Some Helpful Insight
A Bit of Insight, Perhaps Advice
I've mentioned this before but thought it worthy of a repeat. It came up today as one of my sons was searching for reviews on pressure washers. After several reviews, he came in to announce that he could not find any true reviews. Instead, he found
- paid product ads
- some affiliate sites that touted one product
- other affiliate sites that compared two or more products
Now, the paid ads are there. We all know to look for them. I do read them, but with the understanding that it is an advertisement. They may have great information in them, but I understand that it will be in promotion of their product or service.
But the affiliate sites troubled him. And he's mentioned this same problem many times before.
It seems that many affiliate sites choose to "review" products they have not ever used. Yes, most of us have done that before and there are ways to do so and still be quite credible. Unfortunately, many of these sites choose to just list the pros and cons and features. That's it.
While those facts are helpful, anyone can find them by visiting the product sites.
When doing a true, detailed review that will help people, you have a couple of options.
One choice is to actually use the products. Test them. Compare them. And then write your findings (or do a video showing what you've discovered).
That option is very helpful and if the products are ones you normally use or can afford to try, that's great. When you gain enough of an audience, you sometimes find yourself being offered items to review for free. That's even better!
I can't buy everything!
But if your review is a comparison of two expensive items that you won't or can't buy, you still have a means to a detailed and helpful review.
Ask others! Read the forums. Ask for opinions on groups. Do the research. You are looking to help people choose between a $5000 sofa and that $8000 stadium seating? Isn't that worth doing your research? It's what your reader would need to do if you didn't do it for him. Save him the time and effort. Go the extra mile. Readers appreciate that extra bit of information. And you appreciate those affiliate sales.
And, just as important, please don't embellish your articles. If something is a fact, state it so. If it is an opinion (yours or someone else's) state it as such. Your readers appreciate honesty!
Of course, this also goes for general interest articles. Even if you aren't trying to promote a product, it's still best to provide more information than your competitor. Give your reader more than anyone else, even more than they expect.
Yes, it is extra time and work.
But the end result is definitely worth it.
An added bonus? People will begin to see the incredible value that affiliate sites bring to them. And my son's opinion of them might improve, too!
Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best.
----St. Jerome
Recent Comments
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My method is to research my product and make copies of several reviews. Then I read them and decide which salient points from each review I will use. Then I write the article in my words, and at the end, reference the posts I've used for reference for this article.
The latter is helpful because it satisfies the SEO "external link" requirement.
Hi Dianr,
This is valuable information that you have shared. It is important for us to use the products that we review and for those that we can afford to buy, to do extensive research so that we can offer proper reviews even if we did not buy and use the products. Great share!
Wishing you the very best!
Kind regards,
Nichola
Totally agree Diane. It does seem like it's inauthentic when you praise and recommend a product when you have no real clue how it works. Proof is in the pudding as someone says. I believe that it will take longer to build through the try it yourself approach but it is likely to be more sustainable.
Yes, it does take more time and effort, but in the long run, you earn the trust and respect of your readers. Thanks, Hugh!
You can find out a treasure trove of information just by typing any word in. I do it all the time; I've done research into medical issues; I found a lot. It's actually fun! :)
Hi Diane,
Excellent advice in my opinion! I definitely agree, we should be honest and point out everything we can in our reviews to help our readers decide if they want to buy a certain product or not...
Especially if it's something more expensive, I'd sure like to have someone review it as thoroughly as possible when I'm looking for info on certain products or services. Going above and beyond would be an excellent way to help our potential customers.
Thanks for sharing! Keep up the good work!
Best wishes :) ~Sherry
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You have great timing. Even though I've read before, this blog came across my screen at best time because I'm writing a review blog on WA right now. Naturally I read this again because you give great insight and good advice.
I mentioned you this morning in my "High Five"
Happy 4th Ms. Diane