Side Hustle Alert: Earn up to $200 for giving your opinion in focus groups

Pinterest
Facebook
Twitter
Print

This post may contain affiliate links where I earn a commission, at no additional cost to you, if you decide to make a purchase after clicking on a link. Please see our Disclosure Policy for full details. Thank you for your support!

This post is sponsored by Focus Pointe Global! I was so excited when they reached out to me to bring you a side hustle idea to help you make headway on your goals! All opinions are my own. To read more about my disclosure policy, click here.

Side hustles—they’re a great way to earn some extra money in your spare time! And when you’re looking to get out of debt, a side hustle can really help with paying off your dues faster. Becoming an Uber or Lyft driver, babysitter, or gathering your old clothes to sell on Ebay or Poshmark can often take too much time and effort. So, have you ever considered getting paid to just share your opinions?

For only an hour or two of your time, you can earn extra money by participating in online and in-person focus groups, interviews, and surveys. These surveys and panels do not take up a lot of time, and you will be paid for simply giving your opinion on topics that interest you! Participating in focus groups is not only a legitimate way to earn extra money, but it’s also a great way to make a difference! Your opinions help businesses and brands improve the products and services they represent.

Sounds amazing right?!

What Is a Focus Group?

A focus group is a gathering of a selected group of individuals who participate in a planned discussion to voice their opinions on a product, service, or idea. Researchers, who conduct these focus groups, are
typically hired by a company looking to get input on a current product or a product that is going to be released in the near future. Researchers look for individuals who are likely to use the product to participate in a study. For instance, they will look for mothers (or parents in general) when a company wants input on products such as training pants or diapers, or on topics such as education or insurance.

The best part for the participants is that they are often paid anywhere between $50 and $200 for just a few hours of their time! There are some studies that pay even more, but they often require a larger time commitment. Focus groups can either take place in-person or online.

side hustle

There are also different research types you could be selected for, such as:

+ Taste Test: This is where participants are given a product to eat or drink, and they give their opinions on how good it tastes.
+ Product Placement: A product is given to a participant who uses the product and then provides input on how the product performed for them.
+ Online Community: This is where a participant is part of a community of people who are offering their input within an online message board. These surveys are typically conducted over weeks, months or even years.
+ Home-Based Interview: This is where a researcher visits the participant’s home. There are similar interview types where the interview takes place over the phone or through a webcam.
+ Online Survey: These surveys can be done in one sitting, or they can be recurring. Participants are provided with a set of predetermined questions, and they have to input their opinions.

If you don’t think an in-person focus group would work for you, don’t give up on focus groups!

You can still fit it in your schedule to participate in an online survey, webcam interview, or phone interview because they are relatively quick and you can do them from almost anywhere!

Most studies only require 1 or 2 hours, and there are often different time slots throughout the day, which makes it super convenient for anyone who is looking to take on a side hustle with limited free time!

side hustle
Participating in focus groups can be really fun!

What Are the Benefits of a Paid Focus Group?

A big reason to do paid focus groups is that they are a lot of fun! You get to meet and network with new people. Many people who participate in paid marketing research do so because they feel like their opinion is making a difference. Helping to shape the products and services you and others use daily can be very gratifying.

side hustle

Of course, a major reason people participate is to earn extra cash!! Many people end up earning $100 for an hour of work (if you can really call it work, that is), and that is a pretty good deal!

The one thing to keep in mind is that focus groups and other research types are not a reliable source of income, but they can help if you need some extra cash quick, like to help you pay off debt faster!

side hustle
Focus Pointe Global is a reputable focus group organizer

How Do You Sign Up?

Signing up for focus groups is fairly simple! I’ll tell you how and give you some tips on how to get selected for surveys!

First of all, there are several different research companies out there, so make sure you are signing up with a legitimate one. One of the most reliable and reputable companies is Focus Pointe Global! Registration is free, and you can get started by going to their participant website, www.FocusGroup.com. There’s a big “Join Now” button that will help you get started.

side hustle

You will need to provide basic information, such as your date of birth, email address, and zip code. They will start to send you emails about surveys you may qualify for that you can apply to. You won’t qualify for every survey, but don’t worry, there are new ones popping up all the time!

Pro tip: If you are contacted, you need to respond quickly because focus groups can fill up fast. It is helpful to provide a mobile phone number so that you can be reached from anywhere.

Pro tip: Fill out a profile under the “My Profile” section of the site to help them find you studies you’re more likely to be selected for. Be honest and specific here so you don’t waste time applying for surveys you won’t qualify for!

side hustle

Go sign up, make a difference, earn extra money, and most importantly, pay off that debt!

And that’s it! Easy peasy! I hope I answered any questions you may have had about this side hustle idea and that you’re heading to their website www.FocusGroup.com right now to sign up. What have you got to lose? If you have any questions that I didn’t answer, let me know in the comments or reach out to me on Instagram!

Pin it for later!

side hustle
Share this post!
Pinterest
Facebook
Print
Email

2 Responses

    1. So true! Totally doesn’t have to be starting a business. Those often take some investment and a ton of time and aren’t quick cash. I love quick cash for paying off debt!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About the Author

Welcome! My name is Merilee and I’m the creator of Easy Budget. I started this blog to help other families like mine crush debt, budget, manage money, and meal plan like pros!

Everything you find here will be useful, motivating, and always easy. Need to contact me directly? Reach me here!

Let's Connect!

Featured Product

THE EASY BUDGET DEBT SNOWBALL CALCULATOR

Featured Freebie

FREE BUDGETING TEMPLATE

Popular Posts

Hey there! We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. Accept cookies continue browsing. You can view our Privacy Policy to find out more.