LocalAIEdgeLocalAIEdge

Trust & quality

How We Vet Providers

Our rigorous 5-step process ensures you only see the best.

1

Portfolio Review

We examine every provider's past work, looking specifically for successful local business projects. No portfolio? No listing.

2

SMB Experience Check

We verify they have real experience working with small and mid-sized businesses, not just enterprise clients claiming to "also serve" small businesses.

3

Reference Calls

We speak directly with their past local business clients to verify results, communication quality, and satisfaction.

4

Pricing Transparency

We confirm their pricing is transparent, predictable, and genuinely accessible for small business budgets. Hidden fees = automatic rejection.

5

Communication Test

We evaluate response times, clarity of explanations (no jargon overload), and willingness to educate clients.

What Gets a Provider Rejected

  • No verifiable local business clients
  • Pricing starts above $5,000/month for basic services
  • Uses high-pressure sales tactics
  • Cannot explain their work in plain English
  • No clear ROI metrics from past projects

~60%

Rejection Rate

We reject about 60% of providers who apply. Not because they are bad, but because they do not meet our specific standards for local business fit, pricing, and communication.

Curated

Not Comprehensive

Our directory is intentionally curated, not comprehensive. We would rather list 50 excellent providers than 500 mediocre ones. Quality over quantity, every time.

See the providers that made the cut