Stay Ahead of the Curve: How to Start Being a Site Tester

If you've ever considered how to start being a site tester or if you're simply curious about what it takes to excel in this role, you've come to the right place!

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, staying ahead of the curve has become imperative. One of the ways to do so is by delving into the intriguing world of site testing and turning it into a side hustle or small business. If you're wondering what exactly a site tester is, you're not alone

In this article, we will explore the exciting realm of what it is, as well as its cousins: product testing and experience testing. I will also provide insights into some popular platforms that offer opportunities for aspiring site testers. So, let's dive in and uncover the world of starting a site tester career!

What is a Site Tester?

A site tester is a digital explorer, an individual who embarks on a journey to ensure that websites and digital experiences are polished to perfection before they reach the end-users. It's like being a digital detective, hunting down bugs and glitches, and ensuring that everything functions seamlessly. In essence, site testers are the unsung heroes of the digital world.

As a site tester, your role may vary, but the primary objectives remain constant: to enhance the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) of websites and applications. You essentially become the end-users' advocate, working to create a seamless and enjoyable digital experience.

What about the salary?

When it comes to how to start being a site tester, it is important to know the earning potential for professionals in this field.

The latest salary data this 2023 reveals a notable gap between top earners and those with average income. For the top earners in the website testing industry, annual salaries can soar to an impressive $113,000 annually. This translates to a monthly paycheck of $9,416, a weekly income of $2,173, and an hourly wage of $54.

On the other hand, average earners in this field still enjoy a respectable income, with an annual salary of $70,058, monthly earnings of $5,838, a weekly pay of $1,347, and an hourly wage of $34.

These figures underscore the range of opportunities and rewards available in the field of website testing, with top earners commanding significantly higher incomes, while even those at the average level can expect competitive compensation.

On Becoming a Lab Rat for Digital Experiences

On starting to become site testers, you are essentially lab rats (though not literally) who help launch digital experiences and websites for a global audience. Your valuable feedback and meticulous bug-hunting contribute to the refinement and perfection of digital products that millions of people use every day.

To know how to start being a site tester you have to understand the essentials in the software development process, ensuring that websites and applications meet the highest standards of quality and user satisfaction. You act as the last line of defense, preventing issues and glitches from reaching the end-users, and ultimately, you play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the digital world.

Steps on How to Start Being a Site Tester

1. Learn the Basics: Familiarize yourself with web technologies, common browsers, and mobile devices. Understand the fundamentals of website and application functionality.
2. Develop Technical Skills: Gain proficiency in using testing tools and software. Learn how to perform various types of testing, including functional, usability, and compatibility testing.
3. Build a Testing Environment: Set up a testing environment with access to multiple browsers and devices. This will allow you to test websites and apps under various conditions.
4. Gain Experience: Look for internships, part-time jobs, or freelance opportunities to gain hands-on experience in testing. Many companies hire entry-level testers.
5. Create a Portfolio: Document your testing experience by maintaining a portfolio of projects you've worked on. Highlight your skills and the positive impact you've had on the products you've tested.
6. Network: Networking can lead to job opportunities and provide insights from experienced professionals.
7. Stay Updated: Technology evolves rapidly. Keep yourself updated with the latest trends and tools in the testing industry to remain competitive.

Your Tasks as a Site Tester

When it comes to testing websites, your core responsibilities as a site tester involve a thorough examination of every page, feature, and link. Your keen eye is essential for uncovering functionality issues, broken links, and any visual irregularities that could diminish the user experience.

• Bug Reporting: Should you encounter a bug during your tests, your meticulous documentation becomes paramount. This serves as a lifeline for developers and designers, enabling them to grasp the issue and address it promptly. Effective bug reporting is a skill you must master.
• Cross-Platform Testing: Your role might require you to ensure a website or application runs seamlessly on diverse devices and browsers. This involves testing across desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones to guarantee a harmonious user experience.
• User Feedback: Collecting and offering user feedback is another vital aspect of your job. You play a key role in evaluating the site's user-friendliness, identifying areas for improvement, and suggesting solutions.
• Accessibility Testing: In the realm of site testing, ensuring websites are accessible to people with disabilities is paramount. Your expertise is crucial in checking compatibility with screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies.

Skills Required to Be a Site Tester

Becoming a site tester is more than just running a cursory glance over a website or app; it's about delving into the digital universe with a microscope in hand, ensuring that every pixel, code snippet, and user interaction aligns flawlessly. In this dynamic and ever-evolving role, a unique set of skills is your ticket to success.

• Attention to Detail: You need to spot even the smallest errors, inconsistencies, and layout issues that could affect the user experience. Thoroughness is key.
• Strong Communication Skills: You will need to report issues, provide feedback, and collaborate with developers and designers to address any problems.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with web technologies and testing tools is crucial. You should be comfortable using various browsers, devices, and platforms to ensure compatibility.
• Problem-Solving: Site testers need to be adept at problem-solving. When encountering issues, you must not only identify the problem but also suggest solutions for resolution.
• Patience: Testing can be repetitive and time-consuming, but patience is a virtue for a site tester. Thorough testing is necessary to ensure a high-quality product.

Websites for Aspiring Site Testers

If you're intrigued by the idea of becoming a site tester, there are several reputable platforms where you can get started. These platforms connect testers with businesses and developers seeking feedback and assistance in refining their digital products. Some of the prominent websites for aspiring site testers include:

• uTest: uTest is one of the largest and most well-known platforms for testers. It offers a wide range of testing opportunities, including functional testing, usability testing, and security testing. Testers can work on a variety of devices and platforms and receive compensation for their efforts.
• TryMyUI: TryMyUI specializes in user experience testing. Testers evaluate websites and apps for user-friendliness and provide feedback on their overall experience. This platform is a great choice for those interested in the UX aspect of site testing.
• TestingTime: TestingTime focuses on usability testing and provides opportunities for testers to evaluate websites, apps, and prototypes. Testers can participate in remote or in-person testing sessions and earn compensation for their time.
• UserTesting: UserTesting offers a wide range of testing opportunities, including website testing, mobile app testing, and prototype testing. Testers record their experiences and provide feedback while navigating through various digital products.

Microtasks in Site Testing

Site testing often involves microtasks that are easy to complete and don't require a significant time commitment.

Here are a few of the microtasks you can do:

• Captcha Solving: In website testing, testers are often required to complete captchas to prove their human identity. Captchas typically involve simple tasks like identifying objects in images or selecting specific elements in a grid. This is done to prevent automated bots from performing tests, ensuring that the results are genuine and reliable.
• Click Testing: Testers might be asked to interact with a website by clicking on specific elements or links. This is done to check if these elements function as intended. It helps identify issues like broken links, unresponsive buttons, or elements that don't lead to the expected results, ensuring a smooth user experience.
• User Flow Evaluation: Evaluating the user flow is a crucial aspect of website testing. Testers examine how users navigate through a website or application to identify any issues or bottlenecks that may disrupt the user's journey. This can include confusing navigation, dead ends, or any obstacles that hinder a user from accomplishing their intended tasks.
• Content Review: Website testers are often tasked with reviewing the content of a website. This entails assessing the accuracy, relevance, and readability of the information presented on the site. Identifying inaccuracies, outdated information, or content that is difficult to understand helps maintain the credibility and usability of the website.
• Survey Participation: In some cases, website testers are asked to participate in surveys related to the website or the products it offers. This feedback can provide valuable insights into user preferences, satisfaction levels, and areas for improvement.

These microtasks are often quick and straightforward, making them accessible for individuals with various levels of experience and expertise.

More Diverse Roles in Testing

Testing isn't limited to websites. In the world of quality assurance, there are different roles with unique purposes. In this part, we'll explore two interesting types of testers: product testers and experience testers. They go beyond websites, and we're here to find out what they do and how they make products and digital experiences better:

Product Tester

Product testing is a subset of site testing that focuses specifically on evaluating physical or digital products. While site testing mainly deals with websites and applications, product testing extends its reach to physical products, digital gadgets, and software.

Product testers are the evaluators who get the opportunity to try out new products and provide feedback on their performance. These testers help manufacturers and developers refine their products based on real-world use and consumer feedback.

For example, a product tester might receive a new smartphone model before its official release. They would use the device, test its features, and provide detailed feedback about any glitches, performance issues, or design flaws they encounter.

Product testing can be a rewarding side gig, offering the chance to try cutting-edge technology and contribute to its improvement. It's a great way to get your hands on the latest gadgets and contribute to the development of better products for consumers.

Experience Tester

Experience testers, also known as user experience (UX) testers, focus on evaluating the overall experience that a product or website provides to its users. Their role goes beyond finding bugs and glitches; they assess the holistic user journey and offer insights into how to enhance it.

Experience testers dive deep into the psychology of user interaction, evaluating factors like user satisfaction, ease of use, and emotional engagement with a product or website. Their work helps in creating more user-centric and engaging digital experiences.

These testers often work closely with designers and developers, providing feedback that guides user interface (UI) improvements, content adjustments, and overall product refinement. They might conduct usability testing, perform user surveys, and analyze user data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the user experience.

In a world where user satisfaction is paramount, experience testers play a pivotal role in shaping products and websites that resonate with their target audience.

Takeaways

Now that you know how to start being a site tester, you might be considering it as a career, you'll be joining a dynamic and rapidly growing field with plenty of opportunities. Whether you're interested in website testing, product testing, or experience testing, there's a niche that suits your skills and preferences.

Take the plunge, explore the platforms mentioned above, and begin your journey as a site tester. don't miss out on the chance to turn your spare time into real earnings. Join the site tester community today and start your journey toward financial freedom!

Let’s go on the road to profitable site tester, and we invite you to contribute your valuable wisdom to our journey! Please feel free to share your insights and experiences in the comments section below.