Become a Search Engine Evaluator from Home

If you’re tech-savvy, self-driven, and looking for a flexible work-from-home job, becoming a search engine evaluator might be the ideal opportunity for you. This role requires no special equipment and involves no phone interactions. All you need to start is a laptop or desktop computer, a high-speed internet connection, and a smartphone.

Keep in mind that the remote work landscape is highly competitive. Thus, you should prepare for extensive training and a qualification exam. Additionally, staying well-informed about current events, popular culture, places, and people is crucial for success.

If you believe you can excel in this role, let’s delve into what a search engine evaluator does, how to find a job, the pay structure, and the pros and cons of this career choice.

The Role of a Search Engine Evaluator

A search engine evaluator reviews and rates search results and webpages—sometimes even ads and social media content—based on guidelines from companies like Google, Yahoo, or Bing (Microsoft). Their goal is to ensure users encounter the most useful, relevant, and high-quality content on any subject.

Consider doing a quick internet search to see how the results align with your expectations. Are they hitting the mark? Search engines pour significant effort into developing algorithms, but these systems aren’t perfect at deciphering user intent, especially in complex queries. This is where search engine evaluators step in.

Qualifications Needed for Search Engine Evaluation

Google hires companies to handle search engine evaluations, which then recruit independent agents. No prior experience or college degree is needed, but you must pass several tests and adhere to numerous guidelines. Initially, you’ll need to invest time in learning the processes. However, once you master them and secure a position, you’ll enjoy a flexible and enjoyable role for years.

To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old and a native English speaker. Strong communication and computer skills are essential. Keeping up-to-date with U.S. current events, media, sports, social media, and pop culture is also vital. Additionally, attention to detail, excellent analytical skills, and a passion for online research are necessary traits.

Earnings as a Search Engine Evaluator

Your pay and hours depend on the project and company. In some cases, you might need to log in frequently to find available jobs. Depending on where you reside and your employer, the average pay is approximately $24 per hour. This role can be ideal for introverts, stay-at-home parents, students, or anyone seeking supplementary income since you can work part-time hours.

Top Companies Offering Search Engine Evaluator Positions

Here are eight reputable companies where you can explore opportunities for search engine and social media evaluation roles:

1. Appen CrowdGen

Though Appen CrowdGen has lost their contract with Google, they still hire freelancers for social media and AI training roles. You may evaluate various content forms, including images, ads, and videos. Appen employs individuals in 170 countries and pays via platforms such as PayPal, Payoneer, and Airtm.

• Appen CrowdGen holds a 3.7-star rating on Glassdoor.

2. Centific

Centific hires part-time internet evaluators to provide feedback on search queries. These roles offer a pay range of $14 to $16 per hour and require passing their certification.

• Centific receives a 3.2-star rating on Glassdoor.

3. Clickworker

Clickworker is an AI crowdsourcing platform where you can earn money by taking surveys, performing online research, mystery shopping, and more. Payments are issued via PayPal, Payoneer, direct deposit, and other methods. Median pay for search engine evaluators is $26 per hour.

• Clickworker is rated 3.5-star on Glassdoor.

4. Datavio.ai

Datavio.ai, part of iSoftStone, hires for various roles including search engine evaluation. You’ll need strong communication and computer skills, and a PC with Windows OS. Flexible scheduling is available, but you should commit to at least 10 hours per week. Payment is $0.60 per judgment on tasks requiring 120 seconds or less.

• iSoftStone has a 3.1-star rating on Glassdoor.

5. FlexJobs

Although FlexJobs does not hire search engine evaluators directly, it frequently lists legitimate job postings for this field. A membership fee includes access to vetted job leads, skill tests, webinars, and more. FlexJobs also offers job alerts for new postings. To see if it’s worth it, check our detailed review.

• FlexJobs gets a 4.3-star rating on Glassdoor.

6. RWS Group

RWS Group hires freelancers for translation, localization, and AI training services. Register to browse projects, some of which require unpaid training and tests. Payments are made per completed task via PayPal or direct deposit.

• RWS holds a 3.6-star rating on Glassdoor.

7. TELUS Digital

TELUS Digital hires online data analysts to assess the relevance and accuracy of search engine results. Much like other companies, these roles operate as independent contractor positions, allowing you to set your own schedule.

• TELUS Digital has a 3.6-star rating on Glassdoor.

8. Welocalize

Welocalize offers various remote jobs such as quality raters, reviewers, analysts, and web search evaluators. Each project has different requirements and pay rates, but most allow you to work flexible hours.

• Welocalize gets a 3.5-star rating on Glassdoor.

The Pros and Cons of Being a Search Engine Evaluator

Pros:

• Flexible schedule and workload
• Autonomy
• No specialized technical expertise required
• Decent pay for online work
• No need for special software or equipment
• No college degree required
• No phone work involved

Cons:

• Limited work hours
• Project-based nature can mean gaps between assignments
• Uncertain hours
• Independent contractor status requires handling your own taxes
• Potential for unexpected project terminations

Is Search Engine Evaluation an Ideal Work-From-Home Job?

After understanding what a search engine evaluator does, the necessary qualifications, earning potential, and weighing the pros and cons, do you feel this job is right for you?

If you aim to make extra income with flexible hours, zero start-up costs, and minimal prerequisites, this could be a great fit. Planning for downtime between projects or sudden end contracts by exploring other flexible work-from-home jobs can enhance your stability. This flexibility allows multiple income streams to fit your needs and lifestyle perfectly.

To turn this into a full-time job, consider becoming an SEO (search engine optimization) specialist. Click Here For More Work From Home tips and strategies to learn more about becoming a home-based SEO specialist!

Originally published June 22, 2020. Content updated September 2024.