About Our Ranking Methodology
Transparency and objectivity are at the core of our hairdresser directory. Learn how we rank businesses to help you make informed decisions.
Our Mission
We created this directory to provide Sippy Downs residents with an objective, trustworthy resource for finding quality hairdressers. Unlike traditional directories that may prioritize paid placements or advertising revenue, our rankings are based solely on publicly available customer review data.
How We Rank Hairdressers
Our ranking methodology is simple, transparent, and data-driven. We use two primary factors, applied in order:
1. Total Number of Reviews (Primary Factor)
The total number of customer reviews is our primary ranking factor. This metric serves as a proxy for:
- Customer Engagement: Businesses with more reviews have served more customers who took the time to share feedback
- Established Reputation: A high review count typically indicates a business has been operating successfully for an extended period
- Statistical Reliability: More reviews provide a larger sample size, making ratings more statistically significant
- Community Trust: Customers are more likely to review businesses they trust and recommend
2. Average Rating (Secondary Factor)
When two businesses have the same number of reviews, we use average rating as a tiebreaker. This ensures that among equally reviewed businesses, those with higher customer satisfaction rank higher.
We source ratings from Google Maps, which uses a 5-star scale. These ratings are:
- Verified by Google's review system
- Based on actual customer experiences
- Publicly visible and auditable
- Protected against manipulation through Google's fraud detection
Why This Methodology Works
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Objectivity | Rankings based on quantifiable data, not subjective opinions or paid placements |
| Transparency | Clear, simple criteria that anyone can understand and verify |
| Customer-Centric | Prioritizes businesses that customers actively engage with and recommend |
| Fairness | Every business evaluated using identical criteria |
| Reliability | Based on verified reviews from Google's trusted platform |
Data Sources
All ranking data is sourced from Google Maps, the world's most widely used local business directory. Google Maps provides:
- Verified customer reviews
- Aggregate star ratings
- Total review counts
- Business information (address, phone, website)
We collect this publicly available data and organize it into an easy-to-use format. We do not modify, editorialize, or selectively present data to favor any particular business.
What We Don't Do
- Accept payments for higher rankings
- Sell advertising that affects ranking positions
- Editorialize or modify review data
- Create fake or fabricated business information
- Favor businesses based on personal relationships
- Remove negative reviews or unfavorable data
Limitations & Considerations
While our methodology is objective and transparent, users should be aware of certain limitations:
Review Volume Bias
Newer businesses or those with excellent service but fewer customers may rank lower despite high quality. A 5.0-star rating with 10 reviews will rank below a 4.5-star rating with 100 reviews. This reflects our philosophy that statistical reliability and proven track records are valuable indicators.
Geographic Scope
Our directory focuses specifically on Sippy Downs, QLD. Excellent hairdressers in neighboring suburbs may not appear in our rankings if they're not located within Sippy Downs proper.
Review Authenticity
While Google employs sophisticated fraud detection, no review system is perfect. We rely on Google's verification processes and do not independently verify each review.
Specialization
Our rankings don't account for specialized services. A salon specializing in curly hair or color treatments may be perfect for specific needs even if it doesn't rank #1 overall.
How to Use Our Rankings
Our rankings provide a starting point for your search, highlighting businesses with proven track records. We recommend:
- Start with Top-Ranked Businesses: These have demonstrated consistent customer satisfaction
- Read Detailed Reviews: Click through to Google Maps to read specific customer experiences
- Consider Your Needs: Look for reviews mentioning services you require
- Check Recent Feedback: Ensure recent reviews maintain the same quality standards
- Visit or Call: Contact businesses directly to discuss your specific needs
- Try Multiple Options: Finding the perfect hairdresser often requires trying a few
Updates & Accuracy
We update our rankings regularly to reflect current data. The year displayed on our pages (2025) indicates when the data was last refreshed. Review counts and ratings can change over time as businesses receive new customer feedback.
If you notice outdated information or errors, please contact us so we can investigate and update our data accordingly.
Commitment to Users
Our commitment is to provide Sippy Downs residents with a trustworthy, objective resource for finding quality hairdressers. We believe that transparent methodology and data-driven rankings serve the community better than traditional advertising-based directories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can businesses pay to rank higher?
No. We do not accept payments for ranking placement. All businesses are ranked using the same objective criteria based on publicly available review data.
How often are rankings updated?
We update our rankings periodically to reflect current data. The current year displayed on our pages indicates the most recent update.
Why isn't my favorite hairdresser ranked #1?
Rankings reflect total review volume and average ratings, not individual preferences. An excellent hairdresser with fewer reviews may rank lower than one with more reviews, even if both provide great service.
Can I submit a business for inclusion?
Our directory includes businesses listed on Google Maps in Sippy Downs. If a business has a Google Maps listing with reviews, it should appear in our data. Contact us if you believe a business is missing.
Do you verify the accuracy of reviews?
We rely on Google's review verification and fraud detection systems. We do not independently verify individual reviews but trust Google's established processes.
Contact Us
Have questions about our methodology or suggestions for improvement? We'd love to hear from you. Visit our contact page to get in touch.
Methodology Version: 1.0
Data Source: Google Maps