What should you think of online reviews for technology

What Should You Think Of Online Reviews For Technology?

Online reviews for technology usually decide whether the product is bought or not. It is therefore one of the most important decision-making factors, and hardly any portal can do without reviews. Especially when it comes to technology, there are always numerous tests and videos and also about the accessories.

However, customers find it difficult to distinguish between real and fake reviews. Some don’t even know that there are fake reviews. Hundreds of agencies worldwide work in the background to raise product opinions. This not only applies to the technology itself but also to cases and other accessories.

Overview on Online reviews

Online reviews are a type of user-generated content where customers share their experiences with a product or service online. They can be found on a variety of platforms, including social media, e-commerce websites, review sites, and forums.

Online reviews have become increasingly important in recent years, as consumers are more likely to trust the opinions of other customers than they are to trust the claims of businesses themselves. According to a study by BrightLocal, 86% of consumers read reviews for local businesses, and 91% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.

Online reviews can have a significant impact on a business’s reputation and success. Positive reviews can help to attract new customers, increase sales, and improve search engine rankings. Negative reviews, on the other hand, can damage a business’s reputation and lead to a loss of revenue.

Online reviews impact on Business

Businesses can manage online reviews by actively monitoring and responding to them. By responding to negative reviews, businesses can show that they care about their customers and are willing to address their concerns. By responding to positive reviews, businesses can show that they appreciate their customers and are committed to providing a high level of service.

Overall, online reviews are a powerful tool that can help businesses build their reputation and connect with customers. By actively managing their online reviews, businesses can harness the power of user-generated content to improve their marketing efforts and grow their customer base.

A purchased opinion must be marked as such

For example, if the user receives the product free of charge, but is supposed to write a review, then this review is subject to labeling. Such evaluations usually also result from cash payments – these evaluations must then not be included in the overall evaluation of a product, says the consumer advice center.

Portals with test reports: Who can be trusted?

There are also portals on the Internet for a wide variety of topics; these providers have accordingly specialized in these products. There are serious test posts ( onlinecasinosdeutschland.de ) and rather less serious providers who are particularly keen to promote the affiliate programs.

As a buyer, there are few factors to verify this. Most of the time, the layout of the website already reveals whether this is someone who likes to report on the topic or whether they just want to earn a quick buck. Another possibility would be to compare several portals on this topic.

Affiliate Programs For Positive Opinions?

Tests can be found on YouTube or in blogs, which probably cover every aspect of the product. As a rule, long texts are also prepared and these, in turn, are positioned within a list of the best. In this text (or in a video description on YouTube) there are so-called affiliate links.

Most viewers and readers are not even aware that a commission is paid if someone buys the product with it. In itself, however, this is not reprehensible, but a popular way of financing the offer. Large media companies have been using this for years as a replacement for display advertising (banners, popups).

The procedure is always the same. First, an application is made to a retailer for the affiliate program, one of the largest providers for this is Amazon. A team now controls the website and checks whether the internal guidelines have been adhered to. It is also about filtering fake shops or generally pages with fake reviews.

A personal link can then be created – the more expensive the product, the higher the commission. Accordingly, the blogger recommends products from the high-end range. Another factor for the advertiser is that the product page has enough reviews. That should then be a decision aid for the interested party.

You can be protected by the following factors:

  • Are only the most expensive offers marked as “good”?
  • Are there any negative reviews?
  • Are you always linked to the same dealer?

If all three points can be answered with “yes”, then you are dealing with a blogger who cannot be trusted. In this case, renowned test portals should be used.

Online reviews are no longer trusted

Meanwhile, there is also a skepticism towards the online ratings among a majority of consumers, according to a survey by the market watchdog Digital World.

In any case, however, independent testers who are funded with tax money can be trusted. In these test phases, scientific methods are also often used. The influence of dealers and manufacturers would be excluded in principle.

Independent testers are usually involved within an association – not within a corporation. This can be checked by paying attention to the imprint of the website. In addition, you can also ask the consumer advice center whether your own test offers exist. One of the most famous projects is likely to be Stiftung Warentest.

Conclusion: Can you ever trust reviews on the Internet at all?

The Internet is an ideal resource for tracking test results on a project – or so it was thought. In the meantime, however, there are also sponsored reviews on major portals such as Amazon. The platforms are also taking action against it, but with thousands of reviews per day, it is not easy to filter every review.

Amazon tries to ensure more honesty through labeling, for example the label “verified purchase” (also within the Amazon profile ). At Google, people can distinguish themselves as “local guides” if many valuable reviews are given. But even that does not offer complete security. In the future, algorithms will ensure that fake reviews on the Internet will basically no longer have a chance.

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