by Cskoyles

Created on: April 03, 2009

Writing takes many forms. Fiction, features, hard journalism, the list goes on. Few, however, are as fun and rewarding than the review.

In its simplest form, a good review should sway a reader's opinion for better or worse.

Whether we're talking about a new book on the shelves, the latest blockbuster movie or the hottest new gadgets, online reviews are increasingly becoming a well-read medium as consumers look for reassurance when it comes to spending their hard earned money.

That said, churning out "I think this book is really good because it made me happy" and calling it a review just won't cut it in what is already a highly competitive market.

Here then, are a few suggestions for writing better reviews.

Know Your Stuff

Or at least sound like you do.

When people read reviews, they're looking to be influenced one way or another as to whether to spend money. Moreover, they're usually looking to take that influence from a trusted source.

And who are they likely to trust more; Joe Everyman who just so happens to enjoy giving his two cents, or a respected authority in whatever field you happen to be covering who can make an informed opinion?

Nobody's saying you have to be a respected authority (ninety percent of reviewers probably aren't) but, by sounding like you are, you inspire confidence in your reader and thus help them to trust your opinion.

Speaking of opinions, avoid phrases such as "In my opinion, Product X is good" or "From my experience, I have found Product Y to be bad."

You may be being honest, but the strange thing about reviews is that the best ones don't present opinions as opinions, they present them as facts.

And besides,

Nobody Cares About You

It may sound harsh, but in the world of reviews, people don't care about the reviewer, they care about the product being reviewed.

They want the facts, or at least opinions presented as facts, and they want them now.

They don't care that you bought a book you're reviewing whilst on a family vacation to Barbados where you all had a lovely time. Nor are they interested to learn that you got a wonderful tan because you spent so much time on the beach reading it.

Such things may be interesting to you but, to most people, they're just getting in the way.

If you do think it's a good book to read on the beach, simply say so. There's no reason to go off on tangents with your personal memories.

Get to the Point

Whatever it is you're reviewing, there's one thing your reader will want to know above everything else:

Is it any good?

Get

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