Our Selection and Rating Methodology

We understand the struggle of searching for a SaaS product that is both affordable and reliable. To assist our readers and software buyers, we offer the highest quality reviews, empowering you to make confident decisions. We follow the 10 step process to evaluate a SaaS product, rate and rank the products:
Our Selection and Rating Methodology

Sprout24 is a contextual data platform for SaaS products, offering exhaustive insights, expertly curated content, and thorough analysis concerning business software applications and products. It aims to bolster decision-making professionals in a myriad of sectors, presenting them with unmatched data points and resources to thrive in their chosen domains.

Boasting a decade experience in SaaS and B2B software management, a team of seasoned professionals and power users synergize to craft pertinent, data-backed content. This include software benchmarks, product recommendations, research compilations, and enlightening insights. Read detail about Sprout24 here.

We understand the struggle of searching for a SaaS product that is both affordable and reliable. To assist our readers and software buyers, we offer the highest quality reviews, guides, empowering you to make confident decisions.

Originating as an editorial in the summer of 2010, Sprout24 has since highlighted over 500 SaaS entities spanning more than 30 software categories.

How do we ensure our reviews are both high quality and unbiased?

Review Process

SaaS Product Review Process at Sprout24

Our editorial team follow the following 10 step process to evaluate a SaaS product, rate and rank the products:

  1. Test the Products: We have over 25 testing points for each product type. These criteria are designed to rigorously assess each product functionality, usability, and effectiveness.
  2. Create a Demo Project: We test products in real-world scenarios. A demo project mimics real-world scenarios, ensuring the product is tested in conditions similar to what users might experience. This approach helps in evaluating the practical application and usability of the product in real-life situations.
  3. Check Pricing and Details: No surprises for you. Detailed examination of the product pricing structure, including any hidden costs or fine print. The goal is to ensure users are fully informed about the cost implications before making a decision.
  4. Peer Review / Internal Presentation: New products undergo additional testing by our team. New products are introduced and demonstrated to the team, fostering a collaborative review process. Our team’s diverse expertise contributes to a more thorough examination and critique of the product.
  5. Compare with Competitors: We identify unique features and shortcomings. Products are compared with similar products in the market. This comparison highlights unique features, advantages, and potential shortcomings, giving a comprehensive market perspective.
  6. Write a Review / Create a Video: We present information in a user-friendly way. The gathered information is compiled into a structured, user-friendly format, either as a written review or a video. This step focuses on clarity and accessibility of information for the readers.
  7. Receive Internal Feedback: We revise our content. The initial review draft undergoes internal feedback for revisions. This process ensures accuracy, comprehensiveness, and unbiased reporting.
  8. Rate and Rank the Product: After decision, we publish. Products are rated and ranked based on the evaluation criteria. This final judgment is published to guide users in their decision-making process.
  9. Adapt with User Feedback: Your experiences shape our reviews. Reviews are updated and adapted based on feedback from actual users.This step ensures that the reviews stay relevant and reflective of the user experience.
  10. Regular Updates: We keep our reviews current with product updates. Reviews are periodically updated to reflect any changes in the products, such as new features, performance improvements, or changes in pricing.

At Sprout24, our values are paramount. We don’t sell rankings to the highest bidder. Our honest reviews and rankings reflect our tests and experiences.

We don’t display ads to enhance user experience.

Sprout24 is funded through referral commissions from accounts opened via our links. Using our links won’t cost you extra, and sometimes offers better deals. Read details inside FTC Disclosure.

Features to Test

What all Features Do We Test?

We test around 25 points depending on the product tool type and product category, but some features are universal:

  • Ease of Use: We create demo projects to test real-world usability and conduct user experience tests.
  • Support: We evaluate the level of customer support through various channels and test responsiveness and quality.
  • Performance: We conduct in-depth tests on functionality, including email deliverability, web hosting speed and uptime, and website builder loading speed.
  • Design Templates: We assess the variety, modernity, industry suitability, and editability of templates.
  • Languages: As an international company, we review products in multiple languages, focusing on support quality and translation accuracy.
  • Value for Money: We compare prices with competitors, analyze fine print, and report in local currencies when possible.

Further detail of the tests and analysis is also given here in the Understanding Contextual Data of SaaS Products guide.

Email Marketing Tools

How we Choose and Rate Email Marketing Platform?

Weightage of email marketing software rating:

CriteriaPercentage
Range of Features28%
Cost11%
Compliance with Email Marketing Standards11%
Ease of Use11%
Ease of Integration with Other Tools8.5%
Scalability8.5%
Customer Support8%
Deliverability Rates8%
Pricing Transparency3%
Free Trial Period3%
Weightage of email marketing software rating at Sprout24

Social Media Management Tools

How we Choose and Rate Social Media Management Platform?

Weightage of social media management software rating:

CriteriaPercentage
Range of Features25%
User Interface and Experience15%
Integration with Social Platforms12%
Scheduling and Automation Capabilities12%
Analytics and Reporting10%
Customer Support8%
Team Collaboration Features8%
Pricing Transparency5%
Security and Compliance3%
Free Trial Period2%
Weightage of social media management software rating at Sprout24

Project Management Tools

How we Choose and Rate Project Management Platform?

Weightage of project management software rating:

CriteriaPercentage
Task Management and Workflow Automation20%
Ease of Use and User Interface18%
Collaboration and Communication Features15%
Integration with Other Tools12%
Reporting and Analytics10%
Customization and Flexibility10%
Pricing and Value for Money8%
Mobile App Functionality5%
Customer Support2%
Weightage of project management software rating at Sprout24

Landing Page Tools

How we Choose and Rate Landing Page Platform?

Weightage of landing page software rating:

CriteriaPercentage
Design Flexibility and Templates25%
Ease of Use and User Interface20%
Conversion Rate Optimization Features15%
Integration with Marketing and CRM Tools12%
A/B Testing and Analytics10%
Mobile Responsiveness8%
Page Load Speed5%
Pricing and Value for Money3%
Customer Support2%
Weightage of landing page software rating at Sprout24

Marketing Automation Platform

How we Choose and Rate Marketing Automation Platform?

Weightage of marketing automation platform rating:

CriteriaPercentage
Automation and Workflow Capabilities22%
Integration with CRM and Other Tools18%
Ease of Use and User Interface15%
Analytics and Reporting12%
Email Marketing Features10%
Lead Management and Scoring10%
Scalability and Customization8%
Pricing and Value for Money3%
Customer Support2%
Weightage of marketing automation platform rating at Sprout24

Service Desk Platform

How we Choose and Rate Service Desk Platform?

Weightage of service desk management platform rating:

CriteriaPercentage
Ticket Management and Automation22%
Multi-Channel Support (Email, Chat, Phone)18%
Integration with Other Tools15%
Reporting and Analytics12%
Ease of Use and User Interface12%
Customization and Flexibility10%
Customer Support5%
Scalability and Pricing4%
Security and Compliance2%
Weightage of service desk management platform rating at Sprout24

CMS Platform

How we Choose and Rate CMS Platform?

Weightage of CMS platform rating:

CriteriaPercentage
Ease of Use and User Interface20%
Customization and Flexibility18%
SEO and Marketing Tools15%
Integration with Plugins and Extensions15%
Performance and Speed10%
Security Features10%
Content Management and Editing Capabilities7%
Pricing and Value for Money3%
Customer Support2%
Weightage of CMS platform rating at Sprout24

WordPress Hosting Platform

How we Choose and Rate WordPress Hosting Platform?

Weightage of WordPress hosting platform rating:

CriteriaPercentage
Performance and Speed25%
Uptime Reliability20%
Customer Support15%
Security Features12%
Ease of Use and User Interface10%
Scalability and Resources8%
Backup and Restore Options5%
Pricing and Value for Money3%
Integration with WordPress Plugins2%
Weightage of WordPress hosting platform rating at Sprout24

CRM Platform

How we Choose and Rate CRM Platform?

Weightage of CRM platform rating:

CriteriaPercentage
Contact and Lead Management22%
Customization and Flexibility18%
Integration with Other Tools15%
Reporting and Analytics15%
Ease of Use and User Interface12%
Automation and Workflow Capabilities10%
Security and Compliance5%
Pricing and Value for Money3%
Weightage of CRM platform rating at Sprout24

Sales CRM Platform

How we Choose and Rate Sales CRM Platform?

Weightage of Sales CRM platform rating:

CriteriaPercentage
Pipeline Management and Sales Automation25%
Ease of Use and User Interface20%
Integration with Other Tools15%
Reporting and Analytics15%
Lead Management and Scoring10%
Customization and Flexibility7%
Customer Support5%
Pricing and Value for Money3%
Weightage of Sales CRM platform rating at Sprout24

LinkedIn Automation Tools

How we Choose and Rate LinkedIn Automation Tools?

Weightage of LinkedIn automation tools rating:

CriteriaPercentage
Automation and Workflow Capabilities25%
Safety and Compliance with LinkedIn Policies20%
Ease of Use and User Interface15%
Integration with CRM and Other Tools12%
Analytics and Reporting10%
Lead Generation and Management8%
Customer Support5%
Pricing and Value for Money3%
Customization and Flexibility2%
Weightage of LinkedIn automation tools rating at Sprout24

Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct

  • We welcome feedback from readers, software buyers and software manufacturers.
  • Our opinions are not for sale; we refuse payments that aim to influence our reviews.
  • We avoid conflicts of interest by not investing in products we review.
  • We maintain independence by not taking outside investment.
  • We always present both pros and cons.
  • Our translations are fully localized, considering cultural nuances.

Apart from the above Sprout24 Rating methodology followed to curate guide, report, benchmark and reviews, Sprout24 has more to offer. Sprout24 Product Context Page is a dedicated space on Sprout24 portal which showcases individual SaaS product details and user reviews. Sprout Score, range from 1 to 10, is a proprietary rating by Sprout24, reflecting a product quality based on editorial reviews and user feedback. High scores enhance visibility and offer product additional opportunities on the platform. The methodology followed to allocate Sprout Score is discussed in this guide.

Connor Reynolds
Connor Reynolds

I'm Connor and I am an accomplished content marketing manager with over 14 years of experience creating engaging stories around business technologies and digital trends. With a passion for helping brands boost their online presence, I provide actionable insights into leveraging innovations in web design, digital marketing, SEO, and ecommerce. I have deep expertise across a wide range of solutions aimed at business growth, from SaaS tools to marketing automation to social media management. I stay on the pulse of emerging technologies and best practices so I can effectively translate complex topics into useful content for business audiences. My background in implementing digital strategies gives me a unique perspective on how brands can optimize their use of new platforms and innovations. I thrive on producing educational yet entertaining content that keeps readers up-to-date on the latest advancements influencing business success. When I'm not writing, I enjoy exploring the nuances of today's digital landscape.

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