Our Ranking Algorithm, Explained
We believe in complete transparency. Here's exactly how we rank agencies, with no hidden factors, no black boxes, and no pay-to-play elements. Every component is measurable, fair, and focused on actual performance.
Score Components Breakdown
Every agency's score is calculated using these five weighted components. The maximum possible score is 10 points.
Total Score Composition
Based on average rating and review count with logarithmic scaling
How it's calculated:
- Average star rating (1-5 scale)
- Total number of verified reviews
- Logarithmic scaling prevents review farming
- Verification bonus for high verification rates
- Fake review detection algorithms applied
Agency age bonus to reward longevity and stability
How it's calculated:
- Years in business (verified through registration)
- Linear scoring up to 10 years maximum
- 0.1 points per year of operation
- Encourages long-term thinking
- Rewards proven business stability
Quality and quantity of documented case studies
How it's calculated:
- Number of published case studies
- Capped at 20 case studies for fairness
- 0.05 points per case study
- Case studies must include measurable results
- Quality reviewed by our team
Industry recognition through our featured content program
How it's calculated:
- "Case Study of the Day" awards
- Peer-nominated exceptional work
- Capped at 10 awards maximum
- 0.075 points per award
- Recognition for innovation and results
Verification status and platform compliance
How it's calculated:
- Identity verification completed
- Business registration confirmed
- Contact information validated
- Terms of service compliance
- Anti-fraud measures passed
Rewards comprehensive, well-maintained profiles
How it's calculated:
- Profile completeness percentage (0-100%)
- General information completeness
- Services, locations, and industries listed
- Client portfolio and case studies
- Encourages complete information for clients
Customer Matching & Filtering
Beyond the general score, we use intelligent filtering to show customers the most relevant agencies for their specific needs.
How Customer Filtering Works
Base Scoring
All agencies receive their merit-based score using our transparent algorithm
Relevance Filtering
Filter by location, industry, and expertise to find the best matches
Best Fit Results
Highest-scoring agencies that match customer criteria appear first
Geographic preference and service area alignment
Matching factors:
- Client location preferences
- Agency service territories
- Time zone compatibility
- Local market expertise
- Remote work capabilities
Sector-specific experience and knowledge
Matching factors:
- Documented industry case studies
- Sector-specific certifications
- Industry client testimonials
- Relevant portfolio work
- Market vertical experience
Technical skills and service offering match
Matching factors:
- Service category expertise
- Technology stack alignment
- Methodology compatibility
- Tool and platform experience
- Delivery approach match
Key Principle: Merit First, Relevance Second
We never compromise on merit. Filtering only affects which high-scoring agencies are shown for specific searches. A lower-scoring agency will never rank above a higher-scoring one, regardless of filters. We simply surface the best agencies that match what you're looking for.
Technical Implementation
For those who want to understand the mathematical details behind our scoring system.
Review Score = (Average Rating / 5 × 6.5) × Volume Multiplier × Verification
Bonus- Average Rating: 1-5 star scale from verified reviews
- Volume Multiplier: Logarithmic scaling prevents review farming
- Verification Bonus: Up to 5% boost for high verification rates
- Formula: (avgRating/5 * 6.5) * volumeMultiplier * verificationBonus
Experience Score = min(Years in Business, 10) × 0.1- Linear progression: 0.1 points per year
- 10-year cap: Prevents excessive advantage for very old agencies
- Verification: Business registration and incorporation dates verified
Portfolio Score = min(Approved Case Studies, 20) × 0.05- Quality requirement: Case studies must include measurable results
- 20 case study cap: Ensures fairness for newer agencies
- Manual review: Our team verifies case study quality and authenticity
Profile Completeness Score = (Completeness Percentage / 100) × 0.5- Completeness factors: General info, services, locations, industries, clients
- Weighted scoring: Different sections have different point values
- Encourages transparency: Rewards comprehensive, well-maintained profiles
- Client benefit: Complete profiles help clients make informed decisions
Score Update Frequency
Real-time Updates:
- • New verified reviews
- • Trust score changes
- • Profile verification status
Daily Updates:
- • Case study approvals
- • Recognition awards
- • Experience calculations
Anti-Gaming & Fraud Protection
We actively protect against manipulation to ensure rankings remain merit-based
Multi-factor authentication, email verification, and AI-powered fake review detection
Diminishing returns prevent review farming and encourage quality over quantity
Human review of case studies, awards, and suspicious activity patterns
Questions About Our Methodology?
We're committed to complete transparency. If you have questions about how our algorithm works, we're here to help.