How to Create a Review Website in 10 Simple Steps

Why Start a Review Website?

1. Evergreen SEO Traffic: Reviews often rank for years—especially with consistent updates and good backlinks.
2. Affiliate & Ad Revenue: Earn money through affiliate links, sponsored placements, or display ads.
3. Build Authority in a Niche: Establish expertise in a specific space—fitness tech, travel gear, or SaaS.
4. Scalable Content Model: Reviews follow a repeatable format—making it easier to grow your content library.
5. Help People Make Smart Choices: Trusted review sites genuinely help readers make informed decisions.

Key Features to Include in a Review Website

1. Category Pages: Organize reviews by product type, use case, or niche.
2. Individual Review Pages: Include ratings, pros/cons, specs, screenshots, comparisons, and affiliate CTAs.
3. Comparison Tables: Help readers evaluate key features across multiple products at a glance.
4. Scoring or Rating System: Add visual star ratings or score breakdowns by criteria.
5. Affiliate Disclosures: Clearly show FTC-compliant disclaimers.
6. Search & Filter Tools: Let users find reviews by category, price range, or rating.
7. Mobile-Responsive Layout: Prioritize clean design, fast load times, and touch-friendly navigation.
8. Email Capture Forms: Offer buyer’s guides or updates in exchange for emails.

How to Create a Review Website in 10 Steps

This section is designed for entrepreneurs and marketers who want to build a review site that ranks well, builds trust, and generates consistent income. From platform selection to conversion-optimized layouts, these steps reflect the strategies professional site builders use to launch profitable review websites.

1. Choose a Niche with Commercial Intent

Start with keyword and monetization research. Use tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or Ubersuggest to identify niches with buyer intent (e.g., "best accounting software for small business") and affiliate programs. Prioritize niches with high search volume, evergreen relevance, and high average order value (AOV) products. Bonus: check Amazon, ShareASale, or SaaS programs for commission rates. Pick a niche where people research before buying—like software, outdoor gear, fitness products, or financial tools. Check affiliate program availability and CPC trends to ensure monetization potential.

2. Pick a Website Platform

Use self-hosted WordPress for long-term SEO and design flexibility. Choose a lightweight theme like GeneratePress or Astra. Use Elementor or Gutenberg blocks to build responsive layouts. Install RankMath (for SEO), ThirstyAffiliates or Pretty Links (for affiliate tracking), WP Rocket (for caching), and SiteGround or Cloudways for fast hosting. Use WordPress with a review-focused theme (like REHub or GeneratePress). Install key plugins like RankMath (SEO), ThirstyAffiliates (link management), WP Rocket (speed), and AAWP (for Amazon affiliates).

3. Set Up a Review Template

Create a custom post type or use reusable blocks to standardize layout. Your ideal structure: short intro → product overview → pros/cons → use case → comparison → final verdict → CTA. Include image galleries, collapsible FAQ sections, and product spec tables. This structure improves time on page and readability. Create a repeatable post layout: intro → product overview → pros/cons → comparison → CTA. This structure helps users scan and improves SEO. Use reusable blocks or custom post types to standardize reviews.

4. Build Category & Comparison Pages

Organize reviews into categories and create comparison posts like “Best [Category] for [Audience] in 2024.” Use product boxes with features, pros/cons, CTAs, and pricing. Structure pages using semantic HTML (H2s, schema markup) and internal links. Comparison pages often drive the most affiliate revenue—prioritize these in your strategy. Group content into buyer-relevant categories (e.g., “Best Budget Laptops,” “Project Management Tools”). Use listicles or tables with consistent formatting and internal linking.

5. Write In-Depth, Honest Reviews

Test products whenever possible. Use original screenshots, performance metrics, and side-by-side comparisons. Write like you're helping a friend make the right decision—not selling. Use buyer-centric subheadings like “Who This Is Best For,” “Biggest Drawbacks,” or “Is It Worth the Price?” Include video demos if possible for extra engagement and trust. Focus on usefulness. Include real photos, demo videos, performance benchmarks, pros/cons, and who the product is best for. Add comparisons to help readers choose.

6. Add Affiliate Links and Disclosures

Use contextual links and buttons like “Check Latest Price” or “Get Free Trial.” Place CTAs early and near the end. Always include a clearly visible FTC-compliant disclosure near the top of each review. Use ThirstyAffiliates to manage links, track clicks, and prevent broken URLs. Use buttons like “Check Latest Price” or “Visit Official Site.” Track clicks and conversions. Add clear disclosures at the top or near CTA buttons.

7. Optimize for SEO

Use a mix of short- and long-tail keywords. Optimize URL slugs, meta titles, and featured snippets. Implement FAQ and Review schema via plugins or custom code. Use descriptive alt text for images and compress them with tools like ShortPixel. Build backlinks through roundup inclusion, guest posting, and expert quote contributions. Use long-tail keywords (e.g., “best webcam for Zoom calls”), internal links, schema markup for reviews, and fast-loading design. Submit your sitemap to Google Search Console.

8. Add Lead Capture and Email Funnels

Offer downloadable buyer guides, exclusive comparison charts, or discount alerts. Use popups, slide-ins, or embedded forms (via ConvertKit, MailerLite, or ActiveCampaign). Tag users by interest to send niche-specific follow-ups and increase repeat visits. Offer bonus content like “Top 10 Tools of the Month” or discount alerts in exchange for email signups. Use tools like ConvertKit or MailerLite.

9. Promote via SEO, YouTube, and Forums

Repurpose blog content into YouTube reviews, Shorts, and Reddit answers. Share your review in relevant Facebook groups or niche forums with value-first engagement. Use HARO or Qwoted to build backlinks. Outreach to tool creators to be included in affiliate directories or partner roundups. Share reviews on Reddit, Quora, Medium, and YouTube. Target keywords on Google. Build backlinks through guest posts or industry roundups.

10. Track Performance and Refine

Use Google Analytics 4 and affiliate dashboards to monitor which reviews convert best. Run A/B tests on headlines, CTA button text, and layouts. Update old reviews quarterly with new screenshots, pros/cons, and pricing to stay current. Track keyword rankings weekly using tools like SerpRobot or AccuRanker. Use Google Analytics and affiliate dashboards to track traffic and conversions. Double down on top performers. Refresh outdated posts quarterly.