Clutch Research Methodology
Clutch’s directory, Leaders Matrix, and Clutch Verification methodology help you decide on a service provider in record time.
How Are Clutch Rankings Determined?
On Clutch directories, ranking methodology is based on credibility, expertise, and client satisfaction. Clutch receives payments from service providers with a red visit website button.
What is Clutch Verified?
Clutch Verified providers have undergone a rigorous, multi-step vetting process to provide you with
confidence in your hiring decision. These providers are designated by a Premier Verified or Verified badge on all
directories and profiles. Providers must pay to be part of this program.
Learn more about
Clutch verification criteria.
What are Clutch Leaders’ Matrices?
Clutch leaders' matrices show providers based on our first-party research in a specific market,
providing a broad view of top-performing companies in a particular industry, location, or niche.
Learn more about the Clutch leaders matrix.
Clutch Directory Sort Order
Within Clutch directories, you have the ability to sort by several factors. As a default sort, Clutch directories will be ranked based in this order:
Sponsored Providers: Sponsored providers pay us a fee for placement within our listings. This sort order sorts the page by sponsors, highest to lowest. Sponsored providers have a red visit website button on their listings.
These providers pay Clutch a fee to boost their placements within some directories that they would otherwise organically appear on. All sponsors are required to meet the page requirements (see below) in order to be considered for sponsorship.
Verified Providers: Verified sort is distinguished by a check mark on the top left of the
directory card. To be a verified provider, providers must pass a credit check and submit business entity information
so we can confirm legitimacy. Verified providers have a red visit website button on their listings.
These providers have joined Clutch’s Verification program and undergone additional background checks to ensure business legitimacy and that they are credible partners. Premier Verified providers pass a higher bar of scrutiny in our program, and so are listed above Verified.
Clutch Rank: Clutch Rank is determined by online presence, awards, reviews, and proven ability
to deliver excellence for their clients
To be included on any directory page, Sponsored, Verified, and free providers must offer relevant
services, designated by the service lines and focus areas on their profile. For directories showcasing providers in
specific locations, a provider must list the location on their profile. All
providers’ locations are routinely evaluated by Clutch to ensure accuracy and validity.
Clutch Verified Criteria
Clutch Verified gives business leaders the confidence they need to choose a partner. Verified companies
have undergone our rigorous multi-step vetting process, including a business credit check, and have been deemed
legitimate, trustworthy, and serious about their operations.
Eligibility for Premier Verified criteria includes ALL of the following:
- Must have a 3.0 or greater average star rating from Clutch reviews
- Must have 3+ verified Clutch reviews
- Receives very low to moderate risk credit rating from Creditsafe
Eligibility for Clutch Verified criteria can be achieved by meeting one of the following two criteria
sets.
1-Meet all of the following criteria:
- Maintain a 3.0 or higher average star rating in Clutch reviews
- Receive very low to moderate credit risk rating from Creditsafe; or
2-Meet all of the following criteria:
- Maintain a 3.0 or higher average star rating in Clutch reviews
- Have 3+ verified Clutch reviews
- Receive a high to very high credit risk rating from Creditsafe, or have no credit check available through Creditsafe
- Pass an additional business history check performed by Clutch
Leaders Matrix FAQs
A company's Ability to Deliver score considers a company's client reviews, past work experience, and brand presence in its target market. Together, this information influences how a company ranks on Clutch directories.
Yes.
The number, recency, and quality of client reviews factor into a company’s Ability to Deliver score.
Over the phone or through an in-depth online form.
We look at:
- Type and quality of clients the company works with
- Portfolio items and case studies that demonstrate the company's experience in different areas: projects, services, industries
We use six main criteria:
- Marketing Efforts –Does the company present itself clearly and professionally online?
- Reputation – Does the company have a strong reputation in its industry?
- Geographic Presence (for local pages only) – Where is the company located?
- Accolades – Has the company won any awards?
- Social Media Presence – Does the company have a social media presence?
- Thought Leadership – Does the company demonstrate efforts to innovate in its industry?
A company's Focus score takes into account the services, or focus areas, that the company specializes in. These services are represented as service lines on each company's Clutch profile.
No.
Competitive market segments with many companies listed are likely to have the top 15 companies as Market Leaders in the Leaders Matrix.
Yes.
If a company has a high Ability to Deliver score and specializes in two or three main services, it’s possible for the company to rank in the Leaders Matrix that corresponds to each service. This is rare, however.
Clutch rankings are dynamic based on data available within reviews, Clutch profiles, and other sources (for example: company websites, social media, and more). As the underlying data changes, Clutch rankings and leaders matrices are subject to change.
Navigate to our site map and select a category. Then, select 'Leaders Matrix' at the top of the page.