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How to Evaluate Online Reviews

person on a laptop reading online reviews

Last month we shared some tips on writing reviews and invited members of our apartment community to submit a review of our community here at Riverscape. This month we are sharing tips for effectively evaluating online reviews. This is a useful skill to have, whether you are looking at products, services, apartments, or venues in Odenton, MD!

Evaluating Reviews

Many of the tips that apply to writing reviews are also important when it comes to evaluating review. Look for reviews that are balanced and well written and that strive to be objective. Here are some more tips for getting the most from a review:

  • Take the extreme reviews (both good and bad) with a grain of salt. In fact, toss them out of consideration.

  • Take into account the overall tone of the reviews — are they mostly positive or negative? Is one thing the focus of most of the reviews (management for instance or customer service)? If so, is that aspect important to you?

  • Look for reviews that are balanced and that share the pros and cons of a situation, product, or service.

  • Keep in mind that if there are not a lot of reviews you may not get an accurate picture of a product, venue, or service.

  • When you are reading through reviews, look for trends in what reviewers are saying. If multiple people are saying the same thing, chances are it’s an accurate representation.

  • Reviews that resort to name-calling and hyperbole — particularly, reviews that resort to vulgarity — may simply be a case of sour grapes.

  • Note reviews that are written with clear language, proper spelling, and grammar. This can indicate care was taken to present an honest opinion.

  • Learn to spot false reviews — yes, unfortunately, they do exist! These tips for how to spot a fake apartment review may be helpful.

  • Consider what your purpose is for the product and service and take that into consideration as you evaluate reviews. Just because someone else didn’t like a product or situation doesn’t mean it won’t work just fine for your purposes.

Thanks for taking time to read our post today. We hope the information is helpful as you navigate the world of online reviews.