Evaluating Search Engines

If you’re here, then you have some questions about working as a search engine evaluator. You may have already Googled a few job opportunities with no luck.

Worry not. If you’re here, then you’re not the only one who is stuck in this information vortex. Fortunately, this guide will get you out of it and put you on the right track.

An Overview of Evaluating Search Engines: A Primer

Evaluating search engines is measuring the search results quality to improve the user experience. In most cases, whenever you Google something, you often end up with a result that’s accurate or as close as possible to accurate.

So, how does Google ensure that the search engine is optimized and that you consistently get good results? It’s through the services of search engine evaluators.

Such evaluators are actual people who are oftentimes digital nomads. They provide ratings and feedback based on the results they get when they search certain queries on Google. By gathering data from tens of search engine evaluators, Google can improve its search engine quality.

How Much Can Evaluating Search Engines Earn You?

We’ve mentioned how a search engine evaluator can help Google searches improve. But what does the evaluator get in return?

According to ZipRecruiter, you can make an average of $24 per hour by working as a search engine evaluator in the United States. That’s slightly over three times the minimum wage.

However, keep in mind that this side hustle isn’t a full-time job. Instead, the evaluator works by project. The income won’t be stable as the evaluator won’t earn anything between projects.

How Much Does it Cost to Start a Side Hustle Evaluating Search Engines?

There are no associated costs with becoming a search engine evaluator. That’s assuming that you have a working computer and an internet connection with a reliable speed.

If you don’t have that, then getting them is the only cost you’ll have to endure. Other than that, the entire process is about finding and signing up with companies that hire search engine evaluators.

While it’s not required, you may also attend some courses to learn SEO, as this is what the job is all about. These courses aren’t mandatory, but they’ll improve your chances of landing the job. Keep in mind that these courses have their respective fees as well.

Where Can You Find Gigs Evaluating Search Engines?

You have two options to work as a search engine evaluator; independent work, and gig economy platforms.

Where to Independently Find Gigs Evaluating Search Engines

The first place to look for when you want to independently work is the web. Websites like Yandex Toloka are a decent place to start.

In addition to local tasks and online surveys, Toloka offers various search engine optimization services.

While working as an independent search engine evaluator may not earn much, you can still secure some decent extra cash if you’re consistent enough.

Gig Economy Companies That Offer Gigs Evaluating Search Engines

There are a few companies that are known to hire search engine evaluators. Some of those are:

1. Appen

Appen is a universal company providing crowdsourced data collection and language services. They’re one of the most well-known companies that hire search engine evaluators.

2. Lionbridge

Much like Appen, Lionbridge is another reputable company that hires search engine evaluators. You have a better chance of landing a job on Lionbridge if you’re bilingual, as they want to improve the search engine experience across multiple languages.

3. Leapforce

Leapforce is a Google subsidiary that hires search engine evaluators. In other words, if you do manage to land a job there, you’ll be working directly for Google.

4. UserTesting

UserTesting specializes in user experience testing. If you’re hired there, you won’t only be tasked with search engine evaluation, you’ll also evaluate websites, apps, and various other products.

Why You Should Consider Evaluating Search Engines As a Side Hustle

Working as a search engine evaluator has a nice set of advantages. Here’s why you should consider the idea:

• It’s a flexible job: To work as a search engine evaluator, you only need a laptop and a working internet connection. As such, you can pretty much work from anywhere you like as long as you can access the internet.
• It doesn’t require certifications: Unlike most jobs that have a hefty list of requirements, working as a search engine evaluator can be done by anyone who can learn and adapt. Accordingly, it’s relatively easy compared to other jobs online.
• It teaches you a lot: When you learn a lot about SEO, you’ll acquire decent knowledge about marketing. This is especially helpful if you are, or planning to become a freelance digital marketer.

Problems With Evaluating Search Engines

Like all jobs, working as a search engine evaluator has cons:

• Unstable employment: Most search engine jobs pay you by project. In other words, when there’s no ongoing project, you won’t be paid.
• Time Constraints: Since it’s project-based, you’ll have a limited time to finish a considerably chunky amount of tasks. This can be daunting, especially for those who procrastinate.
• Repetitiveness: After a while, the tasks you perform start to become somewhat repetitive. This renders the job boring.

Frequently Asked Questions