A review aggregator is a system that collects reviews and ratings of products and services, such as films, books, videogames, music, software, hardware, and cars. It stores those reviews, lets users compare them side by side, and typically calculates an approximate average score by assigning a numeric value to each review based on how positively it rates the work. The system also sells consumer-tendency data to third parties and creates databases companies use to understand their customers.
Do review aggregator scores affect sales?
Yes. It is widely accepted in the literature that there is a strong correlation between sales and aggregated scores. This effect is particularly pronounced in the electronic games category, where purchases are expensive and buyers frequently consult aggregate scores before buying.
Have companies tied employee bonuses to review aggregator scores?
Some companies have tied both royalty payment rates and employee bonuses to aggregate scores. Stock prices have also been observed to reflect aggregate ratings, as investors read those scores as indicators of potential sales.
How do film studios use review aggregators?
According to Reuters, big studios in the film industry pay attention to aggregators but do not always like to assign much importance to them. Specialized tools such as Movie Review Intelligence were built specifically to collate and analyze movie reviews for industry use.
What is a business-facing product review aggregator?
A business-facing product review aggregator is a tool designed for manufacturers rather than consumers. It allows companies to measure and monitor aggregate reviews of their own products, rather than helping buyers compare options across the market.
What types of products do review aggregators cover?
Review aggregators cover a wide range of products and services, including films, books, videogames, music, software, hardware, and cars. Different aggregators may specialize in particular categories, such as the film-specific Movie Review Intelligence website.