How we research
Methodology
The same procedure is applied to every benchmark, so findings remain comparable across reports.
01
Data source
Public Google Business Profile data, accessed via the Google Places API.
02
Sample
Businesses identified via targeted keyword searches (e.g. "cosmetic dentist Sydney") within a fixed metro radius, capped at the top 20 search results per query, then deduplicated. Full detail in each report's methodology section.
03
Scoring
Our Business Trust Score (BTS v1.0) is a weighted composite across four pillars.
| Verified Social Proof | 35% |
| Trust Recency | 25% |
| Market & AI Visibility | 25% |
| Engagement & Response | 15% |
Full formula and normalisation functions available on request.
04
Limitations
Because businesses are found via keyword search, this method captures only those with some existing search visibility. Businesses invisible even to a keyword search are not represented, which likely understates rather than overstates the true trust gap.
The Market & AI Visibility pillar includes an LLM recommendation component that is directional rather than fully reproducible, because AI assistant outputs vary by prompt and session. It is reported as a directional signal, not a precise measurement.