Running a small business in today's digital world isn't easy. Platforms like Yelp, Angi, and Thumbtack have made it simple for homeowners to find local service providers, but they've also blurred the line between genuine recommendations and paid advertising.

Bigger marketing budgets have always meant more exposure. But here’s the real question: Does that mean you're actually getting the best company for the job?

Seeing How the Sausage Is Made

As Chromabrush Painting has grown our digital presence, we’ve gotten to know the competition. We've seen the trends, and yes, we've seen how the sausage is made.

Recently, we did a simple Yelp search for "painter" in our area. The top ten “local” painters we found were a real eye-opener:

• We had never heard of a single one.
• Many weren’t truly local to the west side of Detroit's suburbs.
• None had more than two reviews.
• Several accounts were marked "New to Yelp," but still appeared at the very top of the list.
• Most were backed by "Yelp Guaranteed," a paid program that boosts visibility.

That's when it really hits you: a company appearing in the #1 spot doesn't mean they have the longest track record, the best reviews, or even a real presence in your community.

Why Paid Placement Exists—and Why You Should Care

Marketing has always influenced people's choices. But on platforms like Yelp, Angi, or Google, many of the "best" or "top-rated" labels are tied to advertising dollars, not customer satisfaction.

Businesses pay for sponsored placement, and in return, the platform benefits by pushing them in front of you first. It's not inherently bad—but it does mean you’re not seeing the full picture unless you look beyond the first few names.

How to Spot the Real Pros

If you want the actual best local painter—or any contractor—you have to dig a little deeper. Here's what to look for:

• Sort by Rating rather than "Recommended" or "Sponsored." This will give you a list based on customer feedback, not ad spend.
• Read the reviews, not just the star count. Look for consistent feedback over time and pay attention to what customers say about communication, quality, and professionalism.
• Check for photos of completed work, especially before-and-after shots. A reputable painter will be proud to show off their projects.
• Visit the company's website to see if they showcase local projects and genuine customer testimonials.
• Look for a genuine local presence. Businesses rooted in your community will usually have a more personal approach and a stronger sense of accountability.

Don't Be Fooled by the Headline Spot

The internet makes it easy to assume the top result is the best result. But the truth is, you might be missing out on an experienced, highly-reviewed local company simply because they don't pay for the top slot.

At Chromabrush Painting, we believe your choice should be based on quality, trust, and proven results—not just who bought the most ads.

So next time you're searching for a painter, don't just take the first name on the list at face value. Scroll down, dig in, and find the company that truly deserves your project.