Paid surveys have become so popular that everyone around you is probably involved in taking surveys, or at least knows someone else who takes surveys for cash. Getting started with surveys is easy, but many people don’t immediately find the quickest way to maximize their earnings. Here’s a short guide how to start earning cash and prizes with paid surveys right away.

Even though you might be discouraged to learn that, the first surveys that most survey companies send are usually unpaid – the so-called screener surveys. Many survey takers do not acknowledge the fact that these initial surveys are only “get-to-know-you” surveys that companies send in order to confirm the availability of their survey subscribers. Companies need reliable survey respondents, so they also need to make sure that they have active respondents who will be ready to complete the surveys they are sent. Taking the screener surveys usually requires very little time and effort, but is important, because you signal that you are out there and ready to take future surveys for cash.

One of the quickest ways to start earning cash and prizes with paid surveys is to find a free source of paid survey companies and subscribe for their services for free. The advantages of the free survey sites are undoubted, as you have nothing to lose even if you decide to drop taking surveys. The free survey databases provide very good listings of legitimate survey sites that offer exciting opportunities to earn cash, prizes and many freebies. You do not wish to pay a fee that doesn’t provide you with an exclusive selection of surveys sites – the truth is that you can find these same sites through a search engine, but it will take you considerably more time.

Another good piece of advice is to check the blogs, forums and paid survey articles to learn what the professional survey takers do to optimize their earnings, and which sites they visit. You might encounter many opinions about paid surveys that are either marketing hype for particular survey sites, or try to discourage you from taking paid surveys. You must learn to tell the ballooned promises from the true facts about how much you can earn with paid surveys. Even though you cannot become a millionaire overnight by simply completing and submitting surveys online, you can still earn some additional cash in an effortless and enjoyable way. Paid surveys do not need special commitment, unless you decide to turn them into something more than an occasional activity. That is why taking paid surveys is extremely appropriate for people who have dense routine, other part-time jobs, or very flexible schedule.