Top 10 / Top 12
Top 10 & Top 12 Criteria
How VanIsleLocal compiles Top 10 and Top 12 lists: the criteria we use, the ranking factors we consider, and the rules that keep editorial placement independent of payment.
Editorial independence
Lists are curated by VanIsleLocal editors. Top 10 placement is editorial and not for sale. Paid members cannot buy Top 10 placement, and Exclusive Authority does not affect Top 10 / Top 12 rankings.
Selection criteria
A business must meet all of the following to be considered for a Top 10 or Top 12 list.
Local relevance
The business clearly serves the community named in the list. A list called 'Top 10 Plumbers in Nanaimo' should include businesses that work in or near Nanaimo.
Category fit
The business belongs in the trade or category. An electrician belongs in electrical, not roofing. We only list businesses that match the category's scope.
Public presence and reputation
We consider publicly available signals such as years in operation, community familiarity, and third-party review patterns (e.g., Google reviews and ratings) as one input among many — not the deciding factor.
Editorial judgement
Editors apply consistent judgement across the list: responsiveness, professionalism, specializations, and whether the business is a good match for typical residents in that community.
Variety and usefulness
A useful list represents a range of options so residents can compare and choose. We avoid stacking the list with one kind of business or a single operator.
What we do not do
- Sell Top 10 or Top 12 placement to members or applicants
- Rank businesses purely by review score or popularity
- Accept payment to move a business up or into a list
- Guarantee a business's quality, licence, insurance, or credentials
- Lock rankings forever — lists are updated as businesses and communities change
List sizes
VanIsleLocal publishes two standard list sizes. The label is chosen based on the depth of the local market and the quality of available options.
Top 10 lists
A focused list of ten businesses in a specific trade and community. Used when there are enough relevant businesses to fill a credible ten-item list.
Top 12 lists
A slightly expanded list used when a community or category has more than ten strong options, or when rounding out to twelve makes the list more useful.
Top 10 and Top 12 lists are editorial suggestions, not official rankings or consumer protection endorsements. A business's presence on a list does not mean VanIsleLocal has confirmed its licences, insurance, credentials, or quality. Always do your own due diligence before hiring.