Join The App Reviewer Community: Get Paid For Your Insights!

Join the App Reviewer Community: Get Paid for Your Insights!
1. Benefits of Joining the App Reviewer Community
You can earn extra money by downloading and testing mobile apps and games. The primary way we developers make money is from in-app purchases and advertising inside our apps, and the only way to know if the app is worth spending money or time on is by hearing the opinions of people already using the app. As a reviewer or beta tester, you would be providing that crucial insight and opinion that can drastically affect the trajectory of development for an app. Your words and criticism really do have an impact on developers. We want to know what we are doing right and what we are doing wrong, and most of us are willing to make changes and act on your feedback. By writing out a review or sending an email, you may see dramatic changes on future updates if your voice is heard. This, in itself, can be quite rewarding, realizing that you had a part in improving an app that potentially millions of people could be using.
During the time spent searching for a new app or game to review, you may discover something you have never seen before, and with mobile technology advancing at a furious pace, developers are getting more and more creative. If you are someone who really likes to stay in the loop with the latest gadgets and gizmos, the reviewer would be an ideal match. From augmented reality to social networking, there is a wide range of app categories and virtually limitless potential for where mobile apps can go next. Whether you are tech-savvy or not, testing out a variety of apps can be a fun and interesting experience.
As mentioned before, your opinions can make big changes for app developers, but they also play a key role in the success of the app itself. A detailed and honest review with constructive criticism will let the developer know what they are doing right and wrong, and ultimately the goal for most developers is to create a high-quality and successful app. By helping these developers, you are indirectly helping them create something that will be both useful and enjoyable for its users. Success for the app could mean anything from being a fun time killer to a tool that provides some sort of information or utility, to a full-on addiction. And if the app really is an awesome piece of work, you will feel proud to be one of the reasons why it got there.
1.1. Earn Money by Sharing Your Insights
App review incentives will be paid out through PayPal approximately 1 week after a completed review. PayPal may charge small fees for processing the transaction. Suppose an app reviewer makes a review and earns US$10, they will receive PayPal payment of US$9.20. This payment might be small, but over time it can accumulate and becomes a little extra spending money for app reviewers and it's a great way to get paid to review apps.
MyAppAware offers an incentive program which lets app reviewers earn anywhere from US$0.25 to US$50 per review. Your earnings will depend on the quality and depth of your review, as well as the demand for reviews of specific apps. Most app reviews will earn around US$5 to US$10. Review requests are sent to app reviewers with higher incentive first. This allows you to weigh out your options and it's up to you whether or not you would like to take the time to write a review depending on the amount of incentive. Please note that in order to ensure an honest app review, all app reviewers are required to first download and test the application before writing a review.
App developers are constantly looking for talented individuals to test out their applications and provide feedback. Your insight is valuable and it's important to help developers improve their application. At MyAppAware, we strongly believe that all app reviewers should be rewarded as they are helping to improve the quality of apps and making a difference in the app community. As an app reviewer on MyAppAware, you have the opportunity to earn a monetary reimbursement after providing a quality review for an application. This becomes increasingly more rewarding as you will be able to use this money to purchase paid apps or simply use it to fund other interests.
1.2. Stay Up-to-Date with the Latest Apps and Technologies
App reviewing keeps you up to date with latest technologies since you will be required to submit insights or reports on your experience with the new app. This keeps you in practice with all the new tools, languages, and software updates. This is especially important for students or recent graduates who are new to the mobile development world. Employment in the mobile industry can be short-lived if you do not show the ability to adapt to new technologies. Therefore, app reviewing can add to your resume and keep you prepared for new challenges.
One of the greatest benefits that you derive from joining the app reviewer community is the exposure to the latest mobile technologies and trends. Since you are the point of contact between the consumers and the app developers, you have a responsibility to keep yourself ahead of the curve. As a result, you will always be on the lookout for the latest additions to the mobile app world. This level of engagement can be fascinating and rewarding as you test new applications and games.
1.3. Influence App Development and User Experience
At times, app reviewers may also test a variety of similar apps in a particular category to compare functionality, features, and user experience to better help end users make informed decisions on which apps to use. In many categories, app development is ongoing and never entirely "finished". In these scenarios, a strong app review community can help steer app development in a positive direction and bolster healthy competition between apps. Developers in these categories want their app to be the best choice in functionality and user experience and will often be inclined to make improvements based on the feedback of an app reviewer. In this way, the review community has the potential to make an ongoing and lasting impact on the course of app development.
While providing app developers with a clear understanding of what a good functioning app looks like in your eyes, you are also becoming an advocate for the end user. By reconstructing the wants and needs of an average app user through providing detailed app feature descriptions, developers can implement new features more effectively. This ensures that potential problems and confusions are addressed early and often in ways that stay true to the original intent. Developing an effective dialogue between the review community and app developers can often lead to apps changing or adding new features specifically based on user input. In some cases, developers may provide the app review community with updated versions of their app for the sole purpose of receiving more feedback.
As an app reviewer, you play a key role in shaping app development and improving the overall user experience. By providing insights and feedback that are valuable to developers, the app review community has the potential to influence the creation and implementation of new features, as well as uncover and solve existing problems within an app. Quite simply, developers want to know what is working well and what isn't. When you have in-depth knowledge of how apps should function, you become a valuable information source for developers. You also validate what is important and help set priorities by indicating what issues and feature requests affect you the most.
2. How to Join the App Reviewer Community
Signing up for AppReviewCity is really easy, and it’s the first step in becoming an App Reviewer. To do so, you simply have to click on the 'Sign Up' button which is located on our homepage. You will be taken to the registration page where you can sign up using social media. We recommend using social media to sign up, as we are currently only offering financial incentives for those who sign up using that method.
Once you have signed up, the next step is to create your profile. This can be done by clicking the profile button on the top right-hand corner. Here you can tell us a bit about yourself, including what your interests are and what experience you have. Don't worry if you can't fill out your entire profile at once, as we understand that people are busy. All information can be filled out and edited whenever you want. Finally, the best part about creating your profile is that by doing so you can pick up some easy cash. Once you complete the "information about yourself" survey, you will be rewarded with $0.50!
2.1. Sign Up and Create Your Account
When you are ready to join the app reviewer community and share your insights, creating an account is very simple. If you are a new participant, simply log onto MyAppAware.com and click Sign Up. This is a very simple process, as you are only required to create a username, password, and provide a valid email address. Once you provide this information, an email will be sent to the address that you provided. Follow the link contained in the email, and you will officially be a member of the app reviewer community. If you happened to be invited to join our community by a member or app developer, the process is even easier. Use the link that was provided by the developer or the member that you know, and you will be directed to a page that allows you to create a username and password. Once you have completed this step, you are ready to Begin earning by reviewing apps - click here to start! reviewing apps and earning money for your thoughts.
For existing members of MyAppAware, the process of joining the app reviewer community is even simpler. Upon logging in, you will be directed to a page that prompts you to add a username and password in order to create an account for the app reviewer community. Once this is completed, an email will be sent to the address that you provided. Follow the link contained in the email, and you will officially be a member of the app reviewer community. Once this step has been completed, you are ready to begin reviewing apps and sharing your feedback.
2.2. Complete Your Profile and Provide Relevant Information
Giving complete and relevant information in your profile is very important, as this helps to determine what types of apps you will be asked to review, and as a result, how many app review invitations you will be able to receive. A complete profile can also work in your favor as sometimes when you first start out, you may not receive many app review invitations to begin with. This is because clients generally want to see a good quality and relevant review completed before they will start inviting you to higher paying app review jobs. A complete profile means that clients can see your skills, the languages you speak, and what types of apps you like to use, so even if you don't receive many invitations to begin with, there is likely still a chance to pick up some app review work from the job board.
You can access your profile page by clicking on the link at the top of the page that says "My Profile". This link will only appear once you have signed up and logged in. Once on your profile page, you will see a list of tabs, each tab contains different information about yourself for different purposes. You should especially make sure you fill out the Personal Info, Skills and Expertise, and Employment History tabs as these contain the most relevant information that clients will be looking at to determine whether you are suitable for their app review job. Finally, make sure to click "Update Profile" at the bottom of the page after making changes to save your work.
2.3. Start Reviewing Apps and Sharing Your Feedback
If at any time after receiving a study notification you would not like to receive any more study invitations, you could check the opt out link at the Study Notification Details page. This will also be available via email. Keep in mind that if you do opt out, you're really opting out of being notified about studies, and not studies themselves. This means you'll have to periodically check back on the "Find a Test" page for studies in your spare time.
When you access the study, you'll be asked a few questions to see if you qualify. If you qualify, you'll be given further instructions. Some studies will require you to follow a series of tasks and answer questions, only to have a feedback form at the end. Other studies will just require you to answer questions. With the feedback forms, be as detailed as possible. A well written and detailed feedback form increases the chance that you'll be invited to future studies. This means more money for you.
From time to time, we'll send emails to customers who are likely to be an app's target audience and who have opted in to receive invitations at the email address associated with their account. When we send an email invitation to participate in a study, we'll include a brief description of the study and a price range. Profiles are available only to certain countries at this time, so not all users will receive email invitations to participate in a study. If there are studies available for you, you would receive email invites every so often with a link to the study. You could also pick studies up directly from the "Find a Test" page.
So you've signed up, created your profile and location in your app, even added your PayPal account. What now? Start reviewing apps, of course! Here's how you can do that.
3. Tips for Successful App Reviews
The specific feedback that you give comes in many forms, but as an app tester, writing well and being succinct are two things to keep in mind at all times. For the aforementioned ScoreCenter task, the user rates the app feature experience and then types in a brief summary. This type of rating system is perfect when trying to make a distinction between feedback and overanalysis. Depending on the test, a tester will need to provide both types. On the native apps provided by Swagbucks, the u-turn and the detailed feedback are necessary as the client will see if the task was done correctly and provide implementation change based on feedback. An example of feedback overanalysis would be that of the Pandora station search. This is a minor task; however, app developers can use many examples to improve a robust feature. In this case, I would rate it on a scale and not write, "This task can be vastly improved with added search options and clearer indication of whether or not the station filtered correctly." Step-by-step instructions are also very useful when providing feedback.
One way to improve is to involve depth with app functionality. Many apps have a variety of features that may or may not work properly. One of the tasks in the UserTesting app is to download Pandora Internet Radio and use the app. This task took me into critical thinking mode to determine the features that Pandora has and whether or not they all work. On Pandora's app, there is an option to do a station search. When I typed in a specific genre 'smooth jazz', the end result was an error message (see photo). I took note of this and continued my testing until I found another notable error. When I created a hip hop station, I was given music from various genres that did not match what I selected. These detailed examples are what an app developer needs for app improvement. On the contrary, there are a select few tasks that require a specific step and nothing more. When testing the ESPN ScoreCenter app, the task is to find the score of a game that is in progress.
3.1. Thoroughly test the app's functionality and features.
3.2. Provide constructive and detailed feedback.
3.3. Consider the target audience and user experience.
3.4. Follow review guidelines and maintain professionalism.
3.1. Thoroughly Test the App's Functionality and Features
Before publishing an app review, you have to invest some time using and testing the app to get a strong grasp of its capabilities and features. Depending on the nature and purpose of the app, this could take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Although this may seem like basic common sense, a surprising number of app reviews are written based on first impressions. Often times the reviewer will use the app for only a few minutes before starting to write the review. The reviewer may not have even used the app long enough to experience all the features that it has to offer.
It's also useful to use the app in different environments if possible. For instance, if the app is a game, try playing it in both a noisy room and a quiet room, or while listening to music. Testing an app in diverse environments helps to uncover any potential usability issues that could be caused by varying circumstances.
3.2. Provide Constructive and Detailed Feedback
Compare reviews that are worded plainly with those that are detailed. Better reviews provide detailed feedback and constructive criticism. Focusing exclusively on what you did not enjoy about the app is a common mistake. While negative feedback is important, always providing a solution for a problem is constructive and is the best approach. This gives the developer a clearer understanding of your point and he/she will know what they can do to fix it. When providing positive feedback be sure to state why you enjoyed a specific feature or aspect of the app. This helps to reinforce good ideas and can encourage the developer to incorporate similar ideas into other areas of the app. Always provide feedback for every aspect of the app, even if it seems minor. No app is perfect and pointing out both the positive and negative will let the developer know what they are doing right and what needs work.
3.3. Consider the Target Audience and User Experience
Remember that app development is often an ongoing process. Even if you feel the app has not done well in serving its intended audience, never discourage the developer. Always make suggestions for improvement and keep the tone of your review positive. Any app, no matter how bad you think it is, always has the potential to be something great with future development if the developer is willing.
In addition to assessing the app's relevance to its intended audience, you will also want to consider various factors relating to the user experience such as user interface, app navigation, and functionality. These are often very important factors for any app and can determine its success. Assess how well the app performs based on its function and features and whether it is easy to understand. Mentioning some of the app's best and worst functions here can help the developer to improve the app in the future.
When writing an app review, you will want to know who the app is designed for. Using insignificant jargon, the app's intended audience may not always be clear. Different apps can have a large and diverse user base, such as Facebook. Applications like this can have more than one intended audience. In order to consider the target audience, you will first want to establish who the app was made for and what it is they are trying to accomplish. This may take some assumptions, but it is usually okay to say "This app is targeted towards [insert audience here]". If the developer of the app is available to provide information, it is always better to be sure. Once you have established who the app was made for, explore the application's relevancy to that audience. Ask yourself "Is this an app that [insert audience here] would like to use?" and why. Think about the features of the app and how well it serves its purpose for the intended audience.
3.4. Follow Review Guidelines and Maintain Professionalism
Maintaining professionalism in app reviews is not as simple as it seems. Most people will have a difficult time following professional guidelines for reviews, as they have grown up in an age where sassy, sarcastic, and opinionated remarks have become the norm. The main problem with unprofessional reviews is that they tend to be biased based on the attitudes and prejudices of the reviewer, rather than giving a fair and accurate picture of the app. Being able to set aside personal views and take a broader perspective is a difficult thing to do, but it is necessary if one is to contribute good unbiased reviews. Furthermore, reviewers often forget that their words are an extension of themselves. Written text does not carry tone as speaking does, and something said sarcastically might just look like a personal attack in text form. It is important for reviewers to weigh the effects of their words and phrase criticism in a way that will not offend the app developer or other readers who may have different opinions.
4. Rewards and Compensation for App Reviewers
The pending mobile app reviewer, to be paid, will be cash remunerated upon the successful completion of their dedicated app review. The former period of the app being pending will determine the payment price. A large-scale natural approach has instigated due to our app review program as we receive a surplus of app submissions from developers around the globe. A filtering process has since been incorporated as anything but feeble attempts to generate a substantial amount of spam submissions. This method was deployed to avoid being botted, which has indeed been successful. Spam attempt submissions will still be moderated as those wishing to scam the system by providing less than legitimate reviews will also be found and perma-banned, eliminating any compensation on their completed apps.
An ambitious move to bring on board app reviewers with a passion for the industry has dawned the symbolic meaning of having exclusive access to apps yet to be released to the public. This includes alpha, beta and new app revisions of existing aged apps. Pre-release apps and beta testing is also another method of cash compensation. With an app pending review in the reviewer's app profile, there will be a notification if this app has an alpha or beta version available for testing. Clicking on this notification will redirect the reviewer to a registration of interest form. The reviewer will then be contacted if they were successful in registering, to be informed with further instruction on how to access the app in question.
4.1. Cash Payments for Each Completed Review
Applicants who wish to participate in the reviewing process will be offered remuneration in the form of cash payments for each review completed. We pay our reviewers per review because at Review Stream we believe that quality work deserves quality pay. As such, we expect that our reviewers provide detailed, informative reviews that will help the customer determine whether or not the product is worth purchasing. Reviews that are labeled as brief, brief with no explanation, mere excerpts from the item's description or duplicated from other sources will not be eligible for payment.
Standard rates for in-category reviews are $2, or up to $3 if the review is exceptionally detailed or of a product that hasn't been reviewed before. For off-category reviews, there is a flat rate of $1, or up to $2 if the review is above standard. This is because more resources are needed for off-category reviews in order to locate, borrow, and purchase the product to be reviewed, and we feel that the rate for such reviews is fair compensation for the effort involved.
4.2. Exclusive Access to Pre-release Apps and Beta Testing Opportunities
Pre-release apps can also be obtained through various means such as contact between the app's developer and the app reviewer, or simply being discovered posted for download by the app reviewer. This can be the result of expressed interest in an app's development, or the reputation of the app reviewer as someone who is knowledgeable in app development and able to provide useful feedback. Usually pre-release apps are not complete and may contain varying levels of missing content and/or functionality. The app reviewer is able to use the app and provide feedback to the app developer. Sometimes, the developer may give the app reviewer a specific task to do with the pre-release app. The app reviewer may be asked to identify and report app issues (bugs) that are encountered during app use. The app reviewer can often keep the app and use it as it moves towards a final release. Pre-release app opportunities are similar to beta testing and can be quite rewarding for the app reviewer who desires deeper involvement in app development and the chance to influence an app's final product. Both beta testing and pre-release apps are highly valuable app reviewer rewards that offer the chance to interact with and influence app development, as well as providing opportunity for further app insight and review material.
Beta testing is a significant part of the app release process for developers, and reviewers who participate in app beta tests or focus groups can receive exclusive access to pre-release apps and games, as well as app codes or other in-app content as a reward. Beta testing an app allows the app reviewer to receive a version of an app to use and test on their own device at no cost. It is an opportunity to provide feedback to the app's developer and influence the app's development. These apps are often near final release versions, and the app reviewer can continue to use the app as the app transitions to a final product. Beta testing periods are typically of short duration and can extend from a couple days to a few weeks. Usually beta tests are focused on a specific feature and beta test groups can range in size from a single app reviewer to a large group of several hundred. This provides a chance for app reviewers to interact with app developers and other app reviewers. Often beta tests are coordinated through contacts between the app developer and the app reviewer and some beta test opportunities can be discovered through various online postings. As these are closed app testing events, it can be uncommon for the average app reviewer to locate beta testing opportunities. Beta testing can also be conducted on a larger scale, in which case the app reviewer may receive an invite to sign up for a beta test from the app's developer. Depending on the specific app, game, or developer, beta testing opportunities can offer a relatively varied experience.
4.3. Incentives for Consistency and High-Quality Reviews
Consistency and quality are the two most important aspects of any review program. We understand that without consistency, there cannot be a large volume of reviews, and without quality, the reviews are essentially useless. It also takes a lot of effort to continually produce good reviews, so these efforts should be rewarded. To encourage consistent and high quality reviewing, we will be implementing an ongoing performance assessment system. This involves the monitoring of the quantity and quality of each review that you submit. Based on these assessments, you will be awarded with a letter grade, which ranges from A+ to D. Included with this grade will be a short summary of the strengths and weaknesses of your review, and some suggestions on how you can improve. Please do not be disheartened by a low grade, as the primary purpose of these assessments is to identify areas where we can help you to improve as a reviewer, and the grades will be used to guide you towards this goal.
Now for the reward. At the end of each month, every reviewer that has maintained a grade of B or higher will be eligible for a cash bonus, which is a percentage of the money that they have earned from reviews during that month. The percentage that you are given is dependent on your letter grade, and translates to a higher bonus for high quality reviews, and a lower bonus for low quality reviews. This system sets a clear target for reviewers to strive towards, and creates a direct link between the effort put into a review, and the reward gained from it. This will provide a strong motivation for continuous improvement, as even those with a low grade will realize that the extra effort to improve their review quality to the next level up will result in a significantly higher bonus.