These are the notes from the second part of my presentation at Blissdom. Once again, please feel free to ask if you need any clarification or examples. I also wrote another post about Mom Bloggers, Money and Professionalism that covers some related information.
Four Reasons Companies Like Balanced Reviews
- Useful feedback
- Builds credibility
- Sign of ethical blogging
- Sets up realistic expectations
Review Template Samples
Basic Template
- Pros
- Cons
- Description
- Bottom Line
- Details (price, where to buy, etc.)
Creative Template (sample)
- Description
- Packaging
- Experience
- Value
- Details
Add Your Personality (choose one creative topic to include in all reviews)
- Toddler Test
- 3 Creative Uses for…
- Wendy’s Wish List
Review Writing Prompts
- Do you like the colors/flavors/scents that are available? Do you wish it came in other colors/flavors/scents?
- Does it seem like it will hold up to regular use over time?
- What is one feature you wish it had that it doesn’t?
- What is your favorite feature?
- What is your least favorite feature?
- Was it easy to use right out of the box?
- Is the packaging recycled/recycle-able?
- Is the product made from sustainable/green/safe materials?
- Would you give it as a gift? Why or why not?
- If you had to send back the sample and buy your own, would you? Why or why not?
- Is it age appropriate?
- Does it seem safe? Are there sharp edges or parts that could easily break off?
- Are there a lot of small parts? If so, does it come with a carrying case or container?
- If you could talk directly to the designer, what would you say to them?
- How does this match up in quality/value to other products by the same company?
- Does it have a warranty?
- Is there an easy-to-find customer service number?
* Having a template and using prompts may take some time at first, but can actually decrease the amount of time you’ll spend writing reviews.
[…] Part 2: Review Templates and Prompts […]
Wow! What great points!
I’ve been doing more and more reviews and this is a great resource to have to remember what to include!!
THANK YOU!
Love this-great job!
I just started doing reviews at my WE magazine for Women Website. this is great advice and information.
Many thanks…
BTW, Great blog…
Heidi Richards Mooney, Author ~ Quirky Marketing Calendar: 365 Ways to Promote Your Business Using Zany and Non-traditional Holidays.
This is great. Thank you for the list.