# How rankings work

Every number on GTM Shortlist has a source and a month. This page explains where the numbers come from, how we order tools, and what paying vendors can and can’t change.

## Data source

Search volumes come from Semrush’s US database. Each tool has a brand query, usually its name plus a qualifier when the name alone is ambiguous (for example “artisan ai”). We record the monthly US search volume for that query, the source and the month it was measured.

Category demand is the monthly US search volume for the category’s main keyword, such as “ai sdr”. Each figure shows its source and month next to it.

## Monthly refresh

Volumes refresh once a month. When a new month’s data arrives, every rank on the site updates at once and the page’s Updated date changes.

## Ranking method

Inside each category, tools are ordered by monthly US searches for their brand query, highest first. Ties are ordered alphabetically. Nothing else affects rank: not payment, not listing status, not reviews.

## Sponsored rules

- Featured spots sit above the ranked list, up to three per category, and always carry a Sponsored label.
- Competitor spots appear on a tool’s alternatives page, up to two per page, labeled Sponsored.
- A sponsored tool still appears in the ranked list at its real rank.
- Paying never changes a rank.

## Automated checks

- The website loads over HTTPS and belongs to the listed company.
- The product is an AI tool that fits the category.
- The one-liner describes what the product does, without claims we can’t check.
- Listings are re-checked every week. Failing listings are flagged and fixed or removed.

## Link policy

Links to vendor sites carry rel attributes that match the listing: unclaimed listings use nofollow, claimed free listings use nofollow ugc, and Verified or Featured listings use sponsored, as Google requires for paid links. Each link adds utm_source=gtmshortlist and utm_medium=directory.

## Corrections

Every tool page has a Report a correction form. We review corrections and update the listing and its Last checked date. Vendors can also claim their listing and edit details directly.