How to write quality reviews for websites
What is considered quality feedback? How do you get 5 stars for your reviews? Below I’ll give some recommendations to address these questions.
1. Be specific
This is the first principle that you need to apply (possibly to every sentence in your review).
Abstract notes and adjectives like “Your design is too heavy” or “User menu is misplaced” carry no useful meaning. Try giving concise recommendations on what you think can be improved like “Making the block borders thinner and removing the top banner that almost touches the text will improve the readability of articles” or “Place the menu on the top left of the header section so it can be easier accessed by the users”.
This principle can be applied not only to suggestions/recommendations, but also to positive feedback (what you’ve liked) - “I found the pop-up tool tips for the tools listed in the left panel really helpful”.
In two words - be specific. Some site owners can mark reviews as spam if they are too generic.
2. Be honest
We created Feedback Roulette specifically to enable people to be honest in their opinions. Since all the reviews are anonymous you are free to express your thoughts and feelings, but please don’t be rude.
3. Pay attention to site owner’s notes and questions
Most site owners ask specific questions or outline certain aspects of a website to be evaluated in their notes. Make sure you follow the notes and answer all the questions.
4. Make sure to fill in all the fields on the review form
Default Feedback Roulette review form contains three text fields for:
- Things that you like
- Things that you dislike and would suggest to improve
- Miscellaneous notes
The form has been constructed this way for a reason. Both positive and negative feedback is important. Try to specify at least 3-5 positive things when writing a review. This will motivate the site owner to work further on improving the website.
As for dislikes and suggestions, try to concentrate them all in the appropriate field, don’t spread them to other fields. This will allow site owners to easier manage and act on their feedback.
In the notes field you can sum up your review and tell about overall impression of the website. You can also answer site owner’s questions in that box.
Review form also contains star ratings for various aspects of the website. Just go with your gut feeling to rank the site.
5. Be polite
Anonymous reviews don’t mean that you can be rude. Users can report to site administration and your account can be banned for inappropriate conduct if you directly insult other members or use inappropriate language.
And finally, when writing reviews try to put yourself in site owner’s place - what would you feel when if you saw this review? Would it be helpful? Would you be happy to receive it? Feedback Roulette is all about reciprocity - treat others like you’d like to be treated yourself.
I’m hoping that these recommendations will help you further improve your skills as an expert and will allow you to get more out of Feedback Roulette. For your convenience there’s a quick summary of these tips on the review page.
