Practical tips to get more paid surveys

No shortcuts, just good habits

There is no secret trick to getting more paid surveys, and you should be wary of anyone who says there is. What does help is a handful of simple habits that make it easier for us to match you with the studies that fit you, and easier for you to take part before they close.

Most members get a few invitations a month, matched to their profile. The tips below will not turn surveys into a job, but they can help you make the most of the invitations that come your way. Think of the rewards as extra money.

1. Finish your profile survey

This is the single most useful thing you can do. The profile survey pays $1, and it unlocks the studies that fit you. It tells us the basics, such as where you live, the languages you speak and your household, so we can send you studies where you are likely to be the person researchers are looking for.

A complete profile also means fewer screen-outs, because you are matched before you open a survey instead of after.

2. Keep your profile up to date

Life changes, and your profile should change with it. If you move, start a new job, have a child or anything else changes in your household, take a moment to update your profile. An out-of-date profile can mean invitations to studies that no longer fit you, and missed invitations to ones that do.

3. Set your languages

EthnicPath runs surveys in English, French and more than 40 other languages. If you are comfortable answering in more than one language, make sure your profile says so. Some studies are looking specifically for people who speak a certain language, and you can only be matched to them if we know.

4. Respond soon after an invitation

Surveys close when they reach the number of responses they need. When that happens, you will see that the survey is full. Opening an invitation reasonably soon after it arrives gives you the best chance of getting in.

You do not have to drop everything. Every survey shows its time and reward before you start, so you can quickly decide whether it fits into your day.

5. Check your dashboard

Your dashboard is where you can see the surveys available to you, your points balance and your rewards. Checking it from time to time is a good way to catch anything you may have missed in your inbox.

Signing in is easy: you can use a link sent to your email, or a password if you prefer.

6. Answer honestly and carefully

Read each question and answer it the way that is true for you. Do not try to guess what a study wants to hear in order to qualify. Guessing rarely works, and consistent, honest answers help us match you to better-fitting studies over time.

Careful answers are also what make your opinion count. Clients only see combined results, and your name and contact details never leave EthnicPath, so you can answer openly.

7. Invite friends with your link

You have a personal invite link you can share with friends and family. When someone joins through your link and completes their first surveys, you earn a reward too. New members can also type a friend’s referral code when they sign up.

Share it with people who would genuinely enjoy giving their opinion. Joining is free for anyone 16 or older in Canada or the US, and they start with a $5 welcome bonus once they confirm their email.

8. Use a device and connection you are comfortable with

You can take surveys on your phone or on a computer. Use whichever you find comfortable to read and type on, and try to start when you have a steady connection and a few minutes to finish. That way you are less likely to be interrupted part way through.

Keep expectations realistic

Most surveys pay $1 to $5, and longer ones pay more. With 100 points = $1, you can redeem from $20 (2,000 points) for an Amazon.ca gift card or PayPal, one reward every 7 days. Your points do not expire while you stay a member, so there is no pressure. Follow these habits, be patient, and the rewards will add up over time as a little extra money.

What is the best way to get more survey invitations?

Complete your profile survey and keep it up to date, including the languages you speak. A complete profile helps us match you to the studies that fit you.

Why do some surveys close before I can take them?

Surveys close when they reach the number of responses they need, and you will see that the survey is full. Opening invitations reasonably soon after they arrive gives you the best chance.

How does the referral program work?

Share your personal invite link. When a friend joins through it and completes their first surveys, you earn a reward. New members can also type a friend’s referral code when they sign up.

Can I make a living from surveys if I follow these tips?

No. Paid surveys are a way to earn extra money, not an income. Most members get a few invitations a month, and most surveys pay $1 to $5.