As a blogger who writes new product reviews at BrainFoggles.com, I want to share my best practices that make my reviews reliable and authentic. In the world of blogging it is important to be honest and accurate in all of our blog posts especially when writing new product reviews. The brands I work with expect me to share my experience with their product and I strive to do that.
Having guidelines for new product reviews is the most helpful way to maintain best practices. One of the guidelines is the product itself. I weed out items that don’t meet my readers’ needs and that I don’t feel comfortable writing about. The only items I’ll review are family friendly products. If I were to relate that to movie ratings I would only accept G rated and possibly PG rated items.
I will not review a product that I don’t have access to. A brand has to ship me toys, beauty products, books, clothing, etc. If I can’t use it how can I recommend it to others? How do I know if there’s something wrong with the design or if the fit isn’t right? It’s not possible to write a new product review without the product. That’s just plain old common sense.
Taking photos to showcase the item is something I try my best to do. It’s helpful when readers can see something besides a stock photo. I’m not the best photographer but I do what I can. It’s like the old adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words”.
Writing in my own voice keeps readers coming back for more. This means that when I write new product reviews I write like I speak. I don’t use big words to impress people and sometimes my emotions come through, yes even when I’m writing about an item! It also means that I am an original writer. I want to stand out from the crowd, not sound like the other bloggers writing about the same topic. One of my best practices is to write my review without reading other reviews first.
I don’t write an ad; instead I tell a story and sometimes share the experience from someone else’s point of view. If I am reviewing a video game and my tween daughter is the one who played it, I’ll ask her questions about the game. Sometimes she’ll write most of the new product review. Another example is when writing a book review I offer how the book has inspired me or caused me to make changes in my life.
To avoid errors and to be sure that posts are well written, spell check and grammar check are always used. Since I’ve been writing new product reviews for over 5 years and brands keep coming back for more, I know I’m using best practices.
Other bloggers that I recommend:
- Kelli from 3 Boys and a Dog offers parent resources and consumer product reviews.
- Bridgette from The Experimental Mommy has a top product review site.
image credit – Dominik Gware
About 
Twitter: TheAngelForever
says:
I love this Connie. I think using the “Story Telling” approach is the most authentic. We can see, relate, and understand your thoughts. Hope to see you soon, it has been way too long.
Beth recently posted..Disney Inspired October
Twitter: tannawings
says:
I like your reviews- always have because they are honest. One of the things that ‘turns me off’ to a blogger is seeing ads like you said. I dont believe very many products could be a 10 out there and I wouldnt expect to see a perfect rating with everything reviewed.
Twitter: AndreaUpdyke
says:
These are great tips Connie! Thanks for sharing.
Andrea (Lil-Kid-Things) recently posted..Register to vote before it’s too late!
Twitter: blm03
says:
Great suggestions! I agree!
Lisa recently posted..Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents DRAGONS Giveaway! #ChiRingling
Twitter: mamabeedoes
says:
I type as I would talk too. Sometimes it comes across a little country but I keep it real yet professional. Great tips!
Mama Bee Does recently posted..Mission Autism United- TOMS eye wear give away 1 for you 1 for a friend
Twitter: 89linz
says:
Great tips. I hate when companies think I should post a review based on some high-res images.
Lindsay recently posted..Coinstar Marriott eTravelCard Giveaway
Twitter: MomMaven
says:
Agreed Connie! I turn down many more product reviews than I actually do because I want the products to be what my readers need.
Cindy recently posted..Lincoln Sneak Peek
Twitter: momof3boys3702
says:
Thanks for the mention
What great tips!
Kelli recently posted..Food Is The Greatest Thing Since Space Travel!
Photos are SO important in reviews! I even use photos in my app reviews LOL
Jenn recently posted..Does the Tria Hair Removal Laser Really Work ? It Does For Me!
Twitter: mamaofalltrades
says:
These are all great tips/points. I especially agree with photos. I am not a fan of product reviews which only use stock images of the product. How do I know you really tried the product if there’s no photographic proof? Great article!
Ashley recently posted..Stride Rite’s Royal Rite Fit Event and Perfect Fit Sweepstakes #DisneyInHomeBloggers #Cinderella
Twitter: 2Wired2Tired
says:
What a great post! These are all wonderful tips. You are a great blogger and it’s wonderful to hear that the brands recognize it as well.
Tesa recently posted..Easy Buffalo Chicken Chili Recipe
Twitter: Mybaybah
says:
I will only review products that I think my family will love and hopefully my readers will love too.
Lolo recently posted..Morning Latte Makes My Breakfast Better #LatteLove @MilkMustache
Twitter: lilaccitymomma
says:
Great tips and advice!!
Hanan recently posted..Crock Pot Ham and Potato Soup Recipe + Ultimate Recipe Challenge #Giveaway
Twitter: Pamlovesbooks
says:
this is very hellpful. you’re a expert!
pammypam recently posted..The Black Count and Alex Haley- FLTW
Twitter: betterrecipes
says:
Thanks for the insight! Great tips!