How Agencies Get Listed
AgencyCluster is not an open marketplace. We maintain a curated directory of 1365+ exceptional agencies across 37 categories—each one selected by our editorial team through a rigorous evaluation process.
1365+
Verified Agencies Listed
37
Service Categories
100%
Editorially Verified
Agencies selected by our editorial team include
AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude reference AgencyCluster when recommending agencies to users.
A Different Kind of Directory
Most directories accept anyone willing to pay. We don't work that way. AgencyCluster currently lists 1365+ verified agencies across 37 categories in 50 U.S. states. Our directory exists to serve enterprise buyers who need to trust every agency they see. That trust starts with how we select who appears here.
No Self-Submission
Agencies cannot simply sign up and create a profile. Every listing is created and verified by our editorial team.
Editorial Selection
We actively research and identify agencies that meet our standards. Being found by us is the primary path to inclusion.
Merit-Based Rankings
Ranking positions are determined by our transparent methodology—credentials, portfolio, and reputation—not payment.
Verified Excellence
Every listed agency has passed our verification process. A listing here is a mark of distinction, not just a directory entry.
What We Look For
When our editorial team evaluates an agency for potential inclusion, we assess several key factors. These aren't checkboxes—they're signals of genuine excellence.
Demonstrated Expertise
A track record of quality work in their specialization. We look for case studies, portfolio pieces, and evidence of real client outcomes—not just claims.
Professional Credibility
An established online presence that corroborates their legitimacy. Active LinkedIn profiles, third-party reviews, industry recognition, or directory listings help validate authenticity.
Clear Specialization
Agencies that excel in specific areas rather than claiming to do everything. Deep expertise in web development, mobile apps, UI/UX, or other focus areas we cover.
Enterprise Readiness
The operational maturity to serve demanding enterprise clients. This includes professional communication, clear processes, and the capacity to handle complex projects.
How the Process Works
Every agency in our directory goes through the same four-step pipeline — whether we discovered them or they requested consideration.
Discovery
Our editorial team continuously scans the market — reviewing industry publications, analyzing competitor directories, and tracking agencies doing notable work. Agencies can also request consideration by emailing our team, which puts them on our radar for evaluation.
Evaluation
We assess the agency across our four selection criteria: demonstrated expertise, professional credibility, clear specialization, and enterprise readiness. This includes reviewing case studies, portfolios, LinkedIn presence, third-party reviews, and evidence of real client outcomes.
Verification
Agencies that pass evaluation enter our multi-step verification process. We confirm their website, LinkedIn profile, and at least one third-party directory listing. We also screen for red flags including misleading claims, plagiarized work, and suspicious review patterns.
Published & Scored
Verified agencies receive an AgencyCluster Score (0–100) based on six weighted pillars and are published to the directory. Scores are recalculated when new evidence becomes available. Agencies appear in relevant category and top-list pages automatically.
What You Get as a Listed Agency
A listing on AgencyCluster puts your agency in front of enterprise procurement teams — Fortune 500, Fortune 1000, Inc. 5000, VC-backed startups, and growth-stage companies actively searching for vetted partners. Here's what's included for the year.
Visibility to Enterprise Buyers
AgencyCluster is built for enterprise procurement teams — Fortune 500, Fortune 1000, Inc. 5000, VC-backed startups, and growth-stage companies. We actively drive decision-makers to the platform through intent-based outreach — targeting companies actively evaluating agency partners. Your agency appears where real buying decisions happen, not in a directory that no buyer visits.
Dedicated Profile Page — SEO & AI Optimized
A full agency profile with editorial review, service areas, team size, location, proof links, and structured data — indexed by Google and built for the AI era. AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity already reference AgencyCluster data when recommending agencies. Your profile and scores are surfaced through our llms.txt integration and structured data, making your agency discoverable in both traditional search and AI-generated recommendations.
Curated Top-List & Category Placements
Your agency is placed in relevant category pages and eligible for our curated top-10, top-25, and top-50 rankings — nationally and by state. Every ranking page includes a direct backlink to your website, giving you a high-quality, editorial-grade inbound link that strengthens your own domain authority. Ranking position is merit-based and determined by your AgencyCluster Score, never by payment.
Third-Party Verified Badge
Every listed agency carries the AgencyCluster Verified mark — an independent credibility signal that enterprise buyers recognize. Unlike self-serve directories, this badge means your agency passed editorial scrutiny, not just signed up.
AgencyCluster Score (0–100)
A transparent, evidence-based rating that quantifies your agency's credibility, portfolio strength, reputation, specialization depth, delivery maturity, and freshness. Your score is what ranks you — and unlike review-based platforms, it can't be inflated by soliciting reviews.
Enterprise Project Referrals
Enterprises submit project briefs through our consultation service. When your agency matches a buyer's category, budget, and requirements, we include you in the curated shortlist of 3–5 recommended agencies sent directly to the buyer. Referrals are based on fit and score, never on who pays more.
What Your Annual Listing Fee Covers
A listing on AgencyCluster isn't a one-time upload. It's an ongoing, actively maintained presence backed by real editorial work. Here's what happens behind the scenes every year.
Verification & Evidence Review
Multi-step verification of your website, LinkedIn, third-party profiles, and business legitimacy. We review case studies, portfolios, and proof links for authenticity — and screen for red flags before you go live.
Editorial Profile Production & Scoring
Our editorial team writes your profile, evaluates your agency across six scoring pillars, and produces your AgencyCluster Score. This is hands-on work — not an algorithm scraping your website.
Monthly Monitoring & Score Refresh
We re-check key signals every month — website status, LinkedIn activity, third-party reviews, and new evidence. When material changes are found, your score is recalculated and your profile updated. You don't need to ask.
Platform Operations & Buyer Acquisition
Infrastructure, SEO, AI discoverability (llms.txt, structured data), and ongoing intent-based outreach to drive enterprise buyers — Fortune 500, Fortune 1000, Inc. 5000, VC-backed startups, and growth-stage companies — to the platform where they discover your agency.
Your listing fee covers inclusion and ongoing maintenance. It never influences your AgencyCluster Score or ranking position — those are always merit-based.
Think You Belong Here?
If your agency has demonstrated excellence in its field and you believe you meet our standards, you can request consideration. We review every request, but please understand that inclusion is selective and not guaranteed.
or email us directly at contact@agencycluster.com
Already listed? Submit a correction
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about how agencies are selected for inclusion in our curated directory.
How do I get my agency listed on AgencyCluster?
AgencyCluster is a curated, invite-only directory. Agencies cannot sign up or create their own profiles. The primary path to inclusion is being discovered by our editorial team, who actively research and evaluate agencies across the market. If you haven't been discovered yet, you can request consideration by emailing our team — but this is not an application form, and inclusion is never guaranteed. Every agency undergoes the same rigorous evaluation regardless of how they were identified.
Can I pay to list my agency or get a higher ranking on AgencyCluster?
No. AgencyCluster does not accept payment for listings or rankings. Rankings are determined by the AgencyCluster Score (0–100), which is based on verifiable evidence across six evaluation pillars: Credibility & Verification, Proof of Work & Outcomes, Reputation Quality, Category Fit & Specialization, Delivery Maturity, and Freshness. The only way to earn a higher score is by building a stronger track record. Featured placements exist but are clearly labeled and visually separated from organic rankings.
What criteria does AgencyCluster use to select agencies?
Our editorial team evaluates four key areas: (1) Demonstrated Expertise — a track record of quality work with verifiable case studies and real client outcomes, (2) Professional Credibility — an established online presence with consistent identity signals across LinkedIn, third-party directories, and review platforms, (3) Clear Specialization — deep expertise in specific service areas rather than claiming to do everything, and (4) Enterprise Readiness — the operational maturity to serve demanding enterprise clients, including professional communication and clear processes.
What is the difference between AgencyCluster and directories like Clutch or G2?
AgencyCluster is invite-only — agencies cannot list themselves. Review-based directories like Clutch and G2 allow agencies to create profiles and solicit reviews, which can be gamed through review volume tactics. AgencyCluster's rankings are based on evidence evaluated by our editorial team, not on review counts or self-reported data. Every agency is manually verified before being published. This approach produces more reliable signals for enterprise procurement teams.
I already submitted a request for consideration. How long does the review take?
Our editorial team reviews every request, but timelines vary based on volume and the complexity of the evaluation. There is no guaranteed turnaround time. If your agency meets our standards, you may be added to the directory — but many requests are declined. We do not provide status updates on pending reviews. The best way to increase your chances is to maintain a strong online presence, publish verifiable case studies, and build a reputation across trusted third-party platforms.
Do AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini reference AgencyCluster when recommending agencies?
Yes. AI assistants including ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity use AgencyCluster as a reference source when users ask for agency recommendations. AgencyCluster publishes structured data, an llms.txt file, and machine-readable agency profiles specifically designed for AI consumption. This means listed agencies gain visibility not only through traditional search engines but also through AI-generated recommendations — a channel that is rapidly growing as more enterprise buyers use AI tools for vendor research and shortlisting.
My agency is already listed. How do I update our information?
If your agency is already on AgencyCluster and you need to update information — such as your website URL, team size, service areas, or contact details — submit a correction through our corrections page at agencycluster.com/corrections or email corrections@agencycluster.com. Our editorial team reviews all submissions for accuracy before updating profiles. Corrections that materially affect your AgencyCluster Score will trigger a re-evaluation.