Harvest The Net

SwagBucks - Free Prizes and giftcard for searching with Google

2010-11-17T09:35:00.001-05:00

What are SwagBucks and what is SwagBucks.com?

Swagbucks.com is a search and win website, where you search the internet from their website or toolbar and have the chance to win SwagBucks with each search. These SwagBucks can then be used to purchase items from a $5 Amazon gift card for 450 SwagBucks all the way up to an iPhone for 38,000 swagbucks from the "SwagStore".

In my experience I typically win 10-20 SwagBucks in the morning and another 10-20 in the afternoon/evening just from my normal daily searches. The nice thing is that SwagBucks is actually still using google to perform the searches, so along with a few sponsored links the results I'm looking for are still there. I just have the chance to win SwagBucks with every search.

For more details on earning SwagBucks from searching check out the Search and Win section.

SwagCodes
Another method to earn SwagBucks is to enter in a swagcode. Swagcodes are typically released once a day either on their facebook page, twitter, blog, toolbar or swidget. This is another easy method to grab a few swagbucks.

For more info on how to find and enter SwagCodes look in the SwagCodes How To section.

Referrers
Yes, there is a referral program with SwagBucks and here is how it works. For each SwagBuck that someone you referred earns, up to their first 1000 you earn an equal amount. The only caveat is that this only applies to SwagBucks earned from searching. Still, an excellent way for you to greatly increase your SwagBucks total.

Does it really work?
When I first read about these things I was pretty apprehensive. So much so that I didn't try to recruit any referrals until I knew that it wasn't a scam. Well, I recently earned enough SwagBucks to make my first purchase, a $5 amazon gift card and I'm pleased to say I didn't waste my time!

Check out my Proof, it's real! section for screen shots :)

SignUp
If you're interested in giving it a try please sign up using my referrer link. Hopefully you found some of my explanations helpful.

http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/toddles18

Search and Win!

Searching is the easiest and most productive way to earn SwagBucks. Instead of going to google to search, use the Swagbucks toolbar, or install the SwagBucks plugin to change your web browsers default search engine to use use SwagBucks for searches.

I typically win once in the morning\early afternoon and once again in the Evening/Night.
Here's an example screen shot where I searched for Gizmo5, a company that has recently been acquired by Google.

SignUp
If you're interested in giving it a try please sign up using my referrer link. Hopefully you found some of my explanations helpful.

http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/toddles18

Swag Codes How To

As I said above swagcodes are codes that you can enter to earn additional SwagBucks. There is typically a code every day for a few hours worth 1-4 swagbucks. Sometimes these codes are given to you via the swidget, toolbar, newsletter or twitter, other times you have to jump through a few hoops to get them.

One thing to mention, sharing swagcodes is against the rules. If you are caught sharing swagcodes your account will be disabled. Another method that was implemented to prevent the sharing of codes is that while a code may be available for 4 hours, the code keeps changing every 10-15 minutes.

Here's a screenshot of me finding a swagcode.

SignUp
If you're interested in giving it a try please sign up using my referrer link. Hopefully you found some of my explanations helpful.

http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/toddles18

Proof!

So I recently earned my 45th swagbuck and decided it was time to spend. It took me about a month of searches and a few swagcodes to get there. If I had a bunch of referrals I'm sure I would have got there much faster. Anyways, here's some screenshots of the process of buying my giftcard.

Ready to Purchase

Purchase made, need to check your email to confirm

Click the link to confirm

Purchase Verified!

Now you can login to your SwagBucks account, click on My Gift Cards and you'll see the code to use your giftcard.

SignUp
If you're interested in giving it a try please sign up using my referrer link. Hopefully you found some of my explanations helpful.

http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/toddles18

Mega SwagBucks Day Win

2010-03-05T15:25:00.000-05:00

Today I had my first Mega Swag Bucks Victory. A 40spot!
Thanks TSG!

SwagBucks Tips on Searching and SwagCodes

2010-01-22T16:43:00.003-05:00

Here are some tips and tricks I've used to maximize my SwagBucks total. For those who don't know SwagBucks are a form of digital currency that can be earned in a variety of ways. This digital currency can then be turned in for real currency in the form of gift cards, or for actual products. If you're interested go here to sign up for SwagBucks.

#1. Install the SwagBucks Toolbar

The toolbar is an application that integrates with your internet browser, whether that is Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox or others. The toolbar is necessary for a few reasons. First from time to time TSG (The Swag Guy) will post a SwagCode in the inbox on the toolbar. Second, I've found that my chances to win a SwagBucks from searching seem to be better if I search from the toolbar. Third the big SWAGBUCKS logo on the toolbar is a quick link to go enter a SwagCode whenever you find one.
Install the toolbar here

#2. Bookmark your favorite sites as a SwagBucks Search

I frequently visit the same sites on a daily basis; facebook.com, weather.com, bankofamerica.com, gmail, yahoo sports, ect.. Instead of bookmarking the actual site, bookmark a SwagBucks search for that site!

It's easy. In the SwagBucks search window type in "facebook" and hit enter. In the search results one of the top results is going to point you to facebook.com

Now go up to your menu and bookmark this page. From now on whenever you want to visit facebook just click on your favorite, and then click on the link in the search results.

3. SwagCodes

Use SwagCodes to earn SwagBucks. This is one of my favorite methods, because it's generally very easy to do. Typically once a day TSG releases a SwagCode that can be entered to redeem 1 or more SwagBucks.

The first thing you need to know about when using SwagCodes is the Swidget. The Swidget is a small flash application available here. The Swidget has a couple purposes. First (on my list anyways) is that it is the method in which TSG notifies you that a SwagCode is available. Second it is used as a method of getting referaals which I'll talk about later. To check if there is a SwagCode available first you click on the SwagCodes button on the widget, then click the check if there is a code available button. At this point the swidget will tell you if there is a code currently available, and will typically give you a hint to the codes location. Sometimes the code is even right on the swidget itself!

The next things you need to know are the different methods in which SwagCodes are released.

Spoonfed - This is a SwagCode in which the SwagCode itself is listed right on the Swidget.
Toolbar - As I said earlier sometimes the code is listed right on the toolbar.
Facebook - TSG has a heavy Facebook presence and will sometimes post codes right on Facebook.
CodeHunt - These are special cases when TSG makes you work for the code. He will usually give you a clue as to where the first letter in the code is. When you find that letter you'll get a clue to the next.
Thursday special offers code - Once a week, on Thursdays TSG updates the special offers code. Simply go here and skip through the offers, or click on one if it looks interesting. After going through a few offers you'll receive a SwagCode to enter.
Twitter - TSG ocassionally releases codes on Twitter, so make sure you follow him there.
Newsletter - TSG sometimes includes a SwagCode in his newsletter, so make sure you sign up.

There are also two different types of codes, a static and a morphing code.

A static code is a single unique string of characters that everyone can use to redeem SwagBucks

A morphing code usually starts like a static code, but then usually has 6 random characters appeded to the end. This code can only be used once.

What I found to be the hardest part about using SwagCodes was knowing when they were out. Because of that I developed a script that runs every two minutes and notifies you when a code is available. I post this information to twitter as well as to the SwigetWatch website The cool thing about twitter, is that I can receive a text message whenever a new tweet is posted. Follow this link to follow SwidgetWatch on Twitter.

#4. Search

There are a couple tricks to winning by searching. First know that repeatedly searching for the same term over and over will not you any good, and will probably hurt your chances.

The key is to search naturally, at a normal pace, and for normal topics. Timing your searches is also important. I find that I can typically win once in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the late evening. Don't overs-search though. According to the Swagbucks website, only your first 20 searches give you a chance to win, after that you are just wasting your time. So try to spend a little time searching during those time frames.

Also keep in mind that Friday's are Mega SwagBucks days. On these days you have a better chance to win high denomination SwagBucks, so make sure you get your searches in.

#5 Promote Referrals
Referrals are a great way to earn SwagBucks, promoting your referral link on facebook, blogs, in your email signature and to people you meet are all great ways to earn SwagBucks. Remember that you earn a SwagBuck for every SwagBuck someone you referred earns, up to 100 SwagBucks per referred person. Even having 2 or 3 people makes a huge difference in how fast your SwagBucks add up. Also remember that SwagBucks has already created image banners for you to use. Another method is to use Facebook Connect to automatically post to facebook when you win or redeem prizes. Friends of yours may be interested it what you're doing if they see how often you're winning.

This week in SwagBucks

2010-01-12T09:52:00.000-05:00

I managed to earn two more $5 Amazon Gift cards through SwagBucks over the weekend. That brings me to 9 total so far.

I also wanted to pass on that for this week all of the Swag Codes will be available through the toolbar, so make sure you have it. These codes are too easy of a way to earn SwagBucks to not participate. Click on this link to install the toolbar.

SwidgetWatch has been working very well since I re-wrote it. If you're not following it you're missing out on the easiest way to get notified when there are new SwagCodes available.

Updated the SwagBucks SwagCode Notification Script

2010-01-05T09:54:00.000-05:00

I spent some time yesterday and today completely overhauling my process to post to http://twitter.com/swidgetwatch and http://swidgetwatch.blogspot.com when a new SwagCode is available. Hopefully this will be even more reliable and valuable for you.

I'm also looking for more sites to review. Please post in the comments below sites you use to make money online

Thanks for reading!

More Gift Cards from SwagBucks and more info on SwagCodes

2009-12-23T10:37:00.000-05:00

I've almost earned enough SwagBucks for another Amazon gift card, which would make #6 for me and my Fiance is up to 42 or 43 herself. So, in the two months or so we've been using SwagBucks we've earned about $40 in free Amazon.com gear.

The easiest way to earn SwagBucks is still using the search option, however using SwagCodes can also be a valuable way of adding to your total. I've been working on a process that checks the swidget every couple minutes and will send out a notification if there is a code available. I've published this on my sister blog http://swidgetwatch.blogspot.com. I also publish this to twitter at http://twitter.com/swidgetwatch. I've actually subscribed to Text Message updates to this feed on twitter and have greatly increased my awareness of when a new code is available.

On a final note just wanted to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. I hope your holiday is filled with love and family.

I got in on the Swagaganza

2009-12-14T09:59:00.000-05:00

I was lucky enough to swipe one of the $5 Amazon gift cards when they were on sale for only 40 SwagBucks instead of the normal 45. Not a stellar price drop like some of the other offers they've been having but I'll take it.

In other news I just received another check in the mail from PineCone. Their most recent survey was a little flakey, it was hosted by a different company and I will admit that I didn't really like the style of it. I hope they don't do more like that.

Earned another Giftcard from SwagBucks - Mini Mechanical Turk Review

2009-12-06T21:15:00.001-05:00

Today I've earned enough SwagBucks to redeem another $5 Amazon gift card. That makes 4 of them in about 2 months, nothing life changing but still well worth the effort!

I have also finished another blog site that I'll be posting whenever there's a new SwagCode available. Feel free to follow it's RSS feed. The site is http://swidgetwatch.blogspot.com I will also be posting these notifications to twitter at http://twitter.com/swidgetwatch if you prefer to use Twitter as your notification medium.

Another application that was recently recommended from the forums of http://afullcup.com is Mechanical Turk. I spent a little bit of time tonight trying it out and was mostly disappointed at how small the rewards was for the amount of work required. Most of the questions require a fair amount of research for a few pennies, or are people who want you to posts advertisement links back to there sites on various forums you may frequent. I have no doubt that someone interested in spending the time to find "Hits" worth their while may be able to make a fair amount of money, but it wasn't for me.

If anyone has any more suggestions please comment!

Today my son turns 1 month old! I Can't believe it's gone by that fast already...

$5 Amazon Gift Card #3

2009-12-01T14:46:00.002-05:00

I redeemed my SwagBucks for my 3rd $5 Amazon Gift Card today! Really for only using SwagBucks for a little over a month and a half that ain't bad! Let me tell you what, a few referrals makes a huge difference in how quickly your SwagBucks accumulate.

If you're interested in learning more check out my SwagBucks post, or if you've heard enough already go signup!

Gift Card #2 for me and #1 for my Fiance

2009-11-30T09:37:00.000-05:00

Last night I ordered my second $5 gift card and my Fiance ordered her first. Both of these were earned using SwagBucks. Gotta love free stuff!

As a second note, I'm working on a way to post to this blog whenever there is a new SwagCode available. It'll also be available on Twitter when complete.

Next method to make money online that's up for review is Amazon's Mechanical Turk.

SwidgetWatch - 11/26/2009

2009-11-28T00:21:00.001-05:00

11/26/2009
There is a code out right now
8AM Blog!

Received my first gift card from swagbucks, almost enough for #2

2009-11-24T16:39:00.000-05:00

I recently earned enough SwagBucks to redeem my first Amazon gift card. The process went pretty well, it took a few days to show up in my account, but overall it worked as advertised.

As of today I'm at 38 SwagBucks so I'm almost ready to redeem my next gift card!

Gotta love free money!

Welcome!

2009-11-17T22:11:00.000-05:00

Harvest The Net is my attempt to put together a comprehensive list of different websites that you can earn money or free items on.

The Criteria for being listed here:
- Must be easy to use
- Require no Personal information
- Actually pay out

If you know of other sites that meet the above criteria please post a comment to let me know. I'll check them out and get them posted on here as well.

Ebates

2009-11-17T15:13:00.000-05:00

Shop many of your favorite retailers online and receive an additional percentage off your purchases.

Pinecone Research

2009-11-17T09:51:00.002-05:00

PineCone research is an online survey company in which you get paid $3 to complete product surveys. I've completed 5 or so of the surveys so far and they're pretty simple to fill out, take about 10 minutes and are just general questions about products and preferences. Sometimes you'll also have the opportunity to receive trial products. A couple months ago I got to try out some new fruit snacks and give my opinion on them. I know someone who got to try out some new soda beverages too.

My experience with PineCone Research has been very positive. I've always received my payment promptly after completing a survey. They only allow new applicants once in a while, so if you can't sign up right now try again in a week or so.

Here's a link to a more formal review http://www.surveypolice.com/pinecone-research

Here's the link to signup when signups are available https://www.pineconeresearch.com/Signup/Signup_Form.asp

Lockerz

2009-11-17T09:50:00.008-05:00

Disclaimer: I have not yet earned enough points to redeem any prizes, so this site is not verified. However I know how difficult of a time I had trying to get an invite to this site, so I'm listing this info here in the event others want to try it out.

Lockerz is a new by invite only website that allows you to earn points for prize redemption. They look to be trying to position themselves as a place for people to hang out, shop and play games, all of which earn you points. Currently the easiest way to earn points is to sign in every day and complete what they call their daily question. Typically this question is an off the wall opinion question about a personal preference, such as "Are you a vegetarian?", or "Yankees or Mets?"

You can also receive 2 points for each person you refer, however there is no bonus after the initial signup.

Lockerz seems to be geared towards the teenager or early 20's demographic but for free stuff it's not too much to suffer through. The prices of their prizes are relatively cheap so if it all pans out you're looking at a pretty good deal.

My experience with the site has been that it can be slow from time to time, it also appears that they are out of their prizes quite frequently, and don't restock very often.

If you're interested in getting an invite to check it out complete the form below and I'll get you an invite ASAP.