People buy from people.....
People know I like making money on the Internet through blogging, writing, affiliate marketing and even a home business....
They know I like to help others.
If they read my other blog/s they know me even more personally.
Based on what people know of me, they can decide if they will follow my blog, go to websites or marketing systems I recommend, or even purchase products or services from me.
So I was going to write about about all that, but then found a blog post that pretty much covered that subject. The comments are quite varied and even a little heated.......
A Cowboys Wife really hit a nerve here, but I feel the same way she does.
Reviewing products, especially family related products should be on a "mom or pop" blog, as there will be many readers who are parents.
If you review "business items" such as electronics, marketing systems, books, etc...a straight forward blog is ok, but I still feel people have to get to know a little bit about the author.
What do you think?
Posts
I just read the blog post you mentioned. I hate to admit it..but when I look through blogs and see reviews I pass over them most of the time. I only read curriculum or book reviews really.
ReplyDeleteI have done my share of reviews and even have a review blog (that I rarely use). I developed a review blog to keep the advertising off my main blog. I have a love/hate relationship with reviews. I will admit I enjoy doing them more than reading them. I will also say most aren't worth the time. I also wonder if we are shooting ourselves in the foot. Companies give us a free product and we give them advertising directly to their target audience. Should a reviewer get paid? Well...that has it's own issues. But that's another story.
I say blog about what you want...but don't expect a ton of respect if it is obvious you review solely to get a free product. If you review items you have an interest in and everyone knows it...that's a different story. I'm a homeschooler and I review curriculum or items pertaining to education. However, if you read my blog I have a ton more than reviews and some reviews I did on my own. Am I superior? NO! HARDLY! I just found a niche. I think that those who love to review will find credibility in finding a niche and post about a topic every now and then. Sprinkle in some recipes and how-to's. That's just my opinion.
Oh and yes, I have done my share of "I want that" and did a review for it. lol. Why not? But I think those types of reviews...those outside your niche..need to be on products that are particularly good. This way if you choose to have a review blog...you can retain credibility even if you are not into sharing your deepest thoughts and feelings.
Thanks for your comment, Richele. I even like some of the reviews, and feel if it's your blog, write about whatever floats your boat.
ReplyDeleteBut.....
I did on a post a few weeks ago on my other blog asking what my readers felt made a good blog. Many liked the personal touch with pics of kids and cute kid stories.
Check it out and feel free to leave a comment!
http://workinginjammies.blogspot.com/2010/05/your-opinionwhat-makes-blog-good.html
I don't mind reviews as long as they're honest. That is, if I can see the same exact thing elsewhere, I don't trust it. I also don't trust any blog where every single review is a good one. You've seen my blog; even though I don't officially "review" stuff, I do talk about it, and many times I don't like it, or like parts of it, and I say so.
ReplyDeleteYou are unique, Mitch!
ReplyDelete