Sponsored spots are paid placements shown above a ranking. These rules apply to every spot, so buyers and readers know exactly how placements work.
How a spot is won
- Each ranking has up to three Sponsored positions.
- An open position can be taken at its listed starting price.
- A held position can be taken by paying the current holder’s monthly price plus the increment shown on the board (normally $1).
- A spot runs for 30 days from payment unless it is outbid sooner.
- Prices and holders for every spot are public on the outbid board.
When you are outbid
If another company takes your position, we email you right away. You can retake it at the new price plus the increment. Unused days on an outbid spot are refunded pro rata to the original payment method within 10 business days.
What a spot includes
Your logo, company name, a one-line pitch of up to 140 characters and a link to your website, labeled “Sponsored”, and a monthly report of impressions and clicks.
What a spot never changes
A Sponsored spot never changes a company’s editorial score, rank, reviews or ratings. Sponsored spots are always labeled and visually separate from the ranking. In addition, paid placements follow the FTC’s Endorsement Guides, so each one carries a clear label.
Content rules for pitches
Pitches must be accurate, must not make claims you cannot back up, and must not mention competitors. We may reject or remove a spot that breaks these rules, with a full refund for unused days.
Why these rules exist
Readers trust a ranking only when they can tell paid placements from editorial picks. Therefore, these rules keep the two apart, keep prices public and give every company the same chance to take a spot. As a result, sponsors reach buyers without bending the list. For how we handle money and ownership more broadly, read our disclosure.