Online reputation · 30%
Combines average rating and review volume on an identified public platform. We do not reproduce review text or scrape Google Maps. Reputation adds context but does not determine the order on its own.
How our rankings are built
We apply the same methodology to every business, using public criteria, identified sources and a final editorial review. An internal matrix is used only where the data supports a justified numerical comparison. We publish positions and editorial reasons, not individual numeric ratings.
6public criteria
8minimum businesses per local ranking
3months between reviews
2languages from launch
Specialisation and range · 20%
We assess the depth of the offer and fit with the category. Only specialisms documented on an official website or profile, or confirmed directly, are considered.
Transparency · 15%
Working website, clear contact details, opening hours, prices or quote mechanisms and practical conditions. A fact found only in an external directory is not treated as confirmed.
Experience and track record · 15%
Business age or team experience where a first-party source exists. Generic claims without a date or identifiable support do not improve the internal assessment.
Service · 10%
Languages, delivery, transport, diagnosis, advice and other additional services when expressly documented.
Direct verification · 10%
Contact or a visit by the AlicanteTop team. Verification status is also shown separately so readers can distinguish online-checked information from facts confirmed directly.
Incomplete data
Missing evidence is not a zero
Where comparable evidence is not yet available for a criterion, we record it as missing, not as a negative assessment. The internal matrix totals documented criteria only; each ranking manifest identifies incomplete fields and any tie-break. If the evidence cannot support a consistent order, or the threshold of eight verifiable businesses is not met, the ranking is not published.
Why we do not show a rating
The position is public. The individual score is not.
Where comparable evidence exists, the numeric matrix helps apply the same criteria consistently and support comparison. Final position also includes an editorial review of the evidence and how well each business fits the search intent. We do not publish it as a business rating because a number such as 72 or 86 can look like an absolute quality judgement when it actually reflects available information, editorial criteria and evidence verified at a particular date.
Instead we publish position, strongest criteria, concrete facts, verification status and sources, so readers can understand why a business appears without reducing the decision to one number.
Sources
What we accept
For ordinary business facts we prioritise official websites, official social profiles, direct contact and visits. An institutional source —for example, a council business portal— may establish existence, name, location or contact details, but is labelled separately and does not replace a first-party source for specialisms, services or track record. External directories may help us find a lead, but they do not close a fact that affects ranking order. Reputation is a specific exception: it uses aggregate metrics from an identified public platform without reproducing individual reviews.
If a fact is uncertain, it is marked to be verified rather than inferred.
Updates
Quarterly review
We store the source and check date for each fact. The normal review cycle is quarterly, although a correction supported by a verifiable source may be applied sooner. Each ranking and profile shows its update date.
Advertising
How commercial formats are labelled
Paid profiles with increased visibility carry a Featured label on their ranking card and profile. Payment does not change the numbered editorial position. Sponsored guides, if published, would be identified as such.