Criteria for software and tools
We assess reviews and tool comparisons against five criteria. Individual reviews may adjust the weights with a stated reason, for example when data protection matters most for the use case. The weights used are then stated in that review.
Criterion | Weight | What we check |
|---|---|---|
Features | 30% | documented features for the intended use |
Data basis and coverage | 20% | platforms, countries, languages, update frequency as stated by the vendor |
Data protection and data location | 20% | server location, data processing agreement, GDPR documentation |
Pricing model and transparency | 15% | public price tiers, trial options, contract terms |
Usability, integrations and support | 15% | APIs, exports, help pages, support channels |
Criteria for agencies
We assess agencies using publicly available information only. We do not hire agencies for test purposes and do not measure client results. Missing information counts as not documented.
Criterion | Weight | What we check |
|---|---|---|
GEO focus and scope of services | 25% | dedicated service page, platforms and building blocks covered |
Measuring AI visibility | 25% | prompt set, named tools, metrics, reporting frequency |
Transparency on process, price and contract | 20% | published process steps, prices, cancellation rules |
Method and realistic expectations | 20% | transparent approach, no placement guarantees |
Published expertise | 10% | books, white papers, guides, checklists |
Which sources do we use?
Primary sources: vendor documentation, pricing pages, data protection documents, legal notices.
Official guidelines: for example Google Search Central and OpenAI and Perplexity documentation.
Original studies: research papers and studies with a disclosed method.
Trade media: only as a supplement and always cited.
Every article lists its sources with a date. Comparisons and reviews carry an “as of” date, currently November 2026.
Who owns TechTafel?
TechTafel is owned by TRYSEO UG, an SEO and GEO agency based in Magdeburg. Where TRYSEO appears in a comparison or article, a notice appears at the top of the text and in the disclosure field. The criteria and weights apply to TRYSEO exactly as they do to every other provider.
How do we correct errors?
We review error reports promptly. Substantive corrections are noted with a date in the article's changelog. We fix typos without a note.
Frequently asked questions
Do you test tools yourselves?
Our reviews are editorial assessments based on publicly documented features, pricing models, data protection information, integrations and support. We only report our own measurements if we actually collected them, and we label them as such.
How is a review's overall score calculated?
Each criterion receives a score from 0 to 10. The overall score is the weighted average. The weights are stated in each review.
Does TechTafel earn money from recommendations?
No. We use no affiliate links and accept no payment for inclusion or placement. TechTafel is owned by TRYSEO UG. Where TRYSEO appears in a comparison, we disclose it.
How do I report an error?
Contact us via the details in our legal notice. We review every report and document substantive corrections with a date in the article.