Thinking About Joining Epinions? Here's How You Can Make Money!
Jun 04 '01
The Bottom Line Epinions.com is a great community, offers a valuable product, and allows the customers to earn money by offering their own opinions!
I've been asked several times over the past few weeks by friends and students in my classes about Epinions.com. What is it? Why use it? How to make money from it?
Well, after another discussion on these topics today, I've decided to write down my advice and that way I can just send them to the site to read about why I love Epinions.com.
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What is Epinions.com?
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Epinions is a site designed to help consumers make decisions when it comes to purchasing products. How many times have you stood at the store, staring at 5-10 different brands, makes, and models of an item you are wanting to purchase?
For instance, suppose you are wanting to purchase a new phone. But you get to Walmart (or where ever) and find there are over a 100 different phones to choose from. How do you make your decision? First you decide on specific features you want. Let's say a cordless phone with caller ID. Great, that just narrowed the field to about 20 phones. Some cost around $30, other over $100. But just because it's pricey doesn't mean it is good.
Here is where Epinions comes in very handy. Whether by searching or working your way through the index links, you can get to the phones section. Now you can take a look at what real consumers have to say about each of the phones you are researching. You can find out which ones work, which ones don't, and which are just overpriced.
Of course, you can find a lot more information on Epinions than just electronics and such. You can check out the latest movie reviews, music reviews, travel & hotel reviews, and even reviews on kids toys.
If you search for it, you'll probably find something on Epinions that can help you.
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Why Join Epinions.com?
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Not only can other people help you make a decision, but you can help others too.
By joining the Epinions community you can tell your own experiences with products and service. If you read a book that was just awful, write about it and let others know what you thought. You may just save them some wasted time.
You may have found some computer software that you think is just the greatest. Tell others about it, they may never have heard of it before, but would really enjoy it themselves.
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You Can Also Earn Money!!
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How many paid-to-surf or paid-to-click programs have you joined in the past? All in hopes of making $10-$20 a month. They worked for a while. You ran their programs, you made a little pocket change. But they are quickly disappearing.
Now here is an opportunity for you! Not only can you tell other people what you think, you can also get paid for it!
It may not be a lot of money, but I've certainly earned more at Epinions than I have on all of the other pay-to programs out there put together.
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How Do You Earn That Money?
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Epinions.com pays you .01 for every member that hits your review. I know, that doesn't sound like very much at first. But it does add up.
When you write a review, remember to tell everything you can about the product. Pretend you are trying to find out information on a product from a friend. What questions would you ask about it? You wouldn't just leave it at "it's cool" or "it sucks". Instead you would ask why? why? why?
Think about why you purchased it, how you use it, how it compares to others. Also, include what features it has and well they work. If it's movies or books, include a section regarding what you thought of the characters.
Once you have submitted your review, it will hit the "Just In" page. This is a few pages with the latest reviews written by the authors on Epinions. While others are checking out your reviews, make sure to read their newest reviews.
Also, leave comments on reviews. These help you get your name noticed. But remember, even if the person disagreed with your own opinion, you need to read and rate fairly. Think of it as a debate. If they presented the facts well and answered your questions, let them know by giving them a good rating.
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How Do I Get Others to Read Mine?
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First and foremost ... read and rate other reviews. If you find someone that writes well, read some more of theirs and add them to your Web of Trust.
Write high quality reviews to start with. And keep them that way. People will start trusting your opinions and you and will be asked to be notified or your new reviews.
You can also join some clubs that are out there. Yahoo!Groups have several that you can join. The people in these clubs send their new reviews to the members, sometimes they send their older ones that newer members may not have read.
Delphi Forums also has a few groups like this. Check them out and decide which ones are right for you, if any.
One last thing, fill out your profile page. Include your email address so others can let you know what they think of your reviews or even send you questions if they are potential customers.
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So How Much Money Can I Really Make?
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The amount you want to earn is up to you. If you want to earn $20 a month, start by writing a review every other day. Read and rate a lot of others opinions, and comment a lot. Get your name known.
It takes a few months to get your name known, but it is not difficult. Do it honestly, to where others will respect your opinion, and they will tend to follow you.
In addition, each month there is a bonus. It's called an Income Share. The formula for the Income Share is still a mystery. But there are a few things we have figured out.
Write one of the first reviews on a product.
Write high quality reviews.
Write reviews on products (preferably higher priced).
Electronics and Computers seem to be the highest earners.
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Summary
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I believe that anyone and everyone can earn money on Epinions.com. In the year I've been here, I've earned almost $1600. Of course, my first few months I was lucky to hit $20. But I stuck with it, I enjoy writing, I enjoy the friendships I've made. I am also very glad for the helpful advice of others that have led in the direction I needed to go for some truly quality products.
So don't waste any more time. Join Epinions.com right now. Because we want to hear what your opinions are! There is a link on my profile page to join.
If you have questions, feel free to email me at kcfemme@infosnapshot.com or leave me a comment.
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Epinions.com ID:
KCFemme
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 - Top 500 |
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Location: Olathe, Kansas
Reviews written: 303
Trusted by: 329 members
About Me:
Epinions has helped me make both money and friends.
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