Becoming a Top Amazon Reviewer: Three Big Blunders to Avoid
I often get asked how I became a top Amazon reviewer. Usually, folks are looking for a quick and easy way--that is, they don't really want to do real work. When I mention that they will likely need to write hundeds of reviews, they usually lose intereset.
Beyond that, however, there are some huge pitfalls to avoid. Luckily, they are pretty simple to explain--but maybe not so easy to avoid.
Here are some really silly, but disastrous, blunders:
BLUNDER #1. FOCUSING ON THE FREE STUFF
Of course, it's fun getting free products or books to review. The problem is when you lose perspective. Quality reviews have to come first--free stuff second. If you are focusing on free stuff, you are not focusing on quality content. If you write outstanding reviews, sellers will definitely flock to you.
BLUNDER #2. FOCUSING ON YOURSELF
Remember that people are looking at reviews to know more about the product. They want to know if Gadget XYZ really is a 5-Star product, or if there some hidden shortcomings.
In a product or book review, people are not interested in hearing about you. This means, for instance, that if you are uploading a video review, you should only briefly mention yourself. Do not include a big, fancy intro with lots of sound and visual effects.
Some of the worst video clips I have seen are from video experts explaining how to edit video. These clips often begin with a few minutes of silly talk, wasting the watcher's time.
Of course, it's fine to discuss how you used a product, but the potential buyer doesn't really want to be introduced to your family.
BLUNDER #3. AVOIDING HARD WORK
If you are not willing to spend the time writing quality reviews, you are never going to be a top reviewer. In short, emphasize quality, not quantity of reviews. Think competence.
Here's an experiment: Look at some of the reviews of the top reviewers in the world. I bet you will soon notice something. These people really know what they are talking about! Whether it's a power cable or a coloring book, the reviewer speaks with authority. They are not guessing.
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED
If you are willing to spend a lot of time and energy writing quality reviews, it is possible you will become an Amazon top reviewer. Naturally, you must also possess excellent writing skills.
If, on the other hand, all you want are free gadgets, you are likely to be sorely disappointed.
