Is It Worth Commenting on an Amazon Review?

As of December 2020, Amazon has removed the ability to comment on product reviews. This change has sparked debate among SEO experts and users alike. Many argue that comments can enhance engagement and provide a platform for impromptu discussions. Despite this, the removal of comment functionality has raised concerns over the impact on SEO tactics and user experience.

Historical Context of Commenting on Reviews

Originally, Amazon allowed comments on reviews, a practice that fostered engaging discussions. Dr. Gerald Woerlee's review of a book on Near-Death Experiences (NDE) had over a thousand comments from dozens of contributors over several years. Another example involved a review of a book by Greg Bahnsen, which led to a thought-provoking discussion among two presuppositionalists. These detailed and meaningful discussions are now a thing of the past.

Impact of Removing Commenting Capabilities

The prohibition of comments has led to a notable change in user behavior. As of now, the practice of readers commenting on reviews is almost non-existent. Authors, on the other hand, still engage in commentary. However, the general wisdom is to refrain from commenting, regardless of the nature of the review.

Strategic Considerations for Commenting

While the comment feature is no longer available, there are still valid reasons to engage with product reviews. One such reason is to correct a review that is on the wrong product. Some reviewers mistakenly post reviews for the wrong book or mix up books they’ve just read.

As a reader, if you disagree with a review, you are encouraged to leave a comment explaining your point of view. However, this must be done with care. Amazon ranks reviews based on engagement, including upvotes and comments. Therefore, if you add a comment to a bad review, it could elevate it to a more prominent position, which is not beneficial.

Benefits of Supporting Positive Reviews

Conversely, adding a supportive comment to a good review can help elevate it in the ranking order. Positive comments and upvotes can counteract the visibility of negative reviews, making them less prominent in search results.

Despite these potential benefits, it's crucial to consider that many users might not read comments. Amazon does not prominently display comments, making them less influential. However, leaving comments is still a valid SEO strategy to support positive reviews and maintain a positive user experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Amazon no longer allows comments on reviews, there are still strategic advantages to engaging with reviews. By adding comments or upvotes, you can support positive reviews and help maintain a favorable online presence for products. Whether you are a reader or an author, thoughtful engagement can significantly impact the visibility and reputation of a product on Amazon.