by Ruth Belena

Created on: July 15, 2010

Before starting to write a website review it is worth considering why anyone would need to read a review of a website, rather than just visiting it. Reasons for wanting to read a review could range from seeing how visitors respond to the design and layout of a particular website, to learning how useful a website is for its users, or wanting to know how reliable a particular program might be, particularly when registration or membership is required to use that website.

A website review should start by explaining what the website is about and who it is intended to serve. Do not assume that someone reading a review of a famous website, such as Amazon or eBay, will already know what it is. Some readers could be new to the Internet and may have heard the name but have no idea what sort of website it is. A little known website or new program will need some sort of general explanation as to what it is about. When a website is designed for a specific audience, this should be made clear from the start.

The next part of the review could be a general impression of how well or badly a website is designed, whether or not it is easy to navigate, and if it is fast or slow to load. It would be useful to readers to know what sort of information is available on the website, whether it is free to use or if membership is required to participate. Include a brief description of the type of service provided, products available for download or items that can be ordered and paid for on the website.

When a website features some sort of membership program, or a service that requires payment, it is preferable if you can provide a personal testimonial, but a website review does not have to be based on personal experience. If you have not personally used the program or service you should at least be able to give an account of what can be expected from using it. This information should not just repeat any hype or claims made on the website, a good review could be based on genuine testimonials from active users, provided you do sufficient research to give a balanced account. It is never wise to base a recommendation or a warning solely on one person's opinion, but you can refer to complaints or compliments expressed in forums, on message boards and through social networks.

A website review should never be too gushing in its praise, nor too harsh in its criticism. In a website review where praise or criticism is justified, it is more important to provide the reason for being impressed, or to identify something that is confusing, misleading or inadequate. Your constructive criticism of a website will have more value for the webmaster or the designer than if you simply dismiss it for having poor content or bad design.

When you have considered all of the points a prospective user needs to know about a website, then you can arrive at a conclusion and provide a summary of what it is that makes it worth visiting, or possible reasons not to use it. When you have provided an honest and comprehensive account, readers of your website review should be able to reach a decision, based on your evidence, about whether or not they will benefit by visiting and using that website. 

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