In this digital age, customers value authenticity and honesty more than ever before. According to Global Newswire, 95% of people who shop online read product reviews before making any kind of buying decision.

If you want to write product reviews that sell people on the product you’re promoting, there are some things you need to know about how to create this type of content. Product reviews are one of the best ways to earn affiliate commissions and you should feature them on your affiliate site because they help potential buyers make a final purchasing decision.

It can be tempting to fall into the all too common trap of only focusing on how much money you can make with product reviews. This money-focused mindset causes some affiliates to write reviews that are bland and generic, misleading or that have way too much sunshine and rainbows content. These affiliates believe that being less than genuine is somehow going to make them rich. What it really does is raise suspicions about their credibility.

In the highly competitive world of affiliate marketing, once you lose credibility with your audience, you might as well pack it in and delete your site. Remember, affiliate marketing is not about how much money you can potentially make. It’s about helping people find items that enrich their lives.

Global Newswire also states that 59% of online shoppers are willing to pay more for products that are recommended by good reviews. In this context, “good” means the review met all of their expectations for providing helpful information.

Your reviews should be all about helping your target audience make an informed buying decision.

Knowing how to write credible product reviews can set you apart from your competition. By being transparent, authentic and well-researched, you can create strong connections with your audience and boost sales commissions.

Avoid Superlatives and Clickbait

Stay away from using exaggerated claims, clickbait review article titles and hype content. While the hype may attract initial attention, it ultimately ends up undermining your credibility. That’s because when exaggerated claims are made, people expect you to be able to back up those claims. However, if all you have is more puffery to offer, people get suspicious really fast and leave.

Focus on delivering valuable insights and thoughtful analysis, and your readers will keep coming back for more.

Research, Research, Research

Before you begin writing your review, dive deep into the product you're reviewing. Gain an in-depth understanding of its features, benefits and drawbacks. Your thorough research lays the foundation for a review that is not only credible but also highly valuable to your readers.

Know Your Audience Inside Out

Understanding your target audience is key to creating persuasive product reviews. Identify their pain points, desires and preferences. Craft your review in a way that resonates with your readers, showing them how the product addresses their needs and enriches their lives.

Be Transparent About Affiliate Links

Don't shy away from disclosing your affiliate relationship. Being transparent about your links shows integrity and earns respect from your audience. It also enhances trust, as readers know you have their best interests at heart.

Be aware that if you live in the USA, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) requires you to disclose your affiliate association with companies or products paying you a commission to promote their products.

Share Personal Experiences

Nothing says credibility like firsthand experience. Share your personal encounters with the product and be honest about both its strengths and weaknesses. Your authentic voice is sure to build trust with your audience. Your ability to be authentic makes your review stand out from all of those numerous generic promotions.

Bring on the Data and Statistics

Support your claims with concrete evidence. Utilize data, statistics and customer testimonials to substantiate your review. Numbers don't lie, and they add weight to your recommendations, giving your readers more confidence in their purchasing decisions.

Address Potential Concerns

Anticipate the questions and concerns your readers might have about the product. By proactively addressing these issues, you demonstrate your understanding of the product's nuances and show that you're genuinely looking out for your audience.

Compare and Contrast

Comparison reviews give you the chance to compare the product you're reviewing with alternative products in the market. This type of review highlights the product’s unique selling points while acknowledging its limitations. A head-to-head comparison adds depth to your review and helps your readers make an informed choice about buying what you recommend.

Include a Call to Action

Wrap up your review with a compelling call to action. Encourage your readers to take the next step, whether it's making a purchase, signing up for a free trial or exploring more product details. Be confident in your recommendation and guide your audience toward a confident decision.

Beyond the Hype: Creating Credible Product Reviews That Sell

by Donna Gets Real, an affiliate marketer and experienced online content writer.