The following is an updated survey guide for 2009, be sure to read all the tips as they will help you secure a regular income stream from taking online surveys.

Why Survey Sites Pay

Market research is a big business all around the world. By being able to target products and services at the right groups of people companies are able to cut down on the amount of money they spend on advertising and increase their sales. Conducting online surveys and getting people to test products are great ways to find out what peoples opinions.

There are 3 main ways in which you can take part in market research and get paid for it which are:

• Online Surveys Sites
• Testing Products
• Writing Reviews

All of the above will pay you in cash for your opinions. All you need to do is register with each survey site, fill in the profile information and wait for the survey invitations to come straight into your inbox. You then fill in the questionnaires and wait for the cash and vouchers to be added into your account.

Tips Before You Start Taking Surveys

• Never Pay for a list of survey sites
  
  There's a small amount of 'survey sites' that are charging up to £50 and will promise you will earn £1000's for taking surveys. This information is never true and you will only loose money signing up to these type of sites. A genuine market research site will always be free.
   
• Sign up to as many survey sites as possible

This will both allow you to receive a wide range of different topics and allow you to hit the payment threshold at each survey site much quicker meaning you will end up with a regular income stream. A full list of UK survey or International survey sites can be found in our full guide.

• Fill in ALL the required profile information on every site

When a market research site is selecting which group of people to invite to a particular study they will always check the profile database. If your profile is not regularly updated its likely that you will miss out on some opportunities to earn extra money.

• Cash Out as Soon as You Can

We've heard of people who store the cash they've earned from taking surveys in their accounts for years. This is not advisable, a market research site is not a bank, there is no protection, if the site closes down then any money you have earned will be lost so protect yourself and cash out as soon as you get the chance.

• Be Honest!

This is very important - Don't tell lies when taking online surveys. If a paid survey is sent to you that is obvious that its not aimed at you there's no point lying to get the money. Many market research companies may compare your previous answers, whilst others have software that will detect straight away that you were lying and throw you out of the particular study. In extreme circumstances and you are accused of giving fraudulent answers the survey site may even wipe your balance.

• Keep a log of surveys you've taken

Some people keep notes or even a spreadsheet to ensure that the right amount of cash or points is credited at the correct times. Most will pay you on time but if not a log would enable you to chase the company up and request payment.

For a full list of paid survey sites visit our UK survey or International survey reviews and full guide.