Use relevant keywords

When someone is looking for a product online and really doesn’t know where to start their search, they’ll usually start out with a search term that’s wide-ranging and then get more focused search terms when they gain more product knowledge.

Let’s say that they’re looking for a “water purifier” (or refrigerator, etc.) but are undecided on the make or model of a particular purifier to select. Most likely the first term entered into the search bar will be something a bit vague or broad, example: water purifiers. After gathering information and eventually narrowing down the search to something much more specific, example: The Big Berkey or Brita water purifier.

Of course, there will be many for sale with everyone recommending their own products or water purifiers in this example. As they continue the search for the right choice for themselves, they could question the credibility of a source and, I would recommend, research the product in more detail and look for some recent product reviews.

Create a default template

It’s best to create a default, review style, template that will work with the pattern or flow of your website. It needs to be consistent, informative and genuinely helpful to the readers. It should make the reader feel comfortable enough to make a wise and educated choice and take the next step (or make a purchase).

Create a template that you can use, one that simplifies the whole process of producing all of your related reviews. It’s also important to note that it’s fine to vary a little from the review template that you create for yourself.

What’s best for your readers

It’s really much more of a what’s best for my viewers kind of thing instead of always focusing on a rigid review process. Keep in mind that the more helpful your review is, the more likely it is that the reader will take the next step recommended by you. The main point with all of your reviews is to give your readers accurate and updated information and a positive experience.

There’s no problem with sharing your own personal opinions however, it’s best to make them few and never falsify any statements or appear to mislead as this will hurt the credibility of the author and site owner.

Affiliate links

Be sure to leave your affiliate links in each article and review. It’s even a nice idea to become an affiliate for the products being reviewed so that if the reader makes that choice, you can still get a commission. It’s very easy to become an affiliate for thousands of products and services. By leaving your affiliate links to the reviewed product as well as your links for the “recommended” product, you win either way the reader decides to go.

Here’s a review style template example:

The Title – Product Review – Create your title and be sure to let the reader know that this is a product review.

Product name

Website URL

Owner name(s)

Rank or Score

Product Overview – Give a general overview of what the product is using approximately 2-6 sentences.

Pro’s – Try to list a few of the benefits of the product or program. Three or four sentences should be fine, or 1-2 paragraphs.

Con’s – The Bad: This can be difficult without inside info like employee or customer comments and reviews. These can usually be found at the end of a Google search entry, an example: Product review, reviews or Product/employee complaints. It’s best to follow a competitors weak point with how your product is strong in that area, if possible.

Remember that the purpose of the review is not to over critique the competition but to inform the viewer and then lead them to the recommended product with the last block of your review.

Who can benefit from the product – Write a few sentences to a couple of paragraphs, information about just who the product is targeted to. If you have an affiliate link for the product being reviewed insert it somewhere within the review, this being a fine spot.

Tools and Training – If applicable write about the product tools and training.

Support – Is there good product support? Is there an active community or forum where questions can be asked and quickly answered? Is the owner(s) active within the community?

Price of Product – Describe the pricing levels, structure, additional must have items to purchase, and any other relevant information.

Final Opinion – Your concluding comments on the product reviewed, 2-5 sentences will be fine.

Your Verdict – Score or Rank, 1-5 Star Rating or 0 – 100.

My #1 Recommendation – Your turn to promote your product as superior in a few sentences to a couple of paragraphs. Include your recommended product affiliate link(s) here.