It is very unlikely that you haven’t read a review of “the top tools” for something. You might have been looking for a new laptop, a better email management app, a nice photo editing tool, or anything else and your google search led you to a review blog/vlog. YouTubers, Bloggers, and tools enthusiasts love to share their experience with different tools and explain what they liked and disliked when they tested a specific tool for a purpose. Some actually make lots of many doing these reviews. “Unbiased” reviews are a great source for many people to choose a product, and this motivates companies to use this as an efficient marketing method.
Here is what a good review should have in my opinion:
Readers should immediately understand what your review is and is not about. If you are reviewing tools to “book a meeting”, clearly write about that and perhaps mention this is not about “calendars”, “task managers”, or “note taking”.
2. Short Intro Paragraph:
That intro paragraph, or intro chat you have in your YT video, should jump right into it. Sure, your review should try to connect with the reader/viewer about why they might want to use these tools (e.g. why they might need a calendar software, or a webcam). But chances are when they are reading/viewing the review, they already know that! So better cut to the chase.
3. Thorough and unbiased research:
What I hate when I am reading reviews is to be handed a biased list that does not include the main players. Of course, any list is to some extent biased, but to review word processing software and not mention the main players (“Microsoft Word”, “Google Docs”, “LibreOffice”, “Pages”), would immediately make me feel this is biased, and that the research is incomplete. Clearly explain what tools were included and why.
4. Explain the testing procedure:
Well, thank you for your opinion, but we need to know how that opinion was made! A good review should explain how the tools under review were tested, for how long, and for what purpose. Otherwise, the reader might not be able to rely on the review.
5. Update if your opinion changes:
Some reviewers update their opinion after they used the tools for a longer period, which makes those reviews a lot more reliable and useful. Your opinion is not sacred, your integrity and dedication to honestly appraise something is.
6. Pros, Cons, and Prices:
The best reviews clearly explain what Pros and Cons they have found in their research on different tools. Pricing information and what users can get at different price levels are also a great help for readers/viewers to make their choice.
7. Comparison table:
Having a table where you compare the multiple tools you reviewed based on their features, ease of use, prices, etc. is a great way to summarize your points and help readers make their pick.
8. Pictures, videos, links:
Life is hard enough! Do not make it harder for your readers/viewers by having them do another google search for the tool you are reviewing. Add pictures, videos (e.g. explainer videos from the app/tool website), links to their website, or download/purchase links for the tools being reviewed right in the article/video. Make it easy for people to quickly validate your points or to make up their mind and take action.
Here are some good examples on tools reviews, with a note that they do not follow all the great tips I had for good reviews (I know, they really should!):
The 7 Best Email Management Software + Features to Look For
The best webcams 2022: top picks for working and streaming