The challenge for Day 28 of 31 Days to Build a Better Blog centers around crafting a great review post. While some blogs specialize in reviews and do little else, I prefer for review posts to be just part of a natural occurrence.
Part of me having strong opinions about things in my topic areas comes out in writing review posts. Reviews can give your readers an important head’s up about a useful book, great deal or new break-through. They can warn your readers about something that didn’t meet expectations. And they can help you establish yourself as someone who has valuable insight and opinions in your niche area.
How to write an effective review post –
- Have an opinion – and share it
- Be balanced – include pros and cons and need-to-knows
- Don’t be afraid to come up with a rating system
- Compare with other reviewed items
- Tell who will benefit from the product
- Use personal stories – connect with your readers
- Give details – product stats, pricing, how to buy, etc
Above all don’t be afraid to use humor and talk about the product in your personal voice. At last year’s Type-A-Mom Blogging Conference I got a copy of the book 5 Ways to Blank Your Blog (Amazon link to the hilarious book) by Deb Rox and one of the posts she highlights in the book is an amazing review. This make-up review by @Fluidpudding is an example of a really great review post.
Challenge – Write a review post on your blog today. Having trouble thinking of something to review in your topic area? Think outside the box and explore what you like to have/own related to your niche. Maybe it’s as simple as reviewing a magazine, since most topic areas have dedicated publications that are niche-specific.
I write a lot of reviews on my site. it took a while for me to learn to do it right. These tips are right on target.