More and more companies are conducting market research online – instead of through the traditional methods of telephone research or face-to-face focus groups. Online market research is now big business and for the average person it can be a fun, interesting and a possibly rewarding way to get your voice heard and share your opinion. If you're thinking about joining an online research panel or taking part in an online survey – here's some things to think about

1. Don't assume you're going to give up your day job by taking part in online surveys. Some people mistakenly believe that they will be able to earn a living or at the very least supplement their regular income by taking part in online market research – and some less than reputable web sites will encourage this belief. It simply isn't true. There are very few research sites that will pay you cash each and every time you complete a survey. Most sites will give you points which can be redeemed for prizes over time, or put you in a prize draw where you have a chance to win a prize. Just as importantly – research companies DON'T want people who are ‘professional responders' – people who are completing surveys online all the time.

You should consider your participation in online market research as a chance to voice your opinion and get heard – not a chance to become rich!

2. Don't ever pay to join a research panel. Taking part in online research should never cost you anything – and you should never pay to join a research panel or take part in a survey – even if a website promises to help you find surveys that will earn you money. Some sites will claim that for a small fee they will ensure you get paid for taking part in research projects with different clients. The truth is that no reputable research company would ever thinking of charging you for the privilege of doing their survey – the know you are helping them out not the other way around – so steer clear of sites that want to charge you a fee

3. Do make sure you can make contact with the research company if yo need to. So you've taken part in a research project and you've been lucky enough to win a prize. That's fantastic but how certain are you that you'll get your prize? Can you get in contact with the company if you need to? Do they have their contact details on their web-site, is there a phone number available? Are they based in the same country you are? Looking into all of this before you take part is a wise precaution and may just save you grief further down the track

As long as you consider the above points, and use the same common senses you would whenever you give a web-site your personal details – then you should find taking part in online research both fun, informative – and if just lucky enough- rewarding!