Editorial Guidelines

Our Editorial Standards

NearbyHunt is built on a foundation of trust and transparency. These guidelines govern how we create, review, and maintain all content on our platform—from pricing data to how-to guides to contractor recommendations.

As a new marketplace launched in 2025, we're establishing these standards from day one, not as an afterthought. Every member of our editorial team is accountable to these principles, and we welcome feedback when we fall short.

Our commitment: Provide homeowners with accurate, unbiased information that helps them make confident decisions about their homes—even when that means recommending they don't use our marketplace.

Core Editorial Principles

Content Creation Standards

Minimum Research Requirements

Before any article is published, writers must:

• Consult minimum 3 authoritative sources for factual claims
• Interview or consult licensed professional for technical content
• Verify pricing data across multiple databases (BLS, RSMeans, contractor surveys)
• Check latest building codes and regulations for the service area
• Review competing content to ensure we're adding new value, not repeating

Source Credibility Criteria

We evaluate sources based on:

• Authority: Is this a recognized expert or organization in the field?
• Transparency: Do they disclose methodology and potential biases?
• Currency: Is the information current and regularly updated?
• Verification: Can we independently verify the claim?
• Reputation: Is the source trusted by industry professionals?

Citation Requirements

All content must include:

• In-line attribution for direct quotes or specific statistics
• List of sources at article end (for cost guides and research-heavy content)
• Links to original sources where available (government data, studies)
• Expert reviewer credentials prominently displayed
• Last updated date on all pricing and technical content

Expert Review Protocol

Technical content must be reviewed by a licensed professional with relevant expertise:

• Who: Licensed contractor, inspector, engineer, or certified specialist in the field
• What they check: Technical accuracy, code compliance, realistic pricing, safety concerns, best practices
• Documentation: Expert name, credentials, and review date noted in article metadata
• Revisions: Writer must address all expert feedback before publication

Ethics Guidelines

No Payment for Coverage

Contractors, manufacturers, and service providers cannot:

• Pay for inclusion in articles, buyer guides, or cost guides
• Pay for higher placement or better rankings in content
• Pay for positive reviews or removal of negative information
• Influence editorial content through advertising relationships

Disclosure Requirements

We disclose any relationships that could influence content:

• If an expert reviewer is also a NearbyHunt pro, we note that relationship
• If content features a product we have affiliate relationship with, it's labeled
• If content is sponsored (rare), it's clearly marked as "Sponsored Content"
• If writer has personal connection to topic, disclosure is included

Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

Team members must:

• Disclose financial interests in companies or products covered
• Recuse themselves from content where personal interest creates bias
• Not accept gifts, trips, or compensation from sources or subjects
• Maintain professional distance from pros and companies we cover

Professional Conduct

In all interactions, team members must:

• Identify themselves as NearbyHunt editorial staff
• Be honest about article purpose and scope
• Respect confidentiality when appropriate
• Treat sources, subjects, and readers with respect
• Maintain objectivity in research and reporting

Corrections & Updates Policy

We strive for accuracy, but errors happen. Here's how we handle them:

Types of Corrections

How to Report Errors

If you notice an error in our content:

• Email: [email protected]
• Subject: "Correction: [Article Title or Topic]"
• Include: Specific page URL, description of error, supporting documentation if available
• Response time: Acknowledgment within 2 business days, investigation completed within 5 business days

Update Schedule

Proactive content review schedule:

• Monthly: High-volatility content (material costs, seasonal services)
• Quarterly: All pricing and cost guides
• Annually: Comprehensive review of all evergreen content
• As needed: Code changes, safety alerts, major industry shifts

Diversity & Inclusion Standards

Home improvement content has historically excluded many voices and perspectives. We're committed to changing that.

Inclusive Language

• Use "homeowner" not "homemaker" (avoids gender assumptions)
• Include options for renters, not just owners
• Avoid assumptions about family structure, income level, or physical ability
• Use person-first language for disabilities ("person with limited mobility" not "disabled person")
• Avoid jargon that assumes professional knowledge

Diverse Perspectives

• Feature experts from diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Include budget-friendly options, not just high-end solutions
• Consider urban, suburban, and rural perspectives
• Address accessibility needs in how-to content
• Feature various home types (apartments, condos, mobile homes, single-family)

Accessibility Standards

• All images include descriptive alt text
• Videos include captions or transcripts
• Content uses readable fonts and sufficient contrast
• Complex information includes visual aids (charts, diagrams)
• Technical terms are defined on first use

Enforcement & Accountability

Review Process

We regularly audit our content and processes:

• Quarterly editorial audits: Random sample of published content reviewed against these guidelines
• Peer review: Writers review each other's work for quality and adherence to standards
• Reader feedback: All correction requests and complaints are logged and reviewed
• Source verification: Periodic re-checking of citations and data sources

Consequences for Violations

When team members fail to meet these standards:

• First occurrence: Team discussion, corrective action, additional training if needed
• Pattern of issues: Formal review, content privileges restricted pending improvement
• Intentional violations: Immediate suspension, potential termination, content removed
• Ethical breaches: Termination and public disclosure if necessary

Editorial Oversight

• Editorial Director owns all content quality and guideline enforcement
• Content Operations Lead monitors adherence to processes
• Research Manager ensures data quality and source verification
• All team members empowered to raise concerns about content or practices

Contact & Feedback

We welcome questions, suggestions, and concerns about our editorial practices:

Your feedback helps us improve. Whether you've found an error, have a suggestion for better content, or want to understand our methodology, we want to hear from you.