How we test
What we check before we score a network, a tool or a case — and how the scores work. Sponsors and partners can’t buy a score or a positive verdict.
We write honestly because we test things ourselves. Sponsors and partners can’t buy a score or a positive verdict, and a sponsored review goes through the same checks as any other.
Networks and services
A review is based on our own experience with the product. We sign up, set up tracking and affiliate links, work with the product and go through the payout process where there is one. We keep the screenshots.
Every review covers:
- our own experience;
- what the product can do;
- how to sign up and set up affiliate links;
- our experience with payouts;
- pros and cons;
- answers to common questions;
- a comparison with alternatives.
At the top of a review you’ll find a short summary taken from the company’s catalog card, so it changes when the card changes.
Scores
Every company has two scores: the editors’ score and the score from member reviews. The card shows the average of the two. Our score isn’t fixed: when member reviews tell a different story, we re-check and can change it.
Only registered members can leave a review with a score. Comments don’t affect the rating. Every review counts, and we don’t hide reviews or show made-up ones.
Labels
- Recommended by aliencpa — tested and recommended by the editors.
- Caution: scam — always linked to the investigation behind it.
- Closed — the company has stopped working.
- New — recently added to the catalog.
“Caution: scam” and “Closed” switch off every link to the company, affiliate or not.
Case studies
We take public cases of agencies and teams and check them: what the author left out, where the numbers don’t match, what stays unclear. The result is a verdict, a score from 1 to 5 and links to the companies involved.
Top lists and comparisons
The order of a top list is the editors’ own and is never sold. Catalog lists have no position numbers at all, so nobody mistakes a paid pin for a merit.
Infographics
Our infographics use data we collect ourselves on aliencpa, such as the catalog and aggregated activity on the site. Every chart can be embedded with the “Cite” button, which keeps a link to the source.
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