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 an internal comparison matrix, public criteria, known relative weights, identified sources and a final editorial review. 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.
Why we do not show a rating
The position is public. The individual score is not.
The numeric matrix exists to 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 We do not publish it as a business rating because a number such as 72 or 86 can look like an absolute quality judgement when it actually reflects available information,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. 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
AlicanteTop may offer featured placements, lead delivery or sponsored guides. Any advertising format is shown with a visible Sponsored label and commercial links use rel="sponsored". Maximum two featured placements per page.