How to Improve Your Testing Skills and Earn More Money
Getting paid to test websites and apps is a great way to earn extra income online. However, if you want to maximize your earnings and stand out in a competitive field, improving your testing skills is essential. The better you are, the more opportunities you’ll have to earn higher pay for your efforts. Here’s how you can improve your testing skills and boost your income.
1. Pay Attention to Detail
The most successful testers are highly observant and detail-oriented. Companies are paying for honest and thorough feedback, so the more you can catch, the better. Try to notice things that others may overlook—whether it’s a small design flaw, a confusing navigation issue, or a slight performance delay. Improving your attention to detail will not only make your feedback more valuable but will also set you apart from other testers.
Tip: Start by reviewing everyday websites and apps you use and identifying areas where they could improve. This can help you hone your ability to spot issues quickly.
2. Understand Usability Heuristics
Usability heuristics are principles that guide good user interface design. By familiarizing yourself with these principles, you’ll be better equipped to offer meaningful feedback. Jakob Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics for User Interface Design is a great starting point. Learning about concepts like consistency, feedback, error prevention, and user control will allow you to provide more constructive criticism.
Tip: Read articles and case studies on usability testing to learn more about the common issues that testers often overlook.
3. Practice Thinking Aloud
Most testing platforms require testers to explain their thought process as they navigate through a website or app. This is called “think-aloud testing.” While it may feel unnatural at first, practicing this skill is crucial. The more clearly and confidently you can explain what you’re doing and why, the more valuable your feedback will be to the companies paying for it.
Tip: Practice thinking aloud while performing everyday tasks on your phone or computer. The more you do this, the more naturally it will come during actual testing sessions.
4. Take on Different Testing Types
Different platforms offer different types of testing opportunities. Some focus on usability testing, while others may involve bug reporting, performance analysis, or A/B testing. To become a well-rounded tester, try to take on a variety of testing projects. This will not only broaden your skill set but also make you more attractive to platforms that offer higher-paying, specialized projects.
Tip: Start small, but don’t shy away from projects outside of your comfort zone, especially ones that offer more complex testing tasks.
5. Get Familiar with Common Testing Tools
The more comfortable you are with testing tools and software, the faster and more efficiently you’ll be able to complete tasks. Many platforms require you to use screen recording software, annotate screenshots, or track bugs. Learning how to use these tools properly will save you time and help you provide better, more professional feedback.
Tip: Take free online courses or tutorials on testing tools like Bugzilla, JIRA, and Trello. Being familiar with these tools will give you an edge in managing more complex testing tasks.
6. Be Clear and Concise in Your Feedback
Providing high-quality feedback doesn’t necessarily mean you need to write an essay for each test. What companies are really looking for is clarity and actionable insights. Keep your feedback focused and to the point. Avoid vague statements like “this button is confusing” and instead offer specific observations such as “the ‘Submit’ button on the payment page is hard to see because of its light gray color, which blends with the background.”
Tip: Focus on the user experience, explaining how the issues you observe affect functionality or ease of use. This will help make your feedback more relevant and impactful.
7. Stay Updated on Industry Trends
The tech world is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with the latest trends in design, UX, and testing methodologies will make you a more informed and effective tester. Follow blogs, attend webinars, and participate in online communities where UX and testing trends are discussed.
Tip: Subscribe to newsletters or follow professionals on LinkedIn who regularly share insights on UX design, website performance, and user testing.
8. Build a Reputation on Testing Platforms
Once you’ve honed your skills, it’s important to start building a reputation. Some testing platforms reward testers with more opportunities or higher pay based on the quality of their work. Provide valuable feedback, meet deadlines, and maintain a professional attitude. Over time, you’ll likely be offered more frequent and higher-paying projects.
Tip: Maintain a high rating on the platforms by being consistent, reliable, and offering detailed feedback in every task.
9. Take Courses or Certifications
While you don’t need formal qualifications to start testing websites and apps, completing a course or earning a certification in UX design or usability testing can help you stand out. There are many affordable courses available online that will teach you advanced techniques and best practices in testing.
Tip: Check out platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning for certification programs in usability testing or user experience design.
10. Learn From Feedback
Many platforms provide feedback on the testers themselves, pointing out areas for improvement. Take this feedback seriously. If you receive any criticism, use it as an opportunity to learn and refine your testing skills.
Tip: Ask for feedback whenever possible, and use it as a roadmap to constantly improve your performance.
By improving your skills as a tester, you’ll be able to take on more challenging projects, boost your earnings, and develop a long-term side income. The key is to always be learning, stay proactive, and deliver high-quality feedback that companies can use to improve their products.
