5 Components a Written Product Review Must Have

If you are considering writing product reviews, it's important to realize that not only do you not have to be an English major, but you don't need to spend 6 months researching and documenting each product you review. People are looking for honest and candid information that's easy to read and not in techno geek. Break down the essential information and provide it in an easy to read format and you've got yourself an excellent review that others will appreciate.

When you write a review, be sure that the product is in front of you when you begin to write about it. Having the box with you so that you can scan the specs and experiment with the product and help you formulate your thoughts and help answer any questions you may have about the product as you are writing.

While it's easy to write a review, there are 5 key components that every product review must have:

1. Your initial impression

Start out by discussing your initial impressions of the product. What were the first things you thought about when you first used the product? Was there anything you were hoping the product would provide that it didn't? Were there features that it had that you weren't expecting?

Provide a quick summary of the product, your impressions, and an idea whether you approve or disapprove of the product.

2. Pros

Include all of the reasons why you like the product, regardless of how big or small. Include why you feel this product is better than other similar items on the market.

3. Cons

Include all the reasons why you dislike the product. What features don't you like, or feel need improvement? Be sure to include whether these issues prevent you from using the product in the way it's intended to be used. Rank the problems that affect your usage higher than your personal opinion.

4. Your experience with the product

Let the readers know if the product does what it is supposed to do. Most products have a purpose or a use and people want to know if the product you are writing about can help them. An item that looks great doesn't always get the job done, while an item that does get the job done may be difficult if not nearly impossible to use.

5. Recommendation

In the end, would you buy this product yourself? Would you recommend it to a friend, or would you only recommend it to someone who has a specialized need?

When you cover all of these areas, you'll have a good idea of where you'd rate a product on a scale of 1-10. Some web site review sections will require you to rate individual areas as well, so be sure to consider those areas as well.

Be sure to include a title for your review that is a one sentence summary that captures what you are saying in the review. You'll find the easiest titles to write are for the products that you are happy with and are excited about.

Above all, be sure that your reviews are both sincere and honest. Don't stretch the truth about a product just because you sell it. Tell the truth because if you don't you'll be doing far more damage to your reputation that will cost you a whole lot more than the couple of sales you made thanks to the bogus review.