Search engines use bots to give us the information we search for on the internet. But while these bots do a good job, they can only go so far when it comes to understanding human intention.
This is where human search engine evaluators come in.
Given that millions of people use search engines every day, there is a wide-open opportunity for you to put a human touch to search results — and to make some good money, while you’re at it.
Interesting idea, right? Here’s all you need to know about becoming a search evaluator.
What Exactly Does a Search Engine Evaluator Do?
Also referred to as “internet judges”, “search quality raters”, “internet analysts”, or “web search evaluators”, search engine evaluators assess webpages and other elements in search platforms like Google, Yahoo, and Bing.
Their job is to analyze web pages, websites, pictures, videos, and maps in web search results to determine their relevance, quality, accuracy, and if they fulfill user intent.
Here’s what the job entails:
Conducting Research
Everyone and their mother has a website nowadays. In fact, there are over 1.74 billion websites on the internet and counting.
When someone searches for information, Google and other search platforms use algorithms to retrieve data and give the best web page results to satisfy the user.
But the machines can’t always be 100% accurate — sometimes, they don’t totally understand the searcher’s intent (if they did that would be a little scary).
They may fail to pick up on human communication nuances and list irrelevant pages at the top of the search results page. This means that the user may get inaccurate or irrelevant information that does not satisfy their search needs.
Search engine evaluator jobs involve combing through websites listed on the SERPs to determine their usefulness and rating. They do this research based on actual searches by real people.
Therefore, quality raters are the human assessors of pages listed in SERPs by algorithms.
When a user enters a query in a platform like Google, millions of pages are spewed out, all with related information. From news, shopping, health and safety, forums, entertainment, and video pages.
The first page results are the most important, so they have to be of the highest quality to give the user what they want.
Evaluator jobs involve sifting through content to determine what the main content (MC), supplementary content (SC), and advertisements (ads) are on a webpage. They further dig into each website to determine its quality, authenticity, and reputation, using a set of predetermined guidelines.
They decide which pages are the best match for the searcher’s intent and, in so doing, help search engines to provide more useful information for users.
Analyzing Search Results
Once a search quality rater has all the information at hand, they go ahead and analyze the content. Their job now is to analyze results to make sure they fit a given set of guidelines and preset criteria.
These information platforms aim to give their users information that will be the most helpful to them, depending on which language they speak and where they are located.
The search quality rater works with qualitative and quantitative data by carefully examining them, determining the relevance of the information displayed — especially on the first page.
Provide Feedback on Search Results
Based on the information garnered and analyzed, search engine evaluators compile their findings and rate web pages based on how well they serve their purpose.
The ratings fall on a scale from lowest to the highest quality, based on the level of needs each page meets.
They then provide feedback and search engine evaluation of the data sets, and offer recommendations to improve the web experience for users.
Results generated may not be used to improve Google’s and other search engines’ automated algorithms, but they do contribute to web search optimization.
How Much Do Search Engine Evaluators Earn?
Monetary Rewards
The job pays pretty decently — most companies usually set a per hour rate and the job pays per project.
According to ZipRecruiter, search quality jobs pay, on average, about $53,000 per year in the United States. The lowest earners make about $21,000 annually while the highest-paid can earn over $100,000.
Most companies will allow you to work about 20 – 25 hours per week, but rates per hour will vary depending on each particular evaluation job and the company.
Self Actualization
Beyond just being a lucrative career, this job is a way to become part of something bigger than yourself. In this information age, search results are the new currency, so being a part of making them better can be quite fulfilling.
How Can You Become One?
Basic Requirements
You can choose to work full-time or part-time depending on the commitment you can put in.
Most search engine jobs are part-time and work-from-home. And as long as you have internet access and a Windows-based computer, you are good to go.
Location
Some companies will specify that you have to be in the United States, but not all do. This means you can still get hired for a search evaluator job even if you are outside the United States.
Education
You don’t need any particular education qualifications, but to do the job well you need to at least have a high school diploma. You don’t need a college degree, but having one will give you an edge.
Skills
To start working in these search engines job opportunities, you will need to be internet savvy. Small Revolution has a great course on Internet Basics to help you learn all you need to know about using the internet.
Other basic skills you will need include:
- Basic SEO knowledge
- Familiarity with how the web works
- Analytical skills
- Knowledge of online research tools
- Familiarity with local language and culture
- Excellent communication skills
- Self-motivation
Getting Hired
The process of getting hired in search engine evaluator jobs is pretty straightforward.
- Apply to the Company
To start the application process, visit the hiring company’s website. They will ask you to fill in a form with the required information and submit it right there on the site. Then, you will have to wait to hear back from them.
The response time varies with each company — it can be anywhere from a week up to a few months, depending on the volume of applications.
- Take a Few Tests
Once you get a response, you will be asked to take a series of tests to see if you are a good fit for the role. Most companies will give you a second chance if you don’t do well the first time.
If you still don’t succeed after the second try, not all is lost — there are other virtual jobs available for you.
- Process the Paperwork
If you are successful, the hiring company will contact you and you will begin the process of filling in the paperwork, including an NDA and your payment information.
- Get to Work
Once you’re in, you can start working. You will need to do quality work to keep the job.
Where Can I Find Search Engine Evaluator Jobs?
You will not get a job like this directly from Google or similar sites. Instead, you apply to companies that work closely with them.
The major companies that hire in the United States and globally are:
Once you’re hired, most companies will require you to sign a non-compete clause, meaning you can only do the job for one company at a time.
Get Started
Search engine evaluator jobs are a great source of income. Not only that, the tremendous flexibility that this job gives you makes it a good work-from-home option. Whether you want to do it full-time or part-time, you can make living doing this.
To get started, check out the useful courses at Small Revolution School — there, you will learn all there is to know about SEO, Time Management, and Virtual jobs.
Enroll in the courses today, and get equipped for your search engine job.
Photo by Benjamin Dada / CC BY
