Participate in Focus Groups to Earn Money

Focus Groups vs Surveys

As a focus group participant, you will be required to spend more time and effort reviewing a product. You will often be asked to join meetings with other participants to discuss the pros and cons of the item or service you have tried out. You will need to cover the pros and cons of the product and give feedback on how it impacted your life or workflow. 

Surveys can generally be completed quickly and without having to discuss with other people. They are generally a list of questions about a product and your thoughts about it. They typically can be completed in 5 minutes to an hour. You generally make a lot less money performing surveys than you would if you were participating in focus groups due to the added effort focus groups take.  

Requirements to Join Focus Groups

Many focus groups will require you to meet them and other participants face to face. If you are unavailable to do so, there are some that you can do with a webcam or over the phone. 

Companies may deny your participation if you are not a part of their target demographic. If they are selling a woman’s product, they would prefer to get reactions about the item from women. 

Most people can only participate in a limited number of focus groups per year. To maximize the groups you can join, sign up with many different companies. 

How Much Can You Earn from Joining a Focus Group?

Focus group participants generally receive between $50-$250 per study depending on the company they are working with and the amount of work they are required to complete. 

Known Focus Group Sites

The following focus groups are operational within the US. If you are searching for focus groups in your area, google your area plus “focus group” to find more. Make sure to read how to avoid scams below.

1. 1. 20/20 Research

   Many of the studies performed by 20/20 Research can be done from home. You can find out if you qualify for work by taking a short survey. 

2. 2. Adler Weiner Research

   Adler Weiner Research is for those living near Chicago, Los Angeles, or Orange County. You will need to participate in person. 

3. 3. AIM

   Fill out a survey to be added to their database of potential participants. AIM will contact you if you meet their requirement for a study. 

4. 4. Athena Research

   Athena Research is known as the “Voice of the Hispanic Population.” Sign up with this site to be contacted for potential focus group work.  

5. 5. Atkins Research Global

   You can rest assured that your personal information will be kept safe and private with Atkins Research Global. Fill out the survey to the best of your ability for the greatest potential of receiving work. 

6. 6. Brand Institute

   Sign up for Brand Institute for potential referrals for focus groups.

7. 7. Consumer Opinions Services

   Earn some extra money through participating in focus groups through Consumer Opinions Services. Participants are always paid. 

8. 8. Field Work

   There are focus group opportunities available nationwide through Field Work.

9. 9. Focuscope

   the average amount that participants are paid through Focuscope is $100 per study. You can become one of the thousands of people who join focus groups though this platform every year. 

10. 10. Focus Room

    With offices in New York and Orange County, people on both coasts may be able to find work through Focus Room. 

11. 11.Hagen Sinclair

    Hagen Sinclair is always looking for more people to pool into focus groups. You may be asked to participate in a discussion about a variety of topics. 

12. 12.Mediabarn Research

    Sessions with Mediabarn Research generally last between 1-2 hours and you will be paid at the end of your participation. 

13. 13. Mindswarms

    You will need to provide video answers to questions asked about a product or service if you are selected as a participant with this Mindswarms. 

14. 14. Nichols Research

     Nichols Research conducts both in-person, online, and over-the-phone interviewers. 

15. 15. Probe Market

    Some participants have received up to $400 using Probe Market. Some focus group participation can be done at home. 

16. 16. Respondent

    If you are a business professional, you could be paid top dollar for your time through Respondent. 

How to Avoid Scam Focus Groups

You will find several people advertising for focus groups on Facebook pages or sites like Craigslist. Here are a few ways you can prevent being scammed. 

• Check Listings

  Use FindFocusGroups to check listings near you. If a local group isn’t listed on this website, reach out to them and ask why. If they are unwilling to go through a trusted group, be cautious about working with them. 

• Call The Company Headquarters

  When working with a third-party company, find out which company wants to have you participate in the focus group. You can always call their headquarters to confirm that it is a legitimate offer. 

• Don’t Pay

  Note that you should never have to pay to participate in a focus group. Scams will try to tell you that you need to pay an entry fee or that you can pay for a product and they will pay you back. Avoid them. You shouldn’t have to buy a product in order to participate in a focus group.

• Avoid Giving Out Personal Info

  Don’t give anyone your personal information (such as your social security number or bank information). Scammers can use this information to rip you off.