Is there still life in the traditional product review strategy? I've slowly begun to adopt this new technique and it's going well for me. I think it's about time affiliates moved on and showed a little more understanding of the consumer mindset.
I think the product review style does work, you need to do it properly and I agree with you that biased review, using your own rating does not work anymore. Customer want to read other real customer's review.
People are mostly immune to effusive positive reviews. If you discuss the negatives attributes (as well as the positive) of a product people are amazingly more willing to buy.
Even in the world of testimonials, a few negatives in the mix actually do more to build trust.
__________________ Please login or register to view this content. Registration is FREE
Martin I came across your post earlier this morning and read it. Without discussing the ethics involved I think everything you say in the post is true. It's easy to see how customer reviews are going to lead to more clicks and sales than if the post itself were a favorable product review.
As far as there being life in the traditional product review it probably depends more on your visitor. The more web savvy will likely see through a product review or at least make the assumption it's dishonest where the less savvy likely won't.
Also if you've established trust with an audience based on other things they'll probably believe your sincerity when you make the occasional product review.
It all depends somewhat on the situation. Given your situation I agree with your post.
__________________ l Search Engine Friendly Web Design | Please login or register to view this content. Registration is FREE
l Tips On Marketing, SEO, Design, and Development | Please login or register to view this content. Registration is FREE
Reviews definitely still work if used properly. I have a few product reviews that rank high enough in Google that I make nearly $400 a pop per month off them, you just need to get exposure to the reviews and let the consumers and the products speak for themselves.