For Service Providers
Why Gorge Trusted?
The big platforms weren't built for small Gorge businesses. Here's what's different about us — and why it matters.
The problems with other platforms
You've probably tried at least one of these. Here's what makes them a bad fit for local service businesses in the Gorge.
Angie's List / HomeAdvisor
- ✗ $20–$80+ per lead — whether the customer hires you or not
- ✗ The same lead is sold to 3–4 other contractors simultaneously
- ✗ Pushy upgrades and surprise charges after signup
- ✗ Not local — you're competing against companies from Portland and beyond
- ✗ No vetting — anyone can list, which means quality is inconsistent
Yelp
- ✗ Monthly fees just to manage your own listing
- ✗ Pay-per-click ads with no guaranteed results
- ✗ Reviews filtered out with no explanation — even legitimate ones
- ✗ Aggressive sales calls the moment you create an account
- ✗ Competitors' ads shown directly on your own listing page
Google Business Profile
- ✗ Hard to get found without paying for ads in competitive categories
- ✗ Listings can be suspended or removed for vague reasons
- ✗ Fake and spam listings pollute results
- ✗ You're just another pin on a map — no local credibility signal
Facebook & Nextdoor
- ✗ Posts disappear from the feed within hours — nothing is permanent
- ✗ Can't be searched reliably by service type or location
- ✗ No way to verify who's actually a legitimate business
- ✗ Algorithm changes can tank your visibility overnight with no recourse
Side-by-side comparison
| Gorge Trusted | Angie's List | Yelp | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free listing | Yes, always | No | Limited |
| Pay per lead | Never | $20–$80+ | Pay-per-click |
| Leads sold to multiple contractors | Never | Yes | Sometimes |
| Manually vetted listings | Every one | No | No |
| Local & community-focused | Yes | No | No |
| Competitor ads on your page | Never | Yes | Yes |
| Click & view analytics | Included | Paid only | Paid only |
| Profile written for you | Yes (Verified) | No | No |
| Annual cost (verified tier) | $99/yr* | $300–$1,500+ | $300–$600+ |
* Founding member rate, locked in forever. Learn more →
What makes Gorge Trusted different
It's not just pricing. The whole model is different.
Every listing is personally reviewed
There's no automated approval. A real person looks at every submission before it goes live. That's what makes the directory trustworthy — and why residents rely on it.
Built for the Gorge, not for the algorithm
We're not trying to rank nationally or serve every city in the country. We're focused on one specific place — the Columbia River Gorge — which means residents trust the results.
You own the relationship
Directory listings connect customers directly to you — by phone, website, or however you prefer. No middleman, no cut taken from the connection.
We do the work for you
Verified members get a custom-written description, photos, and a full profile — built by us. No copywriting, no design, no hassle on your end.
Ready to try it?
Free to list. Founding member spots are limited.
Takes less than 2 minutes. No credit card required.