Methodology
Methodology
A useful tool library earns trust when visitors can tell how results are produced, how often pages update, and where the limits of the advice begin.
For calculators
- Show the major assumptions that drive the result.
- Use plain labels and inputs that match the visitor's mental model.
- Add an "updated" note and a short explanation of the formula.
- Flag when a result is a heuristic or rough estimate.
For guides and rankings
- Explain what criteria influenced the ranking.
- Disclose affiliate relationships near recommendation sections.
- Separate ads from editorial content.
- Revise pages when partner terms or fee schedules change.
Revision standard
If a page's assumptions, rankings, or monetization relationships change, the visible update date and methodology copy change with it. That's part of the trust the site is built on, not optional polish.