How every Local Guide Press directory is built
These rules apply to every title we publish. They read like lab notes because that is what they are: what we check, how, when, and what we leave out.
1. How listings are selected
The main list on each directory comes from public business records: the state's contractor license register, state business registrations, and the business's own published website. A business qualifies when it appears in those sources with a license class and service area that match the title. We do not accept applications for the main list, and we do not remove a business from it because a competitor asked.
2. Verification against state registers
Every listing is checked against the relevant state license register. Each directory page shows the license status we found and the date we looked, written as "as of" a month and year. "Active" means the register showed an active record on that date. "No active license found" is a statement of what the register returned, with a date, and not an accusation. Registers change, and we re-check on a published schedule.
3. No pay-for-ranking in the main list
Position in the main list is never sold. Ordering is by a stated rule, such as alphabetical or by city, and the rule is shown on the page.
4. Sponsored placements are always labeled
Where a directory carries paid placements, each one carries the word "Sponsored" next to it and sits apart from the main list. A sponsor gets a labeled placement, not a better position in the main list, and not a softer description.
5. Corrections within five business days
Email editor@localguidepress.com with the page address and what is wrong. The editor replies and corrects the listing, usually within five business days. Corrected pages carry a dated note.
6. No star ratings or reviews reproduced
We do not copy ratings, review counts, or review quotes from Google, Yelp, or anywhere else. Nothing on our sites is a review, and we do not describe any business with superlatives.
7. No AI-generated photos of people
We do not publish AI-generated photographs of people. The editor's portrait is an illustration. Business photos, where shown, are either supplied by the business or clearly labeled stock.
8. Data vintage on every directory page
Every directory page states when its data was last checked. If you cannot find a date on a page, that is a defect; tell us and we will fix it.
9. Service details are the business's own
Service descriptions are taken from what the business publishes about itself and are attributed as such. We do not invent specialties, years in business, or claims a source does not support.
Questions about these standards go to the editor at editor@localguidepress.com. Last reviewed October 2026.