My process
How ToolGuide works
I believe in transparency. That's why I explain here exactly how my reviews are made.
How I work, in 5 steps
1. Hands-on testing and desk research
Whenever I can, I test tools myself with a free account or a trial. For premium features I can't pay for myself, I do extensive desk research: official documentation, demo videos and user experiences on YouTube, G2, Capterra and Product Hunt. Willem tests along.
2. Research with the help of AI
I use AI to go through technical documentation and to collect user experiences. AI never decides the final verdict or the rating; I do that myself. AI is my research assistant, not a replacement for experience.
3. Writing and editing myself
I add my own experience, put everything in the ToolGuide tone and decide the rating. I write the way you'd talk to a friend: no marketing jargon, no exaggerated claims, honest about limitations and strengths.
4. Checking the facts
Before publishing, I check that prices and plans match the official pricing page, that features are described correctly and that the links work. I rely on official documentation, pricing pages and user reviews.
5. Keeping it up to date
Every week a script checks whether the official pricing pages have changed. If they have, I get a notification; new prices only go on the site after I've checked them. Each plan shows when its price was last checked. When a tool changes a lot, I update the review. The "updated" date on a review only changes when the text, the plans or the features really change.
How the rating works
The rating is one number from 1 to 5, with one decimal. I give it myself, after the testing and research above. There is no formula or fixed weighting behind it, and it isn't an average of other review sites: I read scores on G2, Capterra or Trustpilot as background, but they don't count.
- The rating only changes when I change it myself, for example after a big update. A new price doesn't change it.
- If I haven't looked at a tool closely enough yet, it gets no rating and you won't see a star.
- In a category, tools are listed by rating. Paid spots are shown above them, always marked as sponsored.
- Verified means: I know the tool and have been in touch with its makers, or it's a large, established app. It has nothing to do with the rating.
- I compare features with other tools in the same category. A feature only appears on the site once I've confirmed it.
What I do (and don't do)
What I do
- Test tools whenever possible (free or trial)
- Extensive desk research for premium features
- Be open about using AI
- Honest pros and cons
- Clearly mark affiliate links
- Update reviews when tools change
- Suggest alternatives
What I don't do
- Adjust ratings for sponsors
- AI content without human review
- Copy marketing material
- Let anyone "buy" a positive review
- Hide the downsides
- Clickbait titles
- Claims without checking
How ToolGuide makes money
ToolGuide makes money in two ways:
Affiliate links: If you buy a tool through my link, I sometimes get a small commission. It costs you nothing extra.
Sponsorship: Sometimes tools pay for extra visibility, always clearly marked as sponsored.
This never influences my ratings, pros and cons, or which tools I review. I only review tools I would use or recommend myself.
Questions about how I work?
Or want to see a specific tool reviewed? I'd love to hear from you.