What the badges mean
Every entry on this site carries a badge showing exactly how it got here. Colour is never the only signal, an icon and a word always say it too, so it reads the same in greyscale, in print, or to anyone who can't rely on colour alone.
Earned by the Coast
A community tally, shown with the count behind it. Built from real threads in real Facebook groups, or a recommendation from someone whose judgement is trusted. Nobody can buy their way onto this count.
Our own opinion
We've actually been. We pay our own way, every time, and write it up in our own words. It's an opinion, not a tally, and it's never for sale at any price.
Paid, spelled out
A business paid for this. Said plainly, every time, never softened or hidden behind quieter wording. It never touches the tally and it never moves anyone's position.
What each badge actually gets you
| Named in local groups | My pick | Sponsored | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counts toward the community tally | ✓ | , | , |
| Has a page of its own | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Link through to your own website | , | , | ✓ |
| Phone number listed | , | , | ✓ |
| Written in our own words, by us | , | ✓ | , |
| Cost to the business | Free | Free | $120 first year, $99 after |
Colour reinforces each badge, it never carries the meaning alone. Every badge keeps its icon and its words, so the difference reads on a colour screen, in greyscale, in print, or for anyone who can't rely on colour to tell them apart.
Want the mechanics behind the tally, or the actual Sponsored rates? See how the ranking works or advertising rates.