I am constantly being asked how I have the ability to review products for my blog. I have reviewed for Dyson, Holey Donuts, Tupperware, Snugli, Evenflo, Christian Liberty Press, Vistaprint, Sensible Portions, Mindware, Mabel’s Labels, Carolina Pad, and host of small businesses and more than I can think of to mention. Reviewing products is fun and often beneficial to your readers and your family. The first thing you must know before entering into this field is honesty, credibility and experience rule. These aspects are intertwined since the honest product reviewer gains credibility which will garner a closer relationship with PR people and companies and therefore gain experience which will bring on more work. Remembering that your dignity is never worth a free product will pave the way to a success and possibly paid opportunities in this area. The first thing you will need is a blog. You must build your blog with quality content and a design easy on the eyes which once established can lead you on this path.
How did I start?
When I started my blog I never dreamed that I could review products for large companies. I started my blog to house my writing and share my days homeschooling my kids. Once I learned this could lead to product reviewing I gave it a shot. I started by reviewing products around my house. I reviewed curriculum and children’s products since that was the theme of my blog. I also joined book review sites that are willing to take any level of blogger on as a reviewer. My experience soon grew and I was then able to contact companies to request reviews. That’s right; I used to pound the virtual pavement asking for reviews. I know that may sound overwhelming and scary to some but many PR people and companies are used to these requests so they will either say yes, no or never write you back. You do not need thick skin as no one yet has been rude. The worst they will do is not write you back or say they will send you something and not do it. In the grand scheme of things that really is nothing to be afraid of. Once I built a reputation on my blog and as an honest product reviewer who chooses her reviews with her readers in mind I began to have an inbox filled with PR people requesting reviews from me. Ah, now the shoe is on the other foot. As flattering as that was I still did not accept every review that came down the pike. Remember in this business your reputation is everything. You do not want to be seen as someone who will review a piece of gum because it’s free. You also do not want to sing the praises of a free product simply because it was free. You do not work for the company nor the PR person you work for you and your readers.
Stay tuned for more tips…