YouGov is a recognised and
professional UK research agency, who recieve their data by inviting its members to complete online
surveys, these surveys typically take about 10 to 20 minutes to complete although time can vary depending on the amount of data needed. Effectivly one could call them a paid survey site. This is not quite true however, unlike many paid survey's you acturally recieve a reasonable amount for your work, (50p-£1). Most paid survey sites promote great rates for completing surveys, and then when you register theres a catch, (e.g., payment is only 10p, providing you actually get accepted.) This is another good point of YouGov, you fill out a profile survey (which pays £1), when you activate your account, this saves the disappointment of being invited to a survey, only to be told, "You have been screened out".
Despite filling out the profile survey, you still may be invited to a survey, only to be told you cannot take part in the survey. Fortunately however, you still receive the full amount of pay for attempting the survey.
YouGov select survey
participants fairly by using active sampling. This means the right proportion of participants are invited thus, ensuring the results are as accurately represented as possible. The selection process is random, based on a complex system of filling demographic quotas. Further proof of being able to avoid the disappoint of being invited to a survey you cannot complete.
Participants are invited to a survey by e-mail, and you can click the link, knowing you will earn the amount stated, and not get screened out. As well as cash payments, YouGov also offer prizes as incentives, for internal surveys (surveys about how to improve their own site etc.). One such survey is the monthly Oracle survey, not only does this enter you into a prize draw (of which there is a large cash prize), but it also gets you noticed for upcoming surveys, which require a candiates to meet a specific critera.
Other payment activities typically include referral, this is probably one of the more best way to maximised your short term revenue from YouGov, for each member you refer via your personalised referral link, you receive an equivalent amount of any surveys they complete i.e. if they complete a survey for £1, you also receive £1 credit.
Probably the main reasons which persuaded me to join the site, knowing YouGov is a recognised company, whose survey results are often published in the national newspapers. YouGov provide significant support with an extensive FAQ section, and the facility to contact them, for help and support needs. Also being able to make a reasonable amount of profit per survey, regardless of acceptance is a nice incentive.
The only real disadvantages of this site is that you have to be a UK resident to take part, and the maximum payout is £1, still this is good money for about 20 minutes mindless work! The other disadvantage is the payment method, and number of surveys to complete. You can only receive your money once you have accumulated £50 in your account. This money is then sent to you via cheque, as electronic transfer (e.g. PayPal or bank transfer) is not supported. There does not seem to be an endless supply of surveys, however YouGov do not promote this, in fact they quite clearly state the number of surveys depends on their current workload, and their active sampling system.
If you would like to know more about YouGov, or even sign up straight away, you can here:
http://my.yougov.com/go.aspx?id=96c7e1ea-4e85-4969-8a59-864b8acc7238