From electronics and clothing through to groceries – online shopping has enhanced the way we make purchases. The convenience of online shopping brings with it certain subsequential challenges, one of which is how to ascertain if a product is worth your money. This is where customer reviews prove useful.
We’ve all been there, scrolling through endless reviews, trying to decipher whether a product is as great as it claims or just an overhyped money trap. Sometimes, let’s be honest, it is just for entertainment purposes.
Some reviews are detailed while others are vague and would suffice with just “It’s fine.”
So, how would one leave a review that would assist someone in making an informed decision?
▪️ Instead of a rating, tell a story
Knowing how a product impacts your day-to-day life is something that people look forward to in reviews, which is why context is critical. As a result, it is not enough to just know if a product is good or bad.
Instead of simply saying, “I like this backpack,” explain how it performed during your two-week hiking trip.
If the vacuum cleaner you purchased has issues dealing with pet fur, clarify that. Giving some context makes a world of difference.
▪️ Give helpful feedback while still being honest
You’d be surprised how an overly brutal review sometimes can just get ignored. Data suggests consumers have a tendency to believe more balanced reviews rather than extreme ones.
Instead of using phrases like “This phone is trash,” explain what didn’t work for you. Did the battery’s drainage speed bother you? Does the camera turn out poor-quality images in low-light environments?
Make sure to acknowledge the things the phone does well, even though it may not have suited you.
▪️ The devil is in the details
Unclear reviews are not helpful in any way.
Let’s say you are reviewing a laptop. You should mention the battery life, the screen quality, and how well it performs in common tasks.
If it’s skincare, mention the skin type you had and your skin reaction to it, if any.
The more information and details you include, the more valuable the review will become.
▪️ A picture is worth a thousand words
Did you know that when people see photos alongside written content, they are 65% more likely to remember the information?
So, yes, that blurry photo you have with that sweater does help! Have you ever read a review and felt glad to see pictures instead of marketing images?
Inclusion of a photo depicting the product can help capture its important information which is critical for potential buyers.
▪️ Revisit and update
Did you know that reviewers who change their reviews months after usage tend to be more believed?
There are plenty of products that might work initially, but it will not last in the long run.
Revising a rating with new information makes a review more reliable and beneficial for new buyers.
▪️ When to take your concerns further?
Sometimes an unsatisfactory product experience can be personal, or it can be a bigger problem. If a considerable number of users have issues with defects or false advertising, the concern can always be escalated. Websites like ComplaintsBoard.com allow users to complain about red flags, making brands answerable and allowing users to receive proper resolutions.
Your ratings shape in making decisions, which in turn holds companies responsible and makes shopping over the internet clearer. For the next time you compose one, imagine what you would want to know before making a purchase – and provide them with that information.
Author: Daniel Carter
I read online reviews – good and ridiculously bad – and I do so extensively during my free time.
My passion is writing about online consumption patterns and market trends, and I enjoy helping people make informed decisions.
When I am not deep diving into reviews, I’m usually on the hunt for a perfect caffeine fix or rationalizing my latest tech purchase