For writers, bloggers: How to write killer product reviews that puts customers in the buying mood

Those who run websites or online blogs are familiar with the process of writing product reviews. Whether they write a product review as an affiliate or just as a fan of the product, the review has the potential to make sales. The better the review, the higher ranked it will be in the search engine results. This has the potential to continue making sales for not just weeks or months, but years.

1. Product images and videos

An image or video of the product or service that is being reviewed should always be included. You can use a picture of the product that you’ve taken yourself, you can use a picture from the company’s website, or you can take a picture of yourself using the product. Depending on what the product is, you can also include before and after pictures. When including a video, you can screen cast for digital products, record unboxing a physical product, or a video using the product.

2. Product description

The product should be described in detail including the size, features, ordering process, package and delivery details, benefits, expected results, and your specific results. Consumers want to feel confident that if they order the product today, they will receive what is expected. Personal experience and personal thoughts are what makes a good product review. The reader then can relate through the review and can picture him or herself in your position.

3. Buyer description

This is where the review will describe who the product is intended for, as well as who it is not for. Depending on the product, it might not be a fit for everyone—just look at the plethora of toothpaste choices in the grocery store. The review should describe the ideal buyer and the viewer should be able to easily decide if the product is right for them or not. If there are two or more products that are similar but are aimed at different people, include the alternate recommendation for people who might need the similar product.

4. Proof

There should be two types of proof that are included in the product review. Proof that the reviewer it did actually review the product, and proof that the product does work. Lots of people express skepticism of product reviews and do believe that product review sites are biased and that the reviews are based on compensation or payment. The proof can be produced by photos or videos, by providing a description of the product that is more in depth than the website, by mentioning additional features or bonuses that are not advertised, and by bringing to light the negatives.

5. Negative

Pointing out the negatives with a product or with its ordering process will make the review objective. If the obvious negatives are not mentioned, it will increase the skepticism. Do not be afraid to tell the readers about the negatives; they are likely already thinking about it and now is your opportunity to address the thoughts and aid them in making an informed decision. When addressing the negatives, do immediately follow up with the solution or the reasoning which the negative did not deter you from the purchase.

6. Call to action

This is a very important element. The call to action will tell the reader exactly what to do next and it should be very specific directions that have a smooth transition. It could look like a link that says “click here to download X” or “get free shipping by ordering through X.com”.

7. Keyword phrase

As with all pieces of content created for the Internet, it should be optimized using a specific keyword phrase. The review can be optimized for the actual product or the review can be framed around a problem or need. The keyword phrase it should be chosen so that the ideal reader is attracted.