Editorial Policy
Last updated
SmallBizTech exists to help small business owners make better technology decisions. This policy explains how we create content and what you can expect from us.
Research
Every guide starts with the questions small business owners actually ask. We research using:
- Hands-on use of the software
- Official vendor documentation and pricing pages
- Public help centres and changelogs
We link to our sources, and pricing and feature details include the date we checked them.
Testing
When we test software, we sign up for an account (free trial, free plan or paid plan) and work through realistic tasks for the business type the review is aimed at — for example, taking a job from enquiry to paid invoice.
Some products we haven't been able to use ourselves yet. Those pages are researched from the vendor's official website and documentation, and they say so at the top — they never describe an experience we haven't had. When we do get hands-on access, we rewrite the page and update the date.
In reviews we label information clearly:
- Tested: something we did ourselves
- Vendor info: claims made by the software company
- Public docs: information from official documentation
We do not publish star ratings until we have a documented rating methodology.
Comparisons
We only publish comparisons between products we've researched in depth, where there's a real difference to explain. Comparisons use the same test scenario for each product.
AI use
We may use AI tools to help outline articles or improve clarity. AI is never used to invent testing experiences, screenshots, prices, features or quotes, and every article is reviewed by a named author before publishing.
Updates
We review our most important guides regularly and update them when pricing, features or our recommendations change. The "Updated" date on an article only changes when we make a meaningful update.
Corrections
If you spot an error, please contact us. We correct factual errors promptly and note significant corrections at the end of the article.
Independence
- Vendors can't pay for a review, a higher ranking or a favourable verdict.
- We may earn affiliate commissions from some links. This never affects which products we recommend. See our affiliate disclosure.
- Advertising is kept separate from editorial content. See our advertising disclosure.