How to Write a Great Review

When I first started writing reviews, especially when collaborating with brands and authors, I was hesitant to include anything that might be seen as “negative” if I didn’t enjoy what I was reviewing. But a great review doesn’t have to be glowing; it just has to be honest and constructive.

Many brands and creators know their work won’t be for everyone and they’re not expecting universal praise, but what they do value is thoughtful feedback, real experiences, and insight into how they can improve. Here’s how you can write a great review that’s worthwhile.

1) Structure and Clarity A great review should be well-organized with a clear structure that makes it easy to read. Platforms like Google or Goodreads make the subject matter clear, requiring minimal introduction, whereas your socials or website would benefit more from providing more detail, context, and photos, as your audience may be unfamiliar with what you’re reviewing.

Be sure to include… What is it, who is it for, and what does it claim to do? For products, share key ingredients, the intended purpose, and how the brand suggests using it. For a service, mention what was promised, what was included, and the cost.

2) Personal Expectations Next, give others insight as to why you decided to try this product or service. What were your expectations and what were you hoping it would do for you? Your unique insight is valuable and sharing your personal experiences will help readers will similar needs understand whether it may work for them too.

3) Hot Takes Are Fine, But Explain Why It’s completely valid to feel frustrated when something doesn’t live up to your expectations. Saying “it sucked” is an honest reaction, but on its own it doesn’t help others understand why it didn’t work for you. The most helpful thing you can do is unpack the disappointment by explaining why. That transforms your frustration into something useful for the next person.

In my opinion… I’ve seen reviews that say “hate it” or “don’t recommend” and while others who’ve had a similar reaction might agree, that kind of review means little to someone who hasn’t experienced it yet.

4) Balanced Perspective Whether you loved or hated a product or a service, it’s important to offer thoughtful suggestions that can give your review a balanced perspective. For example, if you hated a moisturizer that felt too heavy on your skin, you can touch on how someone with dry skin could benefit. Or if you loved it, you could still mention the hefty price point.

5) Honesty Over Hype Just because a product or a service has a ton of glowing reviews doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for everyone. If your experience doesn’t match the hype, don’t be afraid to say so. Your honest perspective matters and that’s what builds real trust with your audience.

6) Good Conclusion After crafting an engaging review, it’s time to let the readers know if this product or service is something you’d buy, use, or recommend. If not, you can make comparisons to similar products you’d suggest instead. This will add more context to your review and help readers make an informed decision.

Writing a great review isn’t about being overly positive, it’s about being real. The best reviews offer personal experience, thoughtful critique, and willingness to see things from multiple angles. So don’t be afraid to be honest, as long as you’re respectful and constructive, you’re doing exactly what a great reviewer should. What do you think makes a great review? I’d love to know.