How to Generate Online Product Reviews
Merchants increase product sales potential by generating online reviews. Internet shoppers use reviews to get an idea of another consumer's first-hand experience with a product. A positive review serves to enhance the credibility of your product. In the competitive world of e-commerce, a review can even be the difference between making and losing a sale. When a potential customer is impressed by a review, that is one more reason to choose your product over the competition.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
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Customer Reviews
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Compile a list of places online where customers can comment on products. Examples of websites that allow customers to write a review include Epinions, MouthShut, Cnet Reviews and Buzzillions. Retailers like Amazon also allow customer-generated reviews.
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Write a letter that informs customers of the places where they can leave a review online. You can also include some type of bonus to get customers to act. For example, offer a coupon for future purchases for leaving a review online. Just make sure you include an email address and instructions on how to redeem the bonus. Ask the customer to use his real name or at least include his initials so you can confirm that the customer actually wrote a review.
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Disseminate this letter when you deliver your product. Use a typewritten letter if you are delivering a physical product in the mail. Send instructions in a thank you email if you collect your customers' email addresses. Customers who are interested in spreading the word follow the instructions to write a review.
Website Owners and Bloggers
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Compile a list of website owners and bloggers that review products in your niche. There are dozens of website and blogger directories to find prospective reviewers. Website directories include DMOZ, Best of the Web and Directory World. Blog directories include BlogDirs, Top Weblog, BloggerHQ and Blogging Fusion. Each website owner or blogger typically posts contact info on his website.
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Create a letter that explains your company and product. Include a request to write a review article for the publisher's website or blog. As with customer reviews, offer something in exchange for the review. For example, if you are selling a software product, offer a free copy.
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Disseminate the letter using the contact information for each publisher. If you found a phone number on the website or blog, call to make an offer. Respond to any publisher questions about your review request or offer. Website owners and bloggers who agree to your offer will then write a review of your product.
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Tips & Warnings
Customers, website owners and bloggers can also leave comments and reviews on social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter. These websites typically provide free accounts. When a customer writes a review or comment, all of his friends or followers can see it.
The Federal Trade Commission considers certain reviewers to be endorsers. In some cases, you must have a reviewer post a certain disclaimer to avoid violations of FTC rules. Read the FTC endorser guidelines to ensure compliance with these federal advertising rules.
References
Resources
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