If you’ve thought about writing reviews on your blog, I bet you’ve had some questions. Here are some of the most common questions and their answers.

What kind of products would I review?

Products for review are as varied as the types of blogs out there. When you partner with a review network, the items are geared towards kids, moms, or general household. You are always given the option to opt-out (or not opt-in) for each review campaign.

Do I get to keep the products?

Although I’m sure it can happen, I’ve never seen a review campaign where the reviewer did NOT get to keep the item.

Do the products cost me anything?

There is no out of pocket cost to review anything. If you are ever asked to pay something, run as fast as you can!

What is my compensation?

For the most part, you will not receive compensation for a review beyond the free product. However, there are certain ad networks that pay for reviews. There are also companies (such as Pay Per Post) that pay you to write reviews or to spread the word for their clients.

Do I get to give any away?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. That’s really up to the company seeking the review. If they are not offering an extra product to giveaway, it never hurts to ask if they’d be willing to.

Can I do this on my own blog or do I need another blog?

Certain ad networks, particularly BlogHer, do not allow reviews of products over a certain dollar amount to appear on pages with their ads.

Beyond that, it is really up to you if you want to start a separate blog just for reviews or not. Initially, I’d recommend reviewing on your existing blog and then adding a second if necessary.

What if I don’t like the product I’m reviewing?

A thoughtful review that’s not filled with negatives is an honest review. It’s okay to say that you dislike an aspect of something. If, however, you feel the need to write a scathing review, email the company first and let them know your thoughts. Give them the option to let you publish or not. Offer to return the product as well.

Did we miss any questions? If you have more, please let us know.