Writing a review for any kinds of product sounds like a simple task. Choose a product to use, try it out and see how it works, put your observations down in writing. Simple, right? Not really. In order for a product review to be effective, it should contain useful information that consumers are looking for when buying a particular item. It should be able to convince them if something is worth shelling out money for, or not. So, what does it really take to write an honest to goodness product review that’s credible and persuasive at the same time? In a nutshell, a good product review must be factual, backed by research and first-hand knowledge of the item in review. It must be balanced and contain both the advantages and benefits as well as the disadvantages and flaws noted in the product.

Practical Tips to Help in Writing a Review.

Familiarize Yourself with the Product

1. Research

Getting to know the product you are writing the review for is the first, basic step. Like most consumers out there, we tend to make a little background research on a certain item that we are interested in getting and using before actually buying them. To be able to convince your readers on the reliability of your review, make sure to conduct your own research on the product you are making a review of. Familiarize yourself with its features, specifications, special functions and how it works.

• A good place to start your research is by getting hold of the manufacturer’s manual and/or website. You do not want to sound like a publicity material trying to make a hard sell, so be objective in your research and review.
• It helps to know, too, about the competition that are currently out in the market for this specific product. Research on the advantages or disadvantages of this product over the others, and make an unbiased comparison. This will give your readers more points to consider before making a purchase. The internet is a good place to start researching, as well as other written, printed material on the competition.

2. Get your hands on the product.

You may either buy one for yourself if you have the budget, rent one, or find a way to get it for free. Most enterprising bloggers have the privilege of getting samples from manufacturers for free so that they can write a review on it. You can either contact the manufacturer and express your intent to write a product review and ask for a sample product. Or, for some companies, a marketing representative should be available for you to contact and pitch your product review to them.

3. Use it.

Like they say, experience is the best teacher. Nothing will make you familiar with a product as actually being able to experience having it and using it for yourself.

• Familiarize yourself with the buttons, functions and how to operate.
• Take note of flaws or special features that make using it difficult or easy.
• A picture or two of the product will let your readers know that you actually tried it for yourself. A video would be even more informative.
• The internet is teeming with fake reviews that are actually marketing strategies that are meant to over-emphasize a products benefits and advantages. Readers normally steer clear of these types of fake reviews, so be as objective as you can be with your review.

4. Empathize with your readers.

Remember that you are writing a product review, and as such, you need to know what your readers will be looking for when they read about a certain product. Basically, this is performance, how easy it is to use, the pros and cons, features, how it compares with similar products, value for money and warranty. These are the points that most readers are actually looking for before making a decision to buy a certain product.

Writing Your Own Product Review.

• Your introduction should hook your readers to your review at once, at the same time providing an idea of what the product is all about, its features and benefits to the user. Make sure that you provide information for first-time users who have little to no idea about the product, as well as for users who have previous experience about it or similar products.
• Product Description. This includes basic information about the product such as brand name, model, manufacturer, size/dimensions, and price. These are details that a user normally takes into account when considering a product to purchase.
• Pros and Cons. Write your unbiased, balanced observations and experiences while using the product. Express what it is you liked about the product and what you didn’t, it’s benefits and flaws, how easy (or not) it was to use, how effective.
• Compare similar products. It also helps to compare with other similar products that are available in the market. Giving a comparison of their performance, features and benefits will help your users to decide whether this particular product is for them or not.
• Who will benefit most. Pinpoint the product’s target user. Let your readers know who will benefit the most from this product’s features and functionality. It’s important to describe how easy or hard it is to operate, how it will appeal to a specific age or demographic group, and how it fares in comparison to similar products that may have been popular in the past. This gives your readers a point of comparison as well as an idea if this product will suit their needs.
• Your conclusion should briefly sum up all the points for and against the product being reviewed. A helpful note would be to include whether the product’s marketing claims are credible and true to form, and better yet if it has surpassed your expectations of it. If not, you can also indicate how the product falls short of its advertised claims. Your opinion of whether the product offers good value for money will be a helpful addition.

Publish your Product Review.

There are a number of venues where your product review can be published. Choose the appropriate venue where you will be able to reach your target audience such as blogs, and forums. The timing of your publication is also crucial, as readers will better trust a review which can demonstrate that the writer has spent enough time to get to know the product first-hand. Thus, it is best to wait for several days or weeks after a product has been released before you publish your personal review of the item.

Finally, you have finished writing and publishing your own product review. If your evaluation of a product leaves much to be desired, you can always air your suggestions and recommendations for improvement on the product. Instead of going all negative and directly discouraging users from purchasing this item, a note to the manufacturers will be more appropriate and appreciated at the same time. Your sincerity and unbiased evaluation of a product under review will help readers and manufacturers alike in the long run.