A direct working relationship
We work with clients during onboarding to connect each professional or business with the correct client records.
How profiles are verified
A closer look at what’s behind the badge
Local Top Experts helps you compare professionals and businesses before you reach out. The Verified Profile badge adds context about which business information we have reviewed and help maintain.
Behind the verification
What we look at when verifying profile information
We review key business identity, affiliation, location and contact details during onboarding. This work and ongoing information management are part of Optimize5’s qualifying paid Online Brand Optimization service. The badge reflects that relationship and review, not an independent rating of professional skill.
A review of key business details
We review information such as business identity, affiliation, location, contact details, and service areas using onboarding information and available business records.
Help with Google verification
For most clients, we help establish or confirm Google Business Profile verification and address verification issues when they arise. This isn’t required for every Verified Profile, and Google makes its own verification decisions.
Ongoing business information management
We help maintain supported business listings and distribute updates throughout the active Online Brand Optimization service.
Understanding a profile
A closer look at what each profile offers
What goes into a Verified Profile
A Verified Profile badge is available to qualifying Optimize5 clients with an active Online Brand Optimization service, following onboarding. Other services or a Local Top Experts Plus subscription alone don’t qualify.
- Direct onboarding and a correctly matched client/business record
- Review of key business identity, affiliation, location, and contact information
- Supported business listings management and information distribution
- Google Business Profile verification assistance, when applicable
The information available and checks completed vary by professional. Private supporting documents are not published on profiles.
Claiming a profile
Claiming a profile allows a professional or business to manage their information. It doesn’t mean the information has been verified.
Paid features
Local Top Experts Plus gives professionals additional ways to showcase their business. Purchasing Plus doesn’t include verification. Verification is tied to a separate qualifying Optimize5 service.
Verified Profile
This badge means Optimize5 has reviewed key business information and helps maintain it through an active Online Brand Optimization service. It doesn’t mean the professional’s qualifications or quality of work have been independently verified.
The badge is not a professional certification, background investigation, or guarantee of service quality or results.
Google performs its own Business Profile verification; our role is to assist when applicable. Our badge is not a Google endorsement.
How we find professionals near you
Search by the help you need and the place that matters to you, whether it’s nearby or somewhere you’re moving. You can change your location at any time.
Local matches come first. When options are limited, we may include nearby offices. Confirm service coverage and any required licensing directly before choosing a professional.
How nearby matches are calculated
The homepage may include offices within approximately 75 miles when local options are limited. Distance is measured between cities, not by driving distance. Proximity alone does not establish service coverage or permission to work in another state.
Keeping profile information up to date
A Verified Profile badge remains active only while the professional or business maintains a qualifying Online Brand Optimization service with Optimize5. If that service ends, the badge is removed, but the profile and its information may still appear on Local Top Experts.
A profile without a Verified badge isn’t necessarily less accurate or less qualified. Verification reflects our work with the business, not a judgment about the professional or the quality of their services.
Relevance comes first, on every plan
Free, Plus and Verified Profiles follow the same search ranking rules. Results prioritize relevance to your search, including profession, location and matching profile information. Payment and verification status do not improve organic placement, even when relevance is tied.
Homepage selections rotate among eligible profiles, with variety across professions and locations. There is no paid or Verified Profile preference. Placement, exposure and inquiries are not guaranteed.
See something that needs updating? Let us know so we can review it.