Blissdom: PR and Marketing 101 – Review Blogging Templates and Prompts

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.

Back to the Professional Writing notes

5 Responses to Blissdom: PR and Marketing 101 – Review Blogging Templates and Prompts

  1. 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!

  2. 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.

Leave a reply