Write proper like what I do!

Use correct spelling and good conversational grammar. Check that your review would make sense if you were reading it aloud. Divide your review into conventional sentences and paragraphs, and leave two empty lines in your text to create a gap between paragraphs.

Get personal

We want to hear what you really thought of the business, whether you loved it or hated it. We need your personal take on the service - try to avoid sounding like you're simply regurgitating the business' own website.

Leave out the nasties

Your language can certainly be creative, but we don't want it too colorful. Leave out any swear words or offensive language. Feel free to write a negative review if you weren't too keen on a business, but please don't make any libelous comments. If things were really terrible, fine - but don't make up details to enhance the shock value.

The voice of experience

Draw on your local knowledge - our readers want to know all the little details that only first-hand experience can provide. Is there something unusual about the business that you wouldn't know unless you'd been there? Maybe the local shop closes early on Fridays, or your favourite Indian restaurant always gives free poppadoms to loyal regulars? It's this inside knowledge that makes your reviews special.

Size matters

We're all for concision, but if your review is short make sure it contains enough detail to be useful to others and talks about several different aspects of the business. If you're going for something a little longer, try to avoid waffle. We want to hear all the juicy details, but remember there is a limit to readers' concentration span.