As with any program of this kind, you’ll need to do your own due diligence before joining.
Validately Competitors
Validately is not the only company that pays users to test products. Some notable competitors include:
This platform connects companies to customers. It allows businesses to observe an interact with their target audience even as these customers engage their products and services.
UserTesting is easy to set up, use, and widely regarded as a safe platform.
2) UserZoom
This platform provides tools that businesses can use to quantify the experiences of the people that buy their products and interact through their online systems.
It gives marketing experts the information they need to deploy sophisticated research projects.
3) Userlytics
This platform attracts people that appreciate the idea of DIY remote user testing and usability testing.
It offers features like user experience testing, test design and review, in-line video annotation, executive summary reports, recommendations, and more.
Pros and Cons of Validately
Pros
- Free to sign up with the company.
- Validately claims on their site that many of their studies can be $100 or more for a live remote research session, which is pretty good.
- Easy work reviewing websites and apps for a solid income.
- No minimum payment threshold.
- Good ratings on G2 and TrustPilot review platforms.
Cons
- Too many people are always vying for the exact same tests because there are not enough tests to go around for the number of testers they have.
- It takes 7 days for the results of a test to be reviewed and for payments to be made.
- People that do not fit the company’s specific demographics don’t receive any tests.
- Most people found the limited payment options with only PayPal to be annoying.
- No mobile app so their platform isn’t mobile friendly and can’t be used without the Chrome extenstion.
Conclusion
The Validately platform makes it easy to sign up, take tests and get paid. With earnings as high as in the $100 range for answering questions about a website or app, the site might be an attractive option.
Not many sites are offering this kind of income just for testing out a companies web assets. Sure the company has it’s pros and cons, but no company is perfect.
>> Click here to learn more about Validately
I’ll leave you with a great video overview of the Validately platform. Enjoy!
Validately FAQ
Is Validately legitimate?
Based on our research it appears that the company is a legitimate platform with active members who are earning with them. As with any program of this kind, you’ll need to do your own due diligence. Validately also rated highly in terms of reviews on the G2 and TrustPilot platforms.
How much can you make with Validately?
Validately states that payments vary. They claim on their site that the minimum payment for a successful unmoderated test on both mobile and desktop is $10, and lasts 10-15 minutes. In addition you can do scheduled moderated live tests, where you speak via a webcam on your device and share your screen with a moderator. These they say will earn you a minimum of $40 for 30 minutes, and $70 for 60 minutes.
How do I use Validately?
You need a computer to use Validately as a tester. Preferably a model running Windows 7 or higher (or an iOS-based system). You’ll need to be 18 years or older and able to communicate in English.
High-Speed Internet and valid PayPal account are also requirements. Once you qualify for a test, instructions will be emailed to you for the assignment.
Is user testing safe?
The UserTesting platform connects companies to customers. It allows businesses to observe and interact with their target audience even as these customers engage their products and services. UserTesting is easy to set up, use, and widely regarded as a safe platform.
