Product reviews remain one of the most effective tools in the affiliate marketer's arsenal.  As a result, I often get asked about FTC guidelines regarding product endorsements and testimonials.  Of course, I am not a lawyer or a government official.  If you need advice about FTC rules, you should consult one of those sorts of people.

In the mean time (while you are searching for a lawyer that you can both understand and afford), you can enjoy this guest post from my friends Loretta and Lisa Marie, who have spent some time researching the subject and breaking the issues down into English.

FTC Guidelines And Product Reviews

The Federal Trade Commission has approved recent revisions concerning the use of testimonials in endorsements. It is now required to disclose any connections with the company or the manufacturer of the product being reviewed. It should also be specified when the product was acquired as complimentary merchandise from a certain company. Any compensation received by an online writer in exchange for reviewing a product must be disclosed. This transparency enables buyers to be aware of any connections between the blogger and the product manufacturer. This will ideally make readers more aware and more pragmatic about whose statements carry more weight.

This rule will also positively impact your reader’s view, they may assume that if you freely disclose where you have acquired the product then you have nothing to hide and your reviews are genuine. Product reviews can easily conform to FTC guidelines by adding a short statement about the product’s procurement.

Product reviews is still one of the best ways to generate affiliate commissions.

Reviews ensure sales every day by giving prospective clients information that will conclude with a purchase. Consider the fact that people always ask the opinion of others before buying a certain product. Buyers gather information by asking people who have tried the products themselves. Putting reviews in the site transforms you from a promoter to an individual who objectively describes specific merchandise. You are no longer a salesman who inspires suspicion or doubt; you are now a credible source who reveals benefits and possible disadvantages.

Many affiliate marketers use the same content in their landing page as the ones seen in the manufacturer’s promotional site. This is a common mistake that should be avoided. Uniqueness is valued in online marketing because prospective buyers gravitate to honest content.

Use reviews as a way to impel readers to click on the affiliate links you have posted, get their attention and stimulate their curiosity.

Avoid being obviously biased and adapt an impartial tone. Truth is highly regarded by readers and when a few minor negative traits are mentioned, this is seen as a sign of an honest review and will actually result in more sales.

Include specifics to give the impression that the product has been thoroughly tried and tested. Making review sites that link to affiliate products is great way to promote a product without doing it outright. Promotional articles discourage prospective buyers because they are understandably seen as biased views.

Good reviews are essential for an affiliate venture to work. They should be written to appeal to the majority. This means they should be engaging, filled with information and be easy to understand.

Use PLR or Private Label Rights articles as a cheaper alternative to hiring personal writers when you are lacking in writing skills. PLR articles can be given a unique twist by incorporating how the product has helped personally.

Present a situation that many people experience and can relate to. Credible content will establish your site as a reputable source which will generate more traffic, and in turn, more commissions.

Click here to get a great deal on PLR product reviews that you can use today!

Thank you to Mark for allowing us to be guests here on MasonWorld!