Saturday
Sep042010
Step by step guide to writing good reviews.
Nina SayI started reviewing products almost a year ago, in late September of 2009. It was quite interesting because my blog was brand new and I just jumped right in and went for it.
I have learned a lot since then. So hopefully I can bestow at least a little bit of useful information upon you, so you may be successful in your product review ventures as well.
Because we all know how much fun it can be!
- Remember you are a professional.
The number one aspect of being a product reviewer is maintaining your level of professionalism. You should be clear with your intentions, and follow through with them. No company wants to work with a blogger who does not follow through with their commitments. Also, be sure you be professional when writing your review. Use proper grammar and punctuation. It is awfully tacky to read a review filled will "grammer" errors and the wrong use of capitol letters; such as "HeLlO!" or the non-existent capitol; "the one fantastical." - Use the review product, do not just "make up" a review.
When you review something, you are actually supposed to use it. Companies look for reliable sources to express how they feel about "XYZ" product. Nothing looks worse than a fake product review, or one that is not genuine. Believe it or not, it is not often hard to spot a fake review, especially if you post a positive review and the majority of consumers dislike the product. You may get some quizzical comments at this point. - Be honest.
This goes with out saying. But for some it may be the hardest aspect of reviewing. A part of you may feel bad about giving a negative review. But it is important because the company deserves the truth, and you do not want to mislead one of your readers. (Some companies actually prefer you not post a review if it is negative, but this practice varies from blogger to company) - Use your own photos if possible.
Although it is definitely easier to just grab the stock image off of a company website, it looks much better if you post your own images. It is a good idea to take photos of the product in use, to capture details you like or dislike, and to give an accurate depiction of the product. And for those of you who are advanced in the field of technology can make videos of your product being used, I have always loved watching videos within reviews. One that I watched recently was a SodaStream review on Serendipity Mommy, and it is reviews like this that make me want to use the product. - Set a schedule, and stick to it.
This is very important, it is very helpful to use a "to-do" list to not only keep yourself on schedule, but to help you keep track of the products you need to review. Some of the ways I have kept track is a Thunderbird add-on which allows me to keep lists, and I have recently switched to an app on my iPhone called Toodledo. You may also prefer to just keep a good old fashioned list of your projects, either is perfectly fine. - Do not overload yourself.
It is very easy to bite off more than you can chew. I know this first hand. Make sure you have a time frame in which you can complete your reviews. And always tell your PR rep you are booked until "X" date and they will not expect the review until then. Nothing feels worse than a growing "to-do" list and not knowing where to start. So just save yourself the hassle, and do not be afraid to say "no" if it is a product you do not truly have an interest in. - Have fun!
It is also very important to love what you do. So if you decide reviews are not for you, do not burden yourself with them. But if you love giving your opinion, and being an informant is something you love to do then you are in the right place.
I hope this helps some of you who are new or interested in the realm of product reviews.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to format your review, you should just work the way you feel comfortable. Oh, and follow FTC rules and guidelines.
If there is a specific question you would like answered, leave it in the comments below and I will answer it!
Look for my guide for hosting giveaways! Coming soon.
~Nina
Reader Comments (10)
I love it! Very good tips.
this was great information
I suggest not saying yes to everything. New reviewers can get so excited and overload themselves with products. Be selective for yourself and your audience.
Thanks for the nod and double thanks for pointing me to that iPhone app!
Exactly! This is hard to tell a new reviewer, but it is absolutely necessary to keep your sanity!
Not a problem! I love your blog, and it is worth all the recognition in the world!
I love these tips. Grammar is so important when doing reviews, as is punctuation and spelling!
Great post - thanks!
Great tips! I need to check out that app.
Thank's for the tips, I've been thinking of expanding my blog to include reviews and tips.
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