A Step-By-Step Guide to Get Your First Paid Crowdsourced Testing Project

This article seeks to offer instructions and impart wisdom on the necessary steps to procure invitations for compensated testing projects.

Unearth the ways to snag your first compensated crowdsourced testing assignment as an independent tester.

=> Firstly, it is crucial that you fully understand the subject “Guide to Crowdsourced Testing” and pick one or several crowdsourcing platforms from the catalog contained on that page. Sign up and establish an account on the platform(s) of your choice to start obtaining virtual crowdsourced testing assignments.

In the following section, predicated on my past experiences, I have delineated the steps that would enable you to swiftly create your freelance tester profile and initiate your participation in Crowdsourced Testing Assignments. Furthermore, a list of responses to several common inquiries about crowdsourced testing is provided at the conclusion of this article.

=>> Before embarking on your Crowdsourcing career, it’s imperative to peruse this guide => The Ultimate Guide to Crowdsourced Testing

Here are the steps to claim your first compensated Crowd Sourcing task:

Step #1) Fill in your profile information

• When registering, be certain to supply all the necessary data requested by the corporation.
• Insert complete vocational details, like the tasks you’ve worked on, your field expertise, and your abilities.
• Dodge neglecting any bit of data, even if you have previously uploaded your resume or CV.
• It’s perfectly acceptable to omit optional data, such as your home address.
• It is a good idea to include a profile picture.
• Strictly adhere to the photographic guidelines specified.
• Refrain from posting unrelated images.
• Ensure that your profile is 100% complete.
• Remember to make your profile conspicuous to the public and potential clients.

Step #2) Detail your devices

• Make sure to disclose details under the hardware and device sections. This implies listing the details of every device you possess. For instance, if you own an iPad, offer the following data:
  1. The device’s manufacturer: Apple
  2. The device’s model: such as iPad 4 or iPad mini.
  3. The operating system with its version: iOS 9.2.1
  4. UDID / Unique ID: if it is a necessary field
  5. Communications provider: Airtel
  6. Browsers: Enumerate all browsers that are installed on the device
  7. Antivirus: If one is installed on the device, specify its version
• It is crucial to provide the correct OS version of the device, as certain test cycles/projects are tailored to specific systems/configurations.
• Update these details if you upgrade your devices’ OS.
• Add any freshly acquired devices.
• Newer and high-quality devices are highly sought after.
• The more devices you possess, the higher the likelihood of getting invites for compensated projects.
• Remove outdated or infrequently utilized devices from your list.

Step#3) Delve into the Crowd Sourcing site/organization

• Once you’ve set up your profile, get to know the organization and its terms of service.
• Take the time to fully comprehend the site and its features.
• Reach out to support if you need help with something.
• Scrutinize every component of the site meticulously. For example, refer to the site’s tutorial/help section to understand what’s expected of a new registrant. Certain sites, like uTest (now Applause), heavily depend on forums for dialogue (which are explained in detail further down)

Step #4) Get involved in unpaid projects at first.

This step is pivotal.

Prepare to engage in unpaid projects initially, as some platforms/businesses favor new candidates doing so. It serves as a filtering system or a written exam for companies to identify and assign paid tasks or test phases to candidates in the future.

Some corporations will ask you to participate in unpaid test phases as part of their onboarding exercise.

Therefore, it’s basically essential to focus and delve into the following points immediately after accepting an unpaid task.

• Peruse the synopsis and description provided in the invitation meticulously.
• Understand in detail the scope of the testing and the topics that are not included.
• Note which devices are specified for this test phase. Typically, unpaid test phases require testing on computers, but this is not necessarily obligatory. Device-particular test phases might also be available.
• Follow the template provided, as straying away from it could result in the rejection of your bug.

If you excel in this test phase and qualify, you are highly likely to receive invitations for compensated projects soon after.

Even should you gather high marks, you might not receive any invites for a few days. Nevertheless, don’t lose heart. There are ample projects out there, meaning you have a high probability of being invited to upcoming projects. Also, don’t forget that some test cycles are exclusive to certain regions.

Step #5) Participate in skills assessments

Some sites organize skills assessments for various capacities.

For instance, tests for expertise in software testing, proficiency in the English language, adeptness in MS Office, and others are made available on specific sites to evaluate a candidate’s abilities. High scores in these tests increase your chances of receiving invitations to paid projects sooner. In certain instances, obtaining a high score is a requirement for some projects.

Step #6) Broaden your range of skills (particularly for those new to testing)

Software testing and Quality Assurance encompass a massive field, making it essential to regularly expand your scale of skills.

• Educate yourself about tools for taking screen captures or recording screen videos, particularly for mobile or tablet testing.
• Familiarize yourself with additional bug tracking software.
• Get to know crash log capture tools, which can assist in testing mobile apps on iOS or Android. Different tools are tailor-made for different devices and operating systems.

Acquiring knowledge and learning new skills will only contribute to your career.

Step #7) Engage in or utilize forums

• Certain Crowdsourced portals host informative discussion boards that offer links to various sites/portals that have tools and tutorials.
• Blogs and forums are perpetually updated with new technological concepts.
• You can interact with other testers. The uTest (now Applause) platform, for example, has an extensive forum with many active users.
• Announcements for imminent projects are often made on the forums.
• Being active in forums is useful – you can acquire valuable knowledge while waiting for project invites.
• Forums also create the opportunity for newcomers to introduce themselves and display their abilities, thereby enhancing their visibility.

Step #8) Lastly, procure your first compensated project

Upon completing all these steps, you are almost certain to receive a paid project. Strive to excel in your efforts in order to garner high ratings and establish a positive reputation. Having a good rating on some platforms is essential for continually receiving project invites.

Step #9) Establish a PayPal account or set up a method of receiving payments

Finally, it is time to be compensated. The majority of sites use PayPal or another payment portal to process remuneration. Therefore, it is recommended to establish a method of payment from the options that the site provides.

Regularly Posed Inquiries about Crowdsourced Testing:

Question #1) How do Crowdsourced testing sites source their projects?

Answer: I had this main question when I initially subscribed to a Crowdsourced testing site.

Projects are furnished by agencies or individuals who need their web portals/products/mobile applications to be assessed within a stipulated timeframe by people residing across different locations.

For these organizations, outsourcing their projects to these platforms is more economically viable than establishing their internal testing teams or passing the task onto other software concerns.

Given that testing isn’t restricted to one particular location, the potential for attaining higher quality is enhanced.

Question #2) When and how shall I be rewarded?

Answer: Remuneration is a frequently asked question. Each Crowdsourced corporation has its unique policies and terms for payments. Most enterprises pay per bug, with the gravity of the bug deciding the pay rate. The most egregious bugs or issues, such as error pages or 404 errors, draw higher rates.

Payments are defined at tiers based on bug priority/seriousness. Consequently, spotting higher-severity bugs will earn you a larger income.

As for the method of payment, most platforms employ PayPal or PayUMoney. Once you’ve built up a definite amount in your account, it will be automatically remitted to your chosen method of receiving payments.

Question #3) Why should I initially work on unpaid tasks?

Answer: Consider it a job interview process, where both the tester and the organization evaluate each other. Successfully completing unpaid tasks leads to immediate offers for compensated projects. Should you not receive immediate invites, you need to remain patient and continue to develop your skill set and device listing.

Question #4) Who is eligible to participate in crowdsourced test cycles?

Answer: Anyone with know-how or experience in software testing who wants to supplement their income by working during weekends or in their spare time is qualified. Basic software testing knowledge and a passion for the work are obligatory.

Question #5) Why do my ratings fluctuate?

Answer: Maintaining a good average score is crucial.

A tester’s rating is entirely dependent on the quality of the bugs that they discover. It relies on the ratio of approved bugs out of the total bugs detected. Aim to spot as many bugs as possible while testing. Don’t wait until the end to detect bugs since competition among testers is high and the quantity of testers is considerable.

Moreover, keep tabs on existing bugs to circumvent logging duplicate bugs, as duplicates will be discarded and adversely influence your rating.

Question #6) How can I discover bugs more promptly?

Answer: Firstly, it’s crucial to comprehend the specifics or summary of the project provided in the invitation. In instances where no details are furnished, thoroughly explore the entire application to identify bugs swiftly.

In addition, bear in mind that several testers may be working on the same test phase simultaneously. Therefore, keeping an eye on the bugs detected by other testers can give you insights into the features that are yet to be examined. Concentrate on these features to detect bugs more rapidly.

Author: Sharada G., a freelance tester with over a decade of experience in software testing and development, has authored this helpful crowdsourcing guide.

We’ve addressed several common questions that many of you may have had. Should you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Best of luck with your endeavors!