Increasing Your Business with Product Reviews

A testimonial can be a wonderful thing for your business. Almost all successful companies use testimonials of some kind to show what they are saying about their business (and products) is the truth.

However, what do not work anymore are testimonials on your website. Customers have gotten smarter, and don't always believe what they see on website. What does still work is having a third party posting a glowing review about your products or services, when the customer can clearly see they aren't gaining anything by doing so.

Reasons why you need product reviews:

1. Unbiased review of your products

Sometimes we get so excited about our businesses; anything we say begins to sound like a hyped-up ad. By giving the customer a chance to look at an unbiased review from someone who has nothing to gain from their recommendation, the customer will trust the opinion more.

2. Better decision for the customer

Maybe they have questions or concerns about the product which they don't want to bother contacting you about. Some people are very quiet, and like to see what others are saying about certain items, without taking the time to ask their own questions. By allowing them to read a review, you are giving them the chance to see the product from the view point of another customer. They may or may not buy, but the main point is you'll have much happier and valuable customers who are less likely to be.

3. Give suggestions to potential customers

Have you ever gone to a website, and got lost in all the products they carry? In an offline store, sales people can help point you in the direction of interesting items. Online, though, this isn't the case. Product reviews can offer that "suggestion" and help serve your customers better.

4. Show off your personality

In bigger direct sales companies, the competition between reps can be unreal. Having a product review written about you - and your products - can help bring out your personality. If a potential customer sees you as a recommended representative, with reasons why, they are more likely to pick you as the representative for your company.

How to find product reviews:

1. Family or Friends

Most family and friends have tried your products, right? If they have a blog or their own website, ask if they would be willing to write a review for you. Be sure to give them a few free items for their time, and to accurately review the products you want reviewed.

2. Exchange Products

Find a rep for a non-competing business and swap products. You will need to find someone you trust to write a positive review, or someone you have purchased from before. Be sure you enjoy the products they are offering, so you can write a great review, too.

3. Freelancers

Those who write for a living can provide you with excellent reviews. In addition to the products, it's a good idea to offer a small payment for their time. If you are involved in online communities, you may want to invite members of your favorite groups to write a review in exchange for free products and payment.

4. Find Shopping Websites

Many websites online now offer to write reviews for you for free. It gives the website owner content, and you the chance to show off your best products. Be careful with this option, though, and do not spam the webmaster. Also, NEVER send your products directly to a website owner without asking first.

I hope you've decided to give product reviews a try, even if it does require a bit of an investment. It really is good marketing for your business!