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I have this one friend I turn to for all of my questions about plumbing. He’ll talk for hours about anything from garbage disposals to finding water leaks, to various types of faucets and gadgets. Take my word for it: This guy’s obsessed.
My friend isn’t just a plumber — he’s a subject matter expert. He’s someone you go to when you have a problem and need a reliable answer.
People with this type of knowledge can make great side income on JustAnswer.com, a leading question and answer forum that connects users with experts from all fields.
Keep reading to learn all about JustAnswer, including how it works and what it takes to start using it, to find out whether the platform makes sense for you.
Pros
- High earning potential of $2,000 to $7,000 per month
- Flexible communications options including text, chat, and voice
- Work from anywhere
- Easy payments via PayPal
- Great customer support
Cons
- Aggressive quality control measures
- Difficult vetting process
- No benefits
- No tolerance for wrong or poor answers
What Is JustAnswer?
Like many tech companies, JustAnswer operates out of San Francisco. However, the company has a global user base, with experts stationed all around the world.
The company launched in 2003 under the direction of founder Andy Kurtzig. As the story goes, Kurtzig wanted a way for his then-pregnant wife to speak to a doctor online, and JustAnswer (formerly ExpertAsk and Pearl.com) was born.
Fast-forward to today, and the company has raised $50.7 million in funding. It’s one of the longest-running and most successful online question-and-answer webpage forums that brings users and verified experts together on one platform.
For a monthly membership fee, customers can ask experts just about any question they want. JustAnswer has a browser-based option, and it also works with Android and Apple iOS devices.
JustAnswer Features
Wide expert base
One of the coolest parts about JustAnswer is the wide range of experts on the platform. You can go to JustAnswer with just about any question you can think of.
For example, experts include lawyers, scientists, professors, mechanics, and real estate agents, to name just a few examples.
Feeling left out because you’re not in any of those professions? Don’t be. You can make even more money on JustAnswer when you’re an expert in niche areas. For example, you may be a Mercedes or BMW mechanic. Or you may be a software engineer with expert knowledge in Java, Go, and React Native.
To give you a better idea of some of the questions you might have to answer if you post up on JustAnswer:
- How many times per week should I eat red meat?
- What’s the best way to get rid of poison ivy?
- My garden hose is leaking. What should I do?
- How can I donate firewood to charity?
In short, if you’re an expert or leader in your particular field, it’s worth putting yourself out there on JustAnswer. No matter what your areas of expertise there will most likely be a community to join.
For some examples, check out JustAnswer for electrical, medical, and pet care.
Work anywhere
You don’t have to work in a professional office building or even on-site. All you need is a smartphone or laptop and an internet connection, and you can work from anywhere.
Using a site like JustAnswer can open doors for your career. For example, if you’re a doctor, you may use JustAnswer to take a break from practicing medicine so you can go on sabbatical. Similarly, you can use JustAnswer to keep the money rolling in while you travel the world.
Learn More:
Set your own hours
JustAnswer doesn’t have any scheduling requirements. You can choose your own hours, and work when you feel like it. Talk about convenience!
Want to make an extra few bucks after work or on the weekend? Fire up the computer, log into JustAnswer, and earn money at your leisure. You don’t have to reserve any blocks of time.
Live chat service
JustAnswer provides a variety of ways for users to communicate with experts, including chat, text, and even live conversations.
This is a convenient option that lets customers communicate in a way that’s easy and comfortable. It makes for better overall conversations and stronger user ratings.
This may seem like a minor feature, but it keeps customers coming back. And this ultimately benefits JustAnswer’s expert community.
How Much Does JustAnswer Pay?
Now for the real question: earning potential.
When a user asks a question on JustAnswer, they can control the pricing by setting the fee that they’re willing to pay for an answer. Customers can ask unlimited questions.
You’ll get to see the price before you agree to answer the question. So if something seems way beneath your level of expertise, you can choose to ignore it. On the flip side, you can also decide to scoop up some low-hanging fruit and make a few extra bucks.
Word to the wise: Take every question that comes your way, especially in the beginning. In my opinion, that’s a no-brainer!
New experts receive 20% of what the user pays. So if a user pays $50 for an answer, you’ll pocket $10. If the user pays $200 for an answer, you’ll net $40 – pretty solid!
As time goes on and you answer more questions, you can earn up to 50% of the fee.
According to JustAnswer, experts earn an average of $2,000 to $7,000 per month. Over the course of a year, the highest earners can rake in $84,000 – or even more.
You can cash out once you have $20 in your account. The site pays out via PayPal.
What Is JustAnswer’s Partner Program?
JustAnswer has a partner program for business owners.
If you have a website, you can include a JustAnswer live chat feature to connect visitors with live experts.
You’ll earn a $5 to $15 commission per visitor. So if you have lots of traffic, this feature could potentially generate thousands of dollars per month. Now, this is what I call a solid passive income stream.
Signing Up and Getting Started
Signing up for JustAnswer is a bit more complicated than most side hustles.
You’re going to have to sit through a multi-step verification process before you can start using JustAnswer.
Here’s a breakdown of the process.
Application and profile screen
First, sign up and create a profile.
Have your expert credentials ready to go because JustAnswer will ask you to provide them. This may be something like a doctor’s license or a business certificate – anything that shows your experience and qualifications.
Credential verification
Next, you’ll have to go through a verification process. A third-party service will verify your identity and credentials to make sure you’re legit.
If you’re being honest about who you are, there’s nothing to worry about. Just be patient and proceed with the process.
Customer ratings
Once the company approves your application, you can start chatting with customers and answering questions.
Keep in mind that customers rate you as you answer questions. Since ratings are publically displayed on your profile, it’s critical to treat every customer with respect and give them your best answers.
P2P reviews
When using JustAnswer, one thing to keep in mind is that things can get competitive between experts.
Other experts may flag your answers that they feel can be better. The expert can then provide their information to the customer as a second opinion. So again, always do your best work and provide thorough, professional, and accurate responses.
Ultimately, your reputation is on the line with each answer that you give. Dash off an answer and it can come back to bite you!
Quality algorithm
You’re also going to have to deal with a quality control algorithm on JustAnswer.
The site monitors your progress as you answer questions and deal with customers. If you fail to consistently provide strong results, JustAnswer will boot you from its community.
It may sound harsh, but JustAnswer has a reputation to uphold. They’re competing against thousands of other sites, after all. This means they have to provide the best answers possible.
It’s truly survival of the fittest on JustAnswer. Provide the best answers, and you’ll do just fine. Slack off or make mistakes, and you’ll soon find yourself searching for other side hustles.
Secret shoppers
At this point, working with JustAnswer can start to feel like beating a boss in a game.
If you manage to appease picky customers, avoid shark experts, and pass the quality control algorithm test, you’ll still have another adversary to face: spies!
JustAnswer routinely deploys secret shoppers. These individuals provide confidential feedback about your accuracy, responsiveness, and overall customer service skills.
I can’t stress this enough: You have to treat every customer like you’re greeting them in a restaurant or bank. It isn’t enough to hope they have a good day. You have to hope they have a fantastic, excellent, uplifting, or bright day.
Think like a call agent in a contact center here, and always be friendly and helpful. Customer service is key to making this hustle work.
Customer referrals
It pays to do a bit of bragging when you’re talking with friends and family members about your expert status on JustAnswer.
Get someone to sign up, and you can receive a customer referral kickback of 20% of the first month’s non-trial membership fee.
Expert referrals
If you can manage to get a colleague to sign up for JustAnswer, you can receive an expert referral fee.
The company issues payment using a referral schedule, which changes from time to time.
Seven-day trial
Want to give JustAnswer a try as a customer to see what it’s like? The company is now offering a seven-day trial. Sign up for a trial period, and you can close your account at any time. Canceling shouldn’t generate any additional charges. As an added bonus, cancellation is fast and easy.
This trial is a great way to get comfortable using the site and to see what you’re up against as far as competition goes.
Ask questions and see how people respond. Chances are you’ll notice opportunities for improving answers and offering more comprehensive responses.
JustAnswer Security
JustAnswer deploys 128-bit secure socket layer (SSL) encryption. The company also uses an advanced digital certification system to protect payment and user data.
What’s more, JustAnswer protects answers using a leading internet access provider that uses biometric recognition and around-the-clock monitoring. Add it all up, and your information should be safe when using JustAnswer.
Still, it’s worth thinking about whether you’re comfortable giving away an abundance of personal information when you sign up. For example, you’ll have to provide a Social Security Number, phone number, and business credentials.
Do your research and check out JustAnswer’s privacy and security policy to make sure you’re on board before using this site. There’s no sense in passing along personal info if you’re not going to use the platform.
Is JustAnswer confidential?
JustAnswer is a public forum. Questions and answers aren’t confidential.
Users who wish to remain anonymous need to select an anonymous username because other users can see every answer you provide.
Customer Expert and Customer Care
One of the best parts about JustAnswer is that the company is highly accessible.
You can reach the company over email, live chat, or via phone calls.
These options are easily accessible on JustAnswer’s contact page.
Pros and Cons of JustAnswer
Pros
- High earning potential of $2,000 to $7,000 per month
- Flexible communications options including text, chat, and voice
- Work from anywhere
- Easy payments via PayPal
- Great customer support
- Secure
- Ability to take or decline an answer
Cons
- Aggressive quality control measures
- Difficult vetting process
- No benefits
- No tolerance for wrong or poor answers
Alternatives to JustAnswer
PrestoExperts
PrestoExperts is another site that offers access to online experts. You can make money working from home as a freelance expert, answering questions for customers.
The company offers tutoring, counseling, technology services, and programming services, among other things.
VIPkid
VIPkid is a site where Chinese students go to learn English. You can make money working from home tutoring students and helping them become proficient in English.
This is a bit different from JustAnswer, as you’ll have to work in a digital classroom setting. The experience is much more immersive and interactive, so just make sure you’re ready for that.
Weegy
Weegy offers an online question and answer platform.
This site uses automation to answer questions. If the question is too advanced and the robot can’t answer accurately, it turns to humans for answers.
You can make about 20 cents per word answering questions on Weegy. That’s not terrible money by any stretch of the imagination!
FAQs
Is JustAnswer a scam?
Rest assured, JustAnswer isn’t a scam. In fact, the site has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
The company also generates over 10.5 million unique visitors each month. So, it’s widely used and trustworthy. That should hopefully provide some peace of mind.
Is JustAnswer legit for experts?
It most certainly is. If you have the credentials to cut it and you’re great with people, then you could make some decent money.
You probably won’t make enough for a full-time income, but JustAnswer can be a great side hustle.
The Bottom Line
JustAnswer became a vital resource during the pandemic. It provided a way for people to ask questions related to COVID-19 from the comfort of their own homes. At the same time, it proved to be a great way to make money for people stuck at home.
This is an excellent resource for professionals across all industries. It’s a way to share medical advice, legal advice, and just about any other type of information.
People who are certified and have years of experience in their particular field should strongly consider using JustAnswer to make money. It doesn’t take long to answer questions, and it’s also a way to spread your name and grow your reputation as a subject matter expert.