Product review sites abound in the vast seas of the internet, but finding one that's unbiased and operates with integrity can end up like finding the proverbial needle in a haystack. People are bombarded with information and it can be hard to mine the reputable gems from the remaining rubble. Here are some guidelines that trustworthy sites utilize in sticking with industry best practices for product review websites:
Is There an Explanation of How a Reviewer Conducts Product Reviews? A huge item on the integrity checklist is if your website details how products get reviewed - what they try to find, how they evaluate something, and when they purchase these products themselves or instead utilize review copies. This will all be fully disclosed and easily accessible (not buried down in the bottom of the footer, hoping the consumer won't find it.) Is There an About Us Page? This is a crucial element to appear for. Many "reviewers" hide in anonymity and you're never truly sure who runs your website - or what their agenda is! A good hallmark of a sincere product review site is transparency. Should they reviewer identifies him or herself, and gives some background about why they built the site.
Is There an FTC Disclosure, and Is It Properly Displayed? In the United States, product review sites that utilize affiliate links MUST adhere to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requirement to produce an FTC disclosure gem bottle review. This must certanly be prominently displayed on the webpage and never having to click away to another page. It should also show up 'above the fold', i.e., at the top half of the net page, so the reader does not need to scroll down to locate it. Does the Review Site Offer Other Consumer or Marketing Information, or Just Reviews? A consumer-oriented site will be focused on the requirements and interests of the consumer. Reputable product review sites usually offer supplemental advice and practical information as well as reviews - not only pitching every product they "review."
Does the Site Have a Privacy Statement? As a client, you're entitled to learn how your individual information and IP address are now being used. Reputable review sites may have the required privacy page that detail how your information is used.Is There a Mix of Both Positive and Negative Reviews? Authentic, unbiased product review sites may have a mixture of both positive and negative reviews. Beware sites that only give glowing reviews to every product they review, or are single-based sites which feature only one product. A respected review site ought to be consumer oriented and fearless in panning products that don't serve the requirements of the buying public.
Do the Reviewers Purchase the Products Themselves? While there are some reputable reviewers who have the ability to objectively evaluate a free of charge review copy of something without bias, the mere fact that they got it free of charge undermines the look of objectivity. Reviewers that purchase their own products have the ability to remain objective and hold the item accountable to the standards that a regular consumer would.
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