Those who can’t handle Cleveland’s backbone and grit are better off leaving – and luckily – they do. (I don’t subscribe to the jokes about the city’s declining population, but I know them).
Clevelanders take pride in their city. From Polish Boys to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the city definitely has its own unique flavor and sound. And true Clevelanders stick around.
That’s why focus groups are the perfect side hustle for hometown heroes looking to invest back into themselves and their city. Share your opinions, improvements, and general feedback about products and services in the local area – and get paid for it!
I know it sounds too good to be true, and your Midwestern skepticism radar is blaring right now. But don’t worry. We’ve done all the research so you don’t have to worry about the stress of which companies are legit, if they are worth your time, etc.
Every week we (virtually) visit cities across America and Canada to scope out their focus group scene. This week: the best paid focus groups in Cleveland! Without further ado…
Types of Focus Groups in Cleveland
Cleveland is home to many *ahem* industrious industries. Banking & finance, education, manufacturing, and of course healthcare are huge in the 216.
Some of the more notable names among them are Cleveland Clinic (best hospital in the nation) and Sherwin-Williams. Also we have to mention Great Lakes Brewing company… because it deserves recognition.
These industries give some insight into the big players in Cleveland’s economy, but they aren’t the only choices when seeking out focus groups. In fact, many focus groups tend to be more consumer-driven, so shopaholics don’t lose hope! But if you are interested in any of the fields above (not judging) there’s space for you too.
Online focus groups that are worth checking out
If you’re stuck inside during the brutal winter, or just don’t feel like venturing outdoors… luckily you can stay home in your PJs and make money from the couch by taking surveys. Technology – it’s a beautiful thing.
Below is a list of online focus groups that we recommend. I suggest you sign up for a few of them to increase your chances of consistent payouts.
1. YouGov
A household name in the focus group world. With over 3 million members and counting, you can get a steady stream of opportunities from surveys, product tests, and focus groups. You are notified via email when you qualify for an opportunity.
Qualification: Residents of the USA and be at least 14 to join.
Click Here to Apply for YouGov
2. SurveyJunkie
This company is awesome because it’s also a mobile app! So you can qualify and take online surveys on-the-go, as well as from the computer. Definitely recommend checking this one out.
Qualification: Residents of USA 16+ only.
Click Here to Apply for Survey Junkie
3. Respondent Focus Groups
This platform runs a bit on the professional side, so some may be a bit specific or difficult to qualify for, but they do allow you to browse the projects available before you sign-up so you can see if it’s a good fit!
Qualification: Residents of USA, Canada, UK and Australia. Must be 18+.
Click Here to Apply for Respondent
4. Branded Surveys
From video surveys to more traditional focus groups, you can get rewarded with gift cards, PayPal, or e-vouchers. Choose your own adventure!
Qualification: Residents of USA 14+
Click Here to Apply for Branded Surveys
5. Toluna Influencers
is another diverse firm that offers a variety of surveys and payout options – from cash to gift cards. You can redeem your reward after you earn $10.
Qualification: Residents of USA must be 14+
Click Here to Apply for Toluna Influencers
Top 5 Research Companies Hiring for Focus Groups in Cleveland
Ok, I’ve kept you waiting for the main course long enough. Below is our ranking of the top 5 focus group companies in Cleveland. If you want to learn how we rank them, click here. Otherwise, keep reading to make some extra cash with the best paid focus groups!
1. Opinions LTD:
The first time ranking #1 on our roster, it’s an exciting day for Opinions LTD at Stan’s Gigs. However, this is a favorite across the nation, and on our blog, too – ranking among the top 5 in many city guides.
In Cleveland, they have 2 locations: South Park Mall & Chagrin Falls Facility. Chagrin Falls, though further from the city center is the more popular location with an average 4.8 stars and 1k reviews on Google.
Nationally, they have 8k likes with average reviews on Facebook.
To sign up, fill out a demographic form to create a profile. Then, you will gain access to their portal to browse the studies that match your profile. If you pass the screening tests, they will qualify you online or over the phone.
2. Focus Groups of Cleveland:
Located in Independence, near the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Focus Groups of Cleveland has 4.7 stars on Google for being a ‘fun, great side hustle,’ See, we aren’t lying! They do have 1 terrible Yelp review but that was over 3 years ago.
They have gained global recognition from their political research and were televised during notable events like the National Republican Convention and Vice President debates in 2016.
Aside from politics, they offer traditional focus groups about general consumer goods and also offer taste tests.
Fill out a demographic questionnaire to be contacted about potential surveys you may qualify for.
3. Market Vision Research:
This company has mixed reviews on Google but earned a very happy camper from Yelp. They have a larger, more favorable presence in Cincinnati, where they are headquartered.
Cleveland still deserves a chance! They pay a minimum of $65, which is a pretty decent rate. I did confirm that they are currently running in-person studies at the Cleveland office, and they have videos highlighting their extensive safety protocol.
Market Vision Research also offers a wide array of focus group topics: B2B, healthcare, food, technology, general consumer goods, and more.
Once you sign up, they will contact you via email or phone if you match with a study.
4. Opinion Centers America:
With a modest 200 likes on Facebook and 1 5 star Google review, this is a smaller firm in the 216 area.
However, they are known for their professionalism and offer a wide range of industries: from retail to financial services to healthcare. Sounds like it matches Cleveland’s economic structure spot on.
They are located off of 1-90 by Sperry Creek.
Fill out a demographic questionnaire to sign up.
5. National Survey Research Center:
There was limited information about this company but here’s what we know:
- It’s about 30 minutes from Downtown on The Rapid.
- They earned 5 star Facebook reviews from 2 patrons.
- They mainly focus on traditional focus groups.
That said, we do know they are legit (we only ever recommend legit companies) and think they deserve a fair shake. We gotta root for the underdogs too, right?
Final Thoughts
What do you think of our Cleveland list? There weren’t an overwhelming number of companies for us to choose from, but we feel these few companies are surely enough to fund an extra date night (or two) at Slyman’s. We’re more than happy if we can help you fund the simple pleasures in life. Oh and btw if you are considering focus groups in another city, check out this list of focus groups near you.
Are you excited to try any of these? Have you already been a participant of a company on our list? If you have any focus group companies that you recommend, please let us know in the comments below.
Till payday!
I am a father to a beautiful baby girl, a husband and a serial gigster 🙂 I live in Toronto, Canada. My claim to fame: I made thousands of dollars from focus groups and surveys over the last 15 years. Studied Marketing in Ryerson Univerity and worked in Marketing and Marketing Research for the last 14 years+ My mission is to educate others how to be successful with side hustles. You can contact my be email or on Facebook.
