Some blogger do reviews. Not all bloggers. When I first started blogging I liked to do the reviews. It was fun to get new products and try them out, share them with my readers and my in person friends and family. I learned quickly that reviewing products for companies takes more time than I realized.
Reviews Take Time
I try the product for a length of time.
I research the product, visit the website, look for other reviews and if there are ingredients involved that means more research.
I take photos.
I write the post.
I edit the post.
I publish the post and then promote the most through Twitter, Facebook and other social media channels.
I let the company know I posted the review.
If the product is over $25, I log the product in a spread sheet I have created for tax purposes because I need to claim that product on my taxes.
There are many steps involved when it comes to reviewing a product and if the product value is on the low end of the scale my time and effort can outweigh the effort I put into reviewing the product. Which is why now I am more cautious at which products I say yes and not to reviewing and why I now have another writer who does reviews, it helps me tremendously.
A Review Twist
Now companies would like for you to do a review, a giveaway and they have an extensive list of expectations. Here is how I feel about this, I will do a review. I might post the giveaway with my rules if I think my audience would like this but giveaways take even more time but they do bring me extra traffic so I’m okay with it. I promote the review and/or giveaway but additional links, extra efforts, banners and items that are really part of a campaign – that is not a review it is a marketing campaign that I should be paid for!
Bloggers, need to be careful because there is a fine line between a review and a full fledge marketing campaign that you’re part of and not being paid for. Find that line and draw it or else you are being taken advantage of.
A Review Blog or More than That
Another thought, are you more than just a review blog? Do you provide quality content, share stories about your life? What is the purpose of your blog? It is easy to become a review blog where all you do is talk about brands you use, products that you like and review items. Think carefully when you accept that review product and plan carefully as to how that will coordinate into your editorial calendar. Do not let the brands take over your blog, control what you are about. Stuff does not make a person successful.
What is Your Policy?
If you do reviews, do you have a policy? Have you let the company know if you return products, what your time frame is or how you will communicate with the company? You are business if you are working with brands, accepting product and reviewing items. Not only should you claim the product you review on your taxes you should be letting those you work with know your policies. Do you know what the law means to you and your blog reviews and giveaways? If not, it is time to get serious.
My Examples:
http://greenandcleanmom.org/advertise/
http://greenandcleanmom.org/product-submission/
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