To write a good product review, start with a thesis that says why you are reviewing the product and who it is for, list its pros and cons, compare it with its competitors, and finish with an honest verdict. This article takes you through those 4 steps.
People write product reviews for different reasons. Some do it to make money, and some do it to build authority in their industry. Whatever the reason, writing a product review sounds simple: first you get to know the product, and then you write about it.
Well, not quite. If you just write down whatever comes to mind, you end up with a messy review.
How to write a good product review
To write a good review instead of a half-decent one, follow the simple guidelines below. You can use the same structure to review not just products but also movies, restaurants, and almost anything else you have an opinion on.
Step 1: start with a thesis
Why are you writing this review, and who is the audience that would benefit from reading it? Take both into account when you write your thesis.
Many reviewers like to open their thesis with a question, like this:
"Are you looking for an easy way to cut your workload in half? Then you're in luck, because in this article we review the Purple Snapper 3000, which promises to do just that with only minimal sacrifices on your part."
Step 2: list the pros and cons
This list is the heart of the review. What makes the product stand out? What are its best features, and its quirks? And what are the shortcomings that keep it from being a 10 out of 10?
Why write it as a list?
A bulleted list of pros and cons is good for the scanners: people who only skim an article for the important bits because they are busy.
Why list the cons?
Because nothing is perfect, and nobody believes a review that only says good things. Write about the product's flaws to show that you are an objective reviewer, and not someone who is paid to create hype around a product.
Step 3: compare
This step is optional, but if you can give a quick comparison between the product and its competitors, your readers get a better picture of how it measures up. People like to be shown alternatives.
A comparison also makes a product easier to relate to. Your readers may never have used the Purple Snapper 3000, but they may have spent some time with the Green Buster 2500. When you compare the two, they can better understand what they can and cannot expect from the new product.
Step 4: write the verdict
At the end of the review, write a conclusion with your sincere recommendation. Would you recommend the product, or should readers go with a competitor's?
If you write product reviews to earn affiliate commissions, don't let the money cloud your judgment, and tell your readers about it. You won't gain their trust if money makes you nearsighted.
Check it before you publish
Before you publish, check your review for spelling and grammar mistakes, for example with the Spell Checker. It is hard for people to take your opinion seriously when your writing is full of typos. For more on writing about products, see 10 tips for writing a great product description.