User testing companies like participants who produce a high standard of work. We know this because reliable testers are offered more work and more often than not, get paid more per test too.
This should be good enough incentive for you to want to do your very best when testing websites. Here are a few ideas that I have listed below that should help you improve.
1. Running Smoothly
The screen recording software can be pretty draining on your computer. For this reason, it is an advantage to have an up to date PC.
It’s also a good idea to close all other windows, tabs and programs so that your computer can run as quickly and smoothly as possible in order to avoid crashing.
2. Clear Dictation
When you perform a test make sure that you have your microphone close to your mouth and have the volume turned up. Likewise, speak in a loud and clear voice so that you are easy to understand.
It can be tricky if you have an unusual accent or dialect. In view of this, try to go out of your way to make yourself easily understood to most ears.
3. Honesty
Don’t worry about upsetting the apple cart or hurting anybody’s feelings. The client will want you to voice your honest opinion and use the website like you normally would if nobody was listening.
Remember to be brutally honest and not just lie and tell the website owner what they want to hear. They will never benefit or be able to improve things if you aren’t being honest in your review.
4. Lightning Speed
If you are unlucky you might miss the boat on some of these test after they accept enough testers. You need to be on your toes as tests are usually filled within the first 2 or 3 hours. Each test only accepts a limited number of testers before it closes.
Make sure to get your foot in the door the second the email invitation has been sent to your inbox. Test invitations are mostly dependent on supply and demand so there isn’t a lot you can do other than be patient and wait.
5. Multiple Devices
Different tests are offered on a wide range of gadgets. As a result, it is a good idea to register all the devices available to you in your household. This way you will be invited to more tests.
6. Updates
Old software will get screened out sooner or later. Regularly updating the version of your device and operating system will give you a better chance of being invited to more tests.
7. High-Speed Internet
Having a stable, high-speed broadband service is a big plus for user testing although not required. You will have and edge as it can prevent delay or problems with the software such as crashing.
8. Pause
You can usually pause while in the middle of a test if you like. This is useful if you are interrupted or pre-occupied with something else. It can be good for composing yourself and rereading the task if you ever get confused with what you’re doing.
9. Languages
Most people only speak one language which is most commonly English. For this reason, companies sometimes struggle to find bilingual participants when they want a test done in a certain rare language.
This is why it may be a benefit if you can speak multiple languages as you should be set up for more work and perhaps higher pay too.
10. Elaborate
It’s good to give insightful feedback and explain what you expect to happen prior to performing a task. Don’t worry about waffling on about something. It’s always better to over share and say too much so that you don’t miss anything out.
However, make sure what you are expressing is relevant and on point with the assigned tasks. You should give a detailed breakdown of the individual steps you took no matter how mundane.
This is important to the reviewer as they will have an accurate image of your exact experience. It allows them to paint a picture in their mind of your exact process.
11. Stay Calm
There is a fair portion of people out there who get flustered or feel self-conscious when doing these tests. You have nothing to worry about. Nobody is judging or laughing at you.
Reviewers listen to thousands of recordings and ultimately just want you to review the website so they can move on to the next one. It’s important not to rush your words either.
12. First Impressions
They just want your first impression of a website so don’t check out the site beforehand and pre-test it before you do the real test. This is because this will ruin the whole experiment. #1 New York Times Bestseller – “Unshakeable: Your Financial Freedom Playbook” at TonyRobbins.com
13. Test Equipment
For your peace of mind, there is usually a test to see if your webcam and microphone is working prior to the test. If this fails then there are also plenty of free sound test websites that you can utilize. The last thing you want is an audio malfunction mid-test.
14. Be Professional
Try and act professionally and avoid slang and foul language. You want to make a good impression with the company you’re working for and show them that you’re serious about your work.
15. Silence
Find a quiet place to perform your tests. This is to benefit you, the reviewer and the client. You don’t want any background noises distracting you or interfering with your test which can result in rejection.
16. Chronological Order
Every single tasks need to be completed in the correct order. This is so you don’t confuse the client.
17. Quality Over Quantity
Try to focus on submitting good quality bug detection that are a sure thing instead of a large quantity of ones you are unsure of. The more detailed, the better.
18. Duplicate Accounts
Don’t create more than one account in the hope that you will earn more money. This isn’t allowed and can result in a suspension or ban.
19. Max Size
When testing it’s best to maximize all the windows putting everything into full size. This both benefits you and the person reviewing the recording as everyone will be getting a clearer view of the action.
20. Summarize
When you reach the end of the test you will need to vocalize that you are going to stop the recording and that you have finished all the requested tasks. This is so much better than just pulling the plug so that it doesn’t just end abruptly without any warning.
21. Duplicate Bugs
If other testers have already submitted a bug then that means that you can’t submit the same one. It won’t be accepted because obviously they already know about it.
You may want to make an effort to find the bugs quickly in order to beat the other testers to the punch and snag that sweet bonus.
You can’t acknowledge the same bug twice so make sure that you report unique bugs each time. Most companies will make an effort to make an obvious list of already submitted bugs for your convenience.
22. Check The Dashboard
Every now and then it might be good to check in with the site dashboard directly instead of waiting for an email. Sometimes there are tests available there that haven’t been emailed to you for whatever reason.
23. Technical Content
Advanced content such as maps and videos tend to be ripe for bugs (meaning more money) so keep a close eye out for things like that, it will be worth it.
24. One Person, One Account
Companies don’t take kindly to multiple people (friends and family) sharing one account. This is because each account is specifically created for a person with a certain demographic.
For this reason, you will always need to create separate accounts for individual people with their own set of circumstances.
25. Detailed Profile
If you make a habit of updating your profile with a lot of new, detailed information then you will be more likely to receive test invites.
I hope you find these nuggets of advice helpful when testing websites and I wish you the best of luck. Can you think of any that went over my head? Please don’t forget to share this with your friends and comment below. Thanks for reading!
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