🚀 How to STOP Bad Reviews Before They Happen (With Better Instructions & QR Codes)

Last week, we talked about how bad instructions can silently kill your sales.

I shared the story of a seller with a bread maker that had everything going for it—except the instructions. Confusing wording, metric-only measurements, and poor formatting led to frustration, bad reviews, and stalled sales.

Well, this week, we’re diving deeper. Because the truth is…

📢 Customers Don’t Read Instructions.

At least, not unless you make it ridiculously easy for them.

Here’s how to make sure your customers actually follow the directions—and stop unnecessary 1-star reviews before they happen.

🔥 Step 1: Write “Can’t-Mess-This-Up” Instructions

Your instructions should be so clear that even a sleep-deprived, coffee-deprived, no-patience customer can understand them in 5 seconds or less.

✅ Use short, simple sentences.
✅ Add images or diagrams.
✅ Make the most important steps bold or highlighted.

If your instructions require thinking, you’re already losing.

🎯 Step 2: Use QR Codes for Instant Help

Some people hate reading. Others just need to see it in action.

Solution? A QR code that links to a quick how-to video.

📲 Customer is confused? They scan. They watch. They use the product correctly.

No frustration. No bad review.

🔗 Step 3: Shorten Your Links & Make Them Branded

Not everyone will scan a QR code. Some will type in a link instead.

But here’s the problem…

Would you trust this?
❌ youtube.com/watch?v=827sdgh25g1jkgd

Nope. It looks sketchy.

Now, check this out:
✅ YourBrand.com/setup

Looks way better, right? That’s where Rebrandly comes in.

With Rebrandly, you can:
✔ Turn ugly links into clean, professional-looking ones.
✔ Match your links to your brand (trust = higher clicks).
✔ Get built-in QR codes for every link.

Yes, you get both short links and QR codes in one tool.

📦 Step 4: Put Your Instructions Everywhere

Customers shouldn’t have to go digging for help. Your instructions should be:

✅ On your product packaging
✅ Inside the manual
✅ In your Amazon listing (image + description)
✅ In a post-purchase email

The more reminders, the less chance of confusion.

👀 Step 5: Test Before You Ship

Before sending out a single unit, give your instructions to five random people (who have never seen your product before).

❌ If anyone is confused…
🔄 Rewrite. Simplify. Repeat.

Because once a customer is confused, you can’t fix it. The bad review is already coming.

🚀 The Takeaway: Make It EASY for Customers

Customers don’t want to think. They want to use.

✔ Clear, simple instructions.
✔ QR codes for instant video help.
✔ Short, branded links for easy access.
✔ Instructions in multiple places.

📢 The easier you make it, the fewer bad reviews you’ll get.

💬 What’s the worst set of product instructions you’ve ever seen? Reply and let me know!

To your success,
Ryan Keene
Amazon Seller Mentor | Scaling Expert | Recovering Overthinker 🚀

P.S. The wait is almost over! 🎉 My new book should be available later this week—just putting the final touches on it (because great things take time). 📚 If you haven’t grabbed your free copy yet, email me at [email protected], and I’ll make sure you’re on the list! 🚀