It’s lunch time! But it’s a working lunch, a master class on product reviews. Christine Frietchen from Consumer Search makes a living reviewing reviews. Her site curates reviews. She’s good at this, comparing professional reviews to user reviews. They can be radically different.

What makes a great review? Are reviews right for your site? Find your point of view. We’ll also be talking about ethics and monetization.


What can reviews do for my blog?

It can transform a hobby blogger into someone with a wider audience. Everybody buys stuff. You’re ina  great position to tell people about it. Your point of view is an extension of your regular life and your voice on your blog. Build your reputation as an expert. Reviewing products creates revenue opportunities with Amazon, Google, affiliate programs. Reviews also build media relationships.

People surveyed trust people they know, user reviews, and editorial content – in that order.

Life is about balance. So are reviews. Do you ever buy a product that has no drawbacks? Talk about pros and cons.

Elements of a Killer Review

  • Point of view – write the same way you write your other blog posts
  • Specialize – become an authority, write what you know
  • Balance – adds to your credibility
  • Transparency – all about the details
  • SEO – be specific, use an awesome headline, use tags – use the Google AdWords Keyword Tool

Ethics and Reviews

Have a stated ethics policy and a disclosure policy. Pay attention to FTC guidelines. Aside from staying out of legal trouble, it’s just being a good community member. Then walk the walk. If you don’t comply with your policy, what’s the point?

Is Writing Reviews Going to Contribute to My Bottom Line?

Not right away, but it can. If you accept cash payments for reviews, you’re no longer writing a review. You’re writing an advertorial. It’s an uphill battle, though, gaining trust from your readers. And it must be disclosed.

You can monetize your reviews with Amazon affiliate links, Google contextual ads, joining a blogger ad network, and getting speaker and media opportunities that will help drive traffic.

Disclose your spokesperson relationships so you don’t have to feel smarmy.

Christina Gleason (976 Posts)

That’s me: Christina Gleason. I’m a writer, editor, and disability advocate. I'm a multiply disabled autistic lady doing my best in this world built for abled people. I’m a geek for grammar, fantasy, and casual gaming. I hate vegetables. I cannot reliably speak, so I’ll happily conduct business over email or messaging instead.


By Christina Gleason

That’s me: Christina Gleason. I’m a writer, editor, and disability advocate. I'm a multiply disabled autistic lady doing my best in this world built for abled people. I’m a geek for grammar, fantasy, and casual gaming. I hate vegetables. I cannot reliably speak, so I’ll happily conduct business over email or messaging instead.

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