Today, trust is no longer optional.
Buyers don’t just look for services - they look for reliable partners.
They want proof and transparency.
And they want confidence that they’re making a safe, informed decision.
That’s exactly what the Sortlist Trusted Partner badge is designed to provide.
This new badge is a powerful symbol of credibility, awarded to agencies that meet our highest standards for client satisfaction, quality, and business transparency. It’s not just a label on your profile, it’s a signal to clients that your agency has been verified, reviewed, and is ready to deliver.
What is the Sortlist Trusted Partner badge?
The Trusted Partner badge is a verified trust signal, awarded only to agencies that meet Sortlist’s highest standards for:
business legitimacy
client satisfaction
operational reliability
It’s not a label you can buy.
It’s not manually assigned, and it’s not based on opinion.
The badge is granted automatically based on verified data, independent checks, and client feedback.
When you see it, you know the agency has been vetted and proven.
A smarter badge, replacing the old SL badge
The Trusted Partner badge replaces the former SL badge.
The SL badge simply indicated that an agency was active on Sortlist.
It did not reflect quality, trust, or credibility.
The Trusted Partner badge goes further.
It recognizes agencies that meet concrete trust and performance criteria - creating real value for both sides of the marketplace.
For clients: confidence and reduced risk
For agencies: stronger credibility and higher visibility
Why it matters to your clients
When clients see the Trusted Partner badge, they know that the agency:
Has been independently verified
Has delivered consistent quality, backed by real client reviews
Has a proven track record on similar projects
Has passed business and financial legitimacy checks conducted by a trusted third-party provider
This badge removes uncertainty at the very first step.
Instead of guessing, clients start conversations knowing they’re dealing with a real, reliable, and accountable business.
Why it matters for agencies
The Trusted Partner badge is more than recognition - it’s a growth lever.
Agencies that earn the badge benefit from:
Higher visibility on Sortlist
Trusted Partners are prioritized over non-badged agencies in:
directories
search results
project shortlists shared with clients
Increased credibility at every touchpoint
The badge appears:
on your Sortlist profile
in project communications sent to clients
Stronger sales conversations
You can embed the badge on:
your website
pitch decks
proposals
email signatures
Instantly signaling trust before the first call.
Better profile performance
Agencies with the Trusted Partner badge consistently see stronger engagement and conversion.
What’s required to earn the badge
To qualify for the Sortlist Trusted Partner badge, your agency must:
Maintain an average rating of 4.0 or higher on Sortlist
Have at least 10 verified positive client reviews
Be a Sortlist+ member
Provide a valid company registration / VAT number, which is:
securely processed
automatically verified by an independent third-party provider
used to confirm your company’s legal existence and stability
This ensures that clients can trust not only your work, but your business.
Please note: the previous Sortlist (SL) badge is being retired. Only agencies meeting the Trusted Partner criteria will retain a badge going forward.
Where your badge appears
Once earned, the Trusted Partner badge is displayed automatically:
On your Sortlist profile
In client directories and search filters
In project communications sent to buyers
You can also use it externally on:
your website
marketing materials
presentations
social channels
Everywhere it appears, it acts as a proof point of trust and credibility.
Ready to become a Trusted Partner?
Check your eligibility directly in your dashboard or learn how to activate your badge.
Need help embedding or promoting it? Our team is here to support your growth.
FAQs
Will the Trusted Partner badge replace the old SL badge?
Yes. The SL badge is being phased out.
Unlike the SL badge, the Trusted Partner badge is earned through verified trust and performance criteria.
What are the requirements to earn the badge?
Your agency must:
Have an average rating of 4 or above in your Reviews section
Have at least 10 verified positive reviews
Be a Sortlist+ member
Provide a valid company registration / VAT number for verification
Can I display the badge outside of Sortlist?
Yes. You’ll receive an embeddable version that can be used on your website, email signature, and sales materials.
Where do I enter my company registration number?
In your Sortlist profile, under Profile → About.
Who sees my registration number?
Only Sortlist and our verification partner.
It is never displayed to clients.
Who verifies the registration number?
An independent third-party provider verifies it to confirm that your business is officially registered and operational.
Do I need to manually trigger the verification?
No. The process is fully automated and runs in the background once the information is submitted.
What happens if my verification fails?
First, double-check that the information is correct
If the issue persists, contact hello@sortlist.com or your account manager
How long does verification take?
In most cases, a few business days.
If it takes longer, our team can check the status for you.