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Do 'review' sites still work?

by DoubleOhDave
46 replies
hey guys,
was looking over some old stuff last night and started reading one I had a while but han't followed up on at the time - about creating Amazon review sites. It's from 2010. I had heard that they don't cut the gravy any more (review sites, that is)..
Does anyone have any experience with them?
Would it be worth putting any time into one?

Particularly interested in what any old timers have to say who may have been using one in the past, as I seem to recall they were a big deal once upon a time?

Thanks
00Dave
#2010 #2012 #effective #review #review sites #sites #work
  • Profile picture of the author Nathan2525
    Originally Posted by DoubleOhDave View Post

    hey guys,
    was looking over some old stuff last night and started reading one I had a while but han't followed up on at the time - about creating Amazon review sites. It's from 2010. I had heard that they don't cut the gravy any more (review sites, that is)..
    Does anyone have any experience with them?
    Would it be worth putting any time into one?

    Particularly interested in what any old timers have to say who may have been using one in the past, as I seem to recall they were a big deal once upon a time?

    Thanks
    00Dave
    Hey Dave,

    Yes, Yes and YES.

    People will always look for reviews before buying things.

    The only difference is that consumers are getting smarter
    and so review websites have to evolve.

    You used to just put up a review and you make sales.

    To make serious money now you actually have to care
    about what you are selling and respect your readers.

    If you actually use the product you are reviewing and can
    show someone with a video and text what exactly it is,
    how it benefits them and anything they should be aware of.

    You will make sales.

    Hope this helps.
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    • Profile picture of the author Trevor
      Of course they work. They'll always work, because people will always be interested in getting more info about the product they want to buy prior to actually buying it.

      The hard part is beating your competitors. But if you are able to get to the top in the SERPs for a "commercial" keyword, you are going to make money.
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  • Profile picture of the author DoubleOhDave
    Thanks guys, maybe one of you would be able to help with something I can't do from the WSO - it is a bit out of date and says to check how many other sites are linking to the product on amazon you go to Yahoo and type in the search field link:producturl which will show how many other sites have linked to that product. Only thing is, now it's Bing and I can't do that - what does anyone suggest I use to check? I have had a bad habit of charging in and not doing this groundwork properly... That's my new year's resolution!
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  • Profile picture of the author Diice
    Im just 16 years old and my first 2 websites were based around reviewing products, i made a decent amount of money through adsense although didnt make much through comissions etc. But the thing is my websites didnt even get that big, i had maybe 10-15 articles on one, and it made me quite a few dollars so that i could get a taster for the online entrepreneur.

    The obvious drawback is that the niche is heavily saturated. The competition is immense and you need to offer something completely different to your competitors.

    Thanks,
    -Michael
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    • Profile picture of the author tjcreation
      Originally Posted by mickylee7 View Post


      The obvious drawback is that the niche is heavily saturated. The competition is immense and you need to offer something completely different to your competitors.

      Thanks,
      -Michael
      I agree with Michael (congrats by the way - you're more motivated that most 16 year olds!). I have a number of review sites about CPA oriented products (not Amazon) that make sales. However, you need to be sure you have unique articles, with a compelling story to draw readers in to the site. In my opinion, you need 12+ articles and a decent design and they do still work.
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      • Profile picture of the author TerryL
        Review sites do work. I have several of them that do pretty well. Having unique, original content, good keywords, and a website that is properly optimized for on-page SEO is important. But think about it....do you look for reviews of products before buying? I know I do. And I often make purchases based on those reviews. So other people must, as well. That's why review sites are still good to use in your overall internet marketing strategies.
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  • Profile picture of the author JimMichael
    Indeed they do.

    I have some review sites running that I set up during 4 days last year. I really took my time with them and they generate me around $1500 a month combined, and I literally don't touch them.

    Just sit back and let the commission checks hit my doormat.

    Affiliate Marketing isn't what I do full time - I just did this as a test. Probably should have stuck with it!
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  • Profile picture of the author chansgrose
    Originally Posted by DoubleOhDave View Post

    hey guys,
    was looking over some old stuff last night and started reading one I had a while but han't followed up on at the time - about creating Amazon review sites. It's from 2010. I had heard that they don't cut the gravy any more (review sites, that is)..
    Does anyone have any experience with them?
    Would it be worth putting any time into one?

    Particularly interested in what any old timers have to say who may have been using one in the past, as I seem to recall they were a big deal once upon a time?

    Thanks
    00Dave
    Review sites DO work and I can show a nice 4-5 figure a month clickbank account that is JUST associated with 22 different review sites.

    Would It be worth putting time into one? Not one, but maybe 3 of them off the bat to see where you're at and if you can get them ranked effectively or not. I've been doing review sites for clickbank products for a while now and they have always been a portion of my income. Only downside is you have to buy the product to review it, but I buy it under my own affiliate account
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    • Profile picture of the author Itachi
      I'm curious about amazon review sites too in particular because I like the 24hours cookie stuff, But I was wondering too if it was still worth it, especially since I checked some potential items that I would want to make a review on and those got like 5 in stock..I'm not so sure about that but that does'nt make sense to make a review site for a product that have 5 instock (will they even restock?) that's my main concern with amazon..
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  • Profile picture of the author TiffLee
    I know a few people who do ClickBank review sites ... pertaining exclusively to the MMO niche. They have tons of competition, but well-written content keeps drawing traffic to each of their respective sites. The end result? Pretty large commission checks from CB.

    ... so, yes, I'd venture a guess to say that review sites are very much alive and well. As well, seeing as how they are still relevant for ClickBank, I'd assume that they'd work for other avenues (that is, Amazon).
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  • Profile picture of the author david carr
    Review sites work great I earn good paychecks from clickbank, shareasale and a couple other networks by reviewing products and getting the pages to number 1 in google.

    Regards
    Dave
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    • Profile picture of the author Mr. Ken Russell
      Good review sites for Amazon products convert at 20% - 35%.

      At least from my own experience.
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      • Profile picture of the author chansgrose
        Originally Posted by Nio93 View Post

        Good review sites for Amazon products convert at 20% - 35%.

        At least from my own experience.
        That is one of the most outrageous things I have ever heard...

        Most review sites convert at an average of 0.5% and lower
        Example: you target a keyword that has 10,000 monthly searches, you get 5,000 of those to visits your site at a 0.5% conversions rate which is very average.. that's 25 sales per month, if your product paid $40 per sale at 25 sales that would be $1000 per month.

        Your "experience" must have been in a dream...
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        • Profile picture of the author Andy Hart
          Originally Posted by trexpro View Post

          That is one of the most outrageous things I have ever heard...

          Most review sites convert at an average of 0.5% and lower
          E
          That's no where near an "average" conversion rate for review sites.

          Do a search on this forum for amazon conversions, the typical is around 3%-8%.

          0.5% is low, average conversions on a clickbank are around 1% but physical are on average higher.

          I think the term "average" is actually a pointless metric, it all depends on the quality of your traffic and your presell etc, but your average across the board is very very low, search this forum and see for yourself

          Andy
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        • Profile picture of the author Mr. Ken Russell
          Originally Posted by trexpro View Post

          That is one of the most outrageous things I have ever heard...

          Most review sites convert at an average of 0.5% and lower
          Example: you target a keyword that has 10,000 monthly searches, you get 5,000 of those to visits your site at a 0.5% conversions rate which is very average.. that's 25 sales per month, if your product paid $40 per sale at 25 sales that would be $1000 per month.

          Your "experience" must have been in a dream...
          Wrong. I'm pretty sure my stats don't lie and are completely legitimate. It seems your probably having issues with generating proper traffic, or your product reviews or content is crap or not user friendly. It takes a specific technique of writing to truly capture a lead and convert them into a buyer.

          It also depends on other factors that I don't feel necessarily to get into right now but it's highly possible to achieve these conversion rates. You probably just need to learn how.
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          • Profile picture of the author chansgrose
            Originally Posted by Nio93 View Post

            Wrong. I'm pretty sure my stats don't lie and are completely legitimate. It seems your probably having issues with generating proper traffic, or your product reviews or content is crap or not user friendly. It takes a specific technique of writing to truly capture a lead and convert them into a buyer.

            It also depends on other factors that I don't feel necessarily to get into right now but it's highly possible to achieve these conversion rates. You probably just need to learn how.
            Well, I wont argue about it, if your converting visitors at that high of conversions then hats off to you... but I still believe that's one of the highest conversions I've heard for a review site. In 4 years I've never converted free organic traffic in that high of a percentage
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            • Profile picture of the author myob
              Originally Posted by trexpro View Post

              Well, I wont argue about it, if your converting visitors at that high of conversions then hats off to you... but I still believe that's one of the highest conversions I've heard for a review site. In 4 years I've never converted free organic traffic in that high of a percentage
              In all fairness, Nio93 did not even mention "free organic traffic" as a source. I also get similarly high conversions through effectively laser-targeting traffic through article syndication, lead capture, and even offline promotions/advertising. Just because you can't get 35% conversions does not mean it's not being done. :p
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        • Profile picture of the author daveyace
          Originally Posted by trexpro View Post

          That is one of the most outrageous things I have ever heard...

          Most review sites convert at an average of 0.5% and lower
          Example: you target a keyword that has 10,000 monthly searches, you get 5,000 of those to visits your site at a 0.5% conversions rate which is very average.. that's 25 sales per month, if your product paid $40 per sale at 25 sales that would be $1000 per month.

          Your "experience" must have been in a dream...
          in a dream? i am promoting amazon products at the moment and i have to say they convert like crazy! this isn't clickbank here, people trust amazon.

          if your keyword is the product name (not product name review) all that person wants to do who typed that keyword into google, is find somewhere to buy from.

          and from my experience they convert more like 5%
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  • Profile picture of the author richfit
    Absolutely review sites still CRUSH IT. Just be sure to have proper disclosure on your site and if at all possible be LEGIT about it and do a REAL, Honest Review.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Thompson
    Helping readers by adding value through a review will ALWAYS work
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  • Profile picture of the author paul_1
    Most of the wise buyers will always consult or read a review first before buying it. So, yeah it really helps!!!!
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  • Profile picture of the author DoubleOhDave
    Great - looks like it's worth adding a few niche review sites... TiffLee I just signed up for your article syndication report... Hope it's good!
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    • Profile picture of the author Shane Hon
      I believe they do work. People are constantly looking for write ups about products that they are interested in and the number one place that they will go and look for information would be the internet.

      I think review sites are considered as an evergreen method as it not only provides valuable information about the product, it also gives the consumer the option of comparing it with other brands online to finalize his/her decision with convenience in the shortest time possible.
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  • Profile picture of the author seobro
    QUESTION: Have you actually used the product or service? Otherwise, it is hard to write a review. I believe creating a video is a great way to gain exposure. Post it on you tube with your other mini movies. Include a link back to your review page. Also, this is important for me. Add special content on little known features of the product or service. This should get you more links to your page.
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  • Profile picture of the author timbarker
    Banned
    Of course it still works. My 3 Amazon Review Sites are still generating money and I'm not experiencing problems with them. So they totally still work.
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  • Profile picture of the author Yulia from DNP
    Lol you wont believe how good they are still going ; ))), but i think you already got your answer
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  • Profile picture of the author GemFranco
    Banned
    Still works for me too.
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    • Profile picture of the author thedog
      I'm doing quite well with mine

      OP, why would you think they're not doing as well as they used to?

      I think most people online, looking at review sites, have no idea they're on an affiliate site... of course, you should have your T&C'S... but who reads them.

      Offer them quality, don't waste their time... reap the reward.

      It's a very simple model that's been around for years, and is going nowhere...
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      • Profile picture of the author Chris Cole
        Originally Posted by thedog View Post

        I'm doing quite well with mine

        OP, why would you think they're not doing as well as they used to?

        I think most people online, looking at review sites, have no idea they're on an affiliate site... of course, you should have your T&C'S... but who reads them.

        Offer them quality, don't waste their time... reap the reward.

        It's a very simple model that's been around for years, and is going nowhere...
        I totally agree with this...

        There are many, many marketers who are quitely making great money by publishing product reviews on their sites.

        This is a model that will still be around in years to come. People will always look to read reviews (I know I still do) and gather information on a product they are interested in just before they hit the buy button. If you ensure your review provides the searchers the answers they were seeking as well as providing them with the convenient link to go buy, then you will make great money with review type sites.

        Many people put up half assed attempts of a review site then wonder why they are not making money. They copy and paste their content from sites like Amazon and re-hash old content. They do not provide the searcher with unique content giving them a different perspective to the rest of the half assed sites. Others try to take the easy route and build using auto plugins/blogs and they will only pull the same information everybody else is putting on their sites.

        You need to go the extra steps to truly see results with your online business.
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  • Profile picture of the author Netpreneurs
    The answer is YES..
    But I would be relatively selective nowadays in terms of what products I choose to reviews. I would always go for products I will use and but myself before putting them up for reviews..
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  • Profile picture of the author youngsiteowner
    Banned
    I have made a couple of review sites but they were my first sites I ever made. Here is the deal: if you like writing, you can make hundreds or even thousands of dollars from review sites but if you don't like to write then it will just be a waste of time.

    Also, all the writing you put on the site should be your content only and should be unique.
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  • Profile picture of the author TheStreets
    Definitely. But success obviously depends on the niche (funeral services reviews =/= kindle 4 review for e.g.)
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  • Profile picture of the author TBInternetMarketing
    Yes definitely they do.
    One of my Amazon review sites made $250 last month alone.

    I try to write honest reviews though that are helpful to the reader. Useful feedback can really help them in the buying process.
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  • Profile picture of the author canada94
    Yeah they still work, it took me a good few months before I started to make anything, however, that was because I didnt know how to drive traffic, ive got a few google #1's and a few on the first page, so yes i think its worth investing in a few of your own.

    Hope this helps


    kevin
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    • Profile picture of the author Eamon Diamond
      Reviews sites will always have a place for people looking to gather
      more information on products that someone else has looked at, before
      they consider buying online.

      I still like to look at review sites myself before I buy, so yes they do still matter.
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  • Profile picture of the author tpw
    Reviews always work. I make money with them all the time, including today.

    But your success with them will hinge on the credibility you have with your audience.

    If the person landing on your review doesn't know you from Adam, then your task is a little more difficult. So you need to add a flavor to your review that will help the reader gain trust in what you are telling them.
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  • Profile picture of the author xu1
    Review Sites do work. But the fake review sites don't. I can spot them immediately and I guess so can most people. What I mean by the fake ones is the fake review that is pushing a particular product over and above the rest for obvious reasons.

    Tony
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  • Profile picture of the author Janice333
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    • Profile picture of the author nellterry
      Man, they must still be working. Amazon reviews are what 75% of my clients want me write for them. And they're paying good money for the articles. They wouldn't be paying me so much and ordering so many if they weren't making money.
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  • Profile picture of the author Randall Magwood
    I agree. Review sites are still worth it. Trust me. And they're incredibly easy to create. The more you get up, the more you'll be able to make money online.
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  • Profile picture of the author kea55
    I have a few review sites, and they are very fun to create and seem to hold some real lucrative potential. I do really need to put some work into them though. Then I think I would really see the income begin to just pour in.
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  • Profile picture of the author Torreylee
    Review sites are still making money, without a doubt. But like any other type of site it needs to be SEO'd and marketed properly. The simple fact that you have a review site in and of itself means much of nothing.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jon Patrick
      Originally Posted by tpw View Post

      But your success with them will hinge on the credibility you have with your audience.
      It's funny how that principle applies to so many aspects of internet marketing. Whether you're selling, preselling, squeezing, or joint-venturing, it all revolves around whether or not your audience takes you seriously.

      Originally Posted by nellterry View Post

      Man, they must still be working. Amazon reviews are what 75% of my clients want me write for them. And they're paying good money for the articles. They wouldn't be paying me so much and ordering so many if they weren't making money.
      Agreed! Amazon reviews account for a substantial portion of my writing gigs as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author vliddico
    One of the main reasons people use the internet is to "review" products and services. Review sites both DO and DO NOT work it depends on where they are positioned in the market and search results, this is where keywords are critical.
    Have a look at Amazon - every product has a review and that review can kill the conversion if its bad...why? Because people actually do read them.
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  • Profile picture of the author zamzung
    Review sites will always work, and in my opinion it doesn't matter for which affiliate program or products you are doing review sites... of course, if products are not popular or your review site sucks, you won't make a dime... but quality review sites will always bring money in... logic is simple: people love reviews because they want to see what other people (buyers) think about particular products... so if you know how to make a review site, you can cash in pretty good
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