In old times, one would have to look for recommendations for an unknown business among friends and relatives. Nowadays, we read reviews, which is, of course, a much better way to get informed. Good-quality reviews give prospective customers a clear and unbiased picture of what they’re signing for.
Conversely, poor quality reviews fail to inform what matters the most. Worse still, they often sugarcoat what would otherwise be deal-breakers. How to tell the good ones from the poor ones? Keep reading and find out.
A Compass in a Sea of Choices
Choices of all kinds cross our daily lives. Where to dine tonight? Where to buy new furniture? Which Netflix show to watch? There are only too many choices for each question for the desperation of all indecisive people out there. While sailing across the chaotic sea of options your search engine presents, reviews can be your lifebuoy. The most reviewed options are likely to rank higher in your search.
It means that reviews are also strategic marketing tools for business. After all, about 88% of customers trust them these days before choosing where to eat, where to go, and where to play. Can all reviews be trusted, though? Unfortunately, not. Because of its power to increase sales, many businesses fake their own reviews or simply pay for an unfairly flattering one.
Here’s what a solid review should provide.
1. Signs of Trustworthiness
For instance, while reading a review about the online casino NetBet, readers will find a section about licences, certificates, and awards that confirm its reliability. Every review should provide equivalent evidence of trustworthiness.
2. Precise Information
Reviews should never misguide customers regarding bonuses, promotions, or any other offer. Above all, it should advertise expired or non-existent offers. This can be double-checked by visiting the business’ website. Content with superlative compliments or too-harsh critics can also be symptoms of rigged content.
3. The Quiet Part Said Out Loud
Here’s something you won’t find in rigged reviews. Because there’s no such a thing as free lunch, offers always come with strings attached. Unbiased reviews will bare these terms unceremoniously, while rigged ones will work around them or simply lie about them. Beware of a review that doesn’t mention any negative aspect of a product or experience.
4. Advanced Information
Sometimes, we only get to really know a product after paying for it. Reading the opinion of customers that crossed the paywall might help you with your choice. Before signing up for a monthly subscription, it’s worth looking at what other users and specialized media are talking about. This kind of article is usually written by users that have gone all the way and can give an inside perspective.
Wise Up
Reading reviews is the new way to buy anything these days for all good reasons. Well-informed customers can make better choices and are less vulnerable to schemes. Remember to choose your content from trustworthy sources. Above all, don’t fall for reviews that sound too good to be true; they often are.