Local Search & AI Index (LSAI)
The best GEO agency and the best (local) GEO specialist, independently assessed
We assess GEO agencies and (local) GEO specialists on what their clients say when we call them, on demonstrable results and on honest measurement. No paid placement and no “number 1 in ChatGPT”, because that does not exist.
Method, interests and corrections are published openly on the site. The founder and his own brands are not ranked.
Edition 1: registration is open
A provisional list is now on the site, based on public sources. The final scores follow after the follow-up client calls and the measurements. Specialists and agencies can register for edition 1 free of charge.
Why this ranking is different
People first
40 of the 100 points come from clients: three calls we make ourselves and verified reviews. Testimonials on the provider’s own website do not count.
No positions in AI
AI tools almost never give the same list twice. We measure how often a name comes back over many repetitions, as Rand Fishkin recommends.
Nothing for sale
No paid placement, no affiliate arrangement, no lead fee. Every tie between the editorial team and a specialist is shown with the score.
The LSAI at a glance
Six pillars, 100 points. Client evidence and implementation weigh more than a specialist’s own visibility.
| Pillar | Points | What counts | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Follow-up client calls by the editorial team | 20 | Would choose again 6, results according to the client 5, communication and reporting 4, promise versus reality 3, own implementation 2 | Three clients, chosen by lot from at least eight |
| Client opinion in reviews | 20 | Weighted average 12, recency (24 months) 4, at least two platforms 2, response to criticism 2. Fewer than five reviews: maximum 10 | Google, Trustpilot, Trustoo, Clutch |
| Proven client results | 25 | The best three case studies on the evidence ladder from 0 to 5; score = sum divided by 15, times 25 | Case studies, raw measurement data, follow-up call |
| Implementation and measurement honesty | 15 | Six workstreams of 1.5 points each, plus 6 points for honest measurement: percentage instead of position, number of questions and repetitions stated, per AI tool separately, link to branded searches or direct traffic | Quote, sample report |
| AI visibility of the agency’s own name | 10 | Visibility as a percentage 8, used as a source 2 | Own measurement per edition |
| Knowledge sharing, transparency and foundations | 10 | Own tests with a method 3, trade press, speaking and books 2, prices and terms 2, KvK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce), name and profiles 2, fast and accessible website 1 | Own website, KvK, public profiles |
The LSAI totals 100 points. Awards only count if an independent jury grants them.
Against the grain: what the market will not tell you
Our knowledge base says what agencies and tool vendors would rather not say. Every figure sourced.
A position in ChatGPT does not exist
Why the ranking order in AI answers is random, and what you can measure instead.
Do you need an AI tracking tool?
Probably not yet. Seven reasons why most tools measure the wrong thing.
Who puts themselves at number 1?
We checked 23 lists of the best GEO agencies. In 15 the maker is at the top, and only 8 disclose that interest.
Why most GEO agencies do not implement
Advice is standard, implementation is not. What you can expect from an agency.
Free tools for business owners
Ten questions for your agency
A checklist to assess any GEO agency or GEO specialist, even without our ranking. Ready to print.
AI visibility tally sheet
Measure for yourself in what percentage of answers ChatGPT or Gemini mentions your business. Nothing is stored.
Who makes this ranking?
The founder is Gijs Bodenstaff, a digital marketer with more than 25 years of experience in fields including local SEO, GEO and AI visibility. He tests claims himself in LocalSEOLab.nl instead of repeating them.
Because he works in the field himself, he and his own brands are not in the ranking. Read more about the founder and the editorial team.
Specialist or agency? Take part in edition 1
Free of charge. You provide at least eight clients, and we call three of them chosen by lot.
Frequently asked questions
What is Beste GEO Bureau?
A ranking of GEO agencies and (local) GEO specialists in the Netherlands, based on a public method: the LSAI. We call clients, check case studies and reviews, and measure AI visibility in an honest way.
Can a specialist pay for a higher place?
No. Placement is not for sale, not through adverts, affiliate links or a lead fee either. Anyone who pays is not assessed.
Is the current ranking final?
No. There is a provisional list based on public sources: our agency study plus confirmation from measured lists. The final scores follow after the follow-up client calls.
What is the difference between GEO and local GEO?
GEO is about being mentioned in answers from AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Google AI Overviews. Local GEO is the same for questions that include a town or region, such as “which physiotherapist in Soest would you recommend?”. There, your Business Profile and reviews also carry a lot of weight.
Why do you not give a position in ChatGPT?
Because it does not exist. Research by SparkToro showed that AI tools almost never give the same list in the same order twice. We measure how often a name comes back over many repetitions.
Who is behind the site?
The founder is Gijs Bodenstaff, who works in the field himself. That is why he and his own brands are not in the ranking, and why we disclose every tie with an assessed specialist.
How often is the ranking published?
The plan is one edition per year, with interim corrections. Every correction is listed with a date in the corrections log.
Can I take part as a specialist?
Yes, registering is free. You provide at least eight clients, of whom we call three chosen by lot, plus your case studies and links to your reviews.
I am looking for a specialist. What can I do now?
Use the ten questions for your agency and the tally sheet to measure AI visibility yourself. With these you can check any provider, even without our ranking.
Where can I find the scoring rules?
On the LSAI method page. It sets out the six pillars, the points, the evidence ladder, the penalty points and how we measure AI visibility.