For our Local Gems

Become a Founding Gem Partner

You were chosen as a Local Gem because your place matters to Kentucky. A Gem Partnership funds the work to tell your story well, help visitors take the next step, and keep your profile accurate — and it comes with a plain-language report of what your page actually did.

Tell your story well

An editor writes an honest, distinctive story about your business and the people behind it — the kind visitors actually read.

Send visitors the right way

Prominent buttons take Kentucky travelers straight to your website, directions, menu, booking, or phone — whatever you want them to do.

Stay accurate

We check your facts with you every quarter so hours, contact, and details don't drift out of date.

See what it did

Once a year you get a simple summary: profile views, website visits, directions, and calls your page generated. Clicks, not promises.

How it compares

What you get	Standard free	Local Gem earned, free	Gem Partner paid	Sponsored paid
Accurate name, category, location, website	✓	✓	✓	✓
Kept in search & discovery	✓	✓	✓	✓
Editorial Local Gem recognition	—	✓ (earned)	✓ (earned)	—
Original written story about your business	—	sometimes	✓	✓ (sponsored)
The people behind it featured	—	sometimes	✓	—
Up to 8 of your photos, captioned	—	—	✓	your photos
Prominent visitor actions (website, directions, call)	basic	✓	✓	✓
Quarterly accuracy check-ins	—	—	✓	—
A promotional feature	—	—	✓	✓ (campaign)
A simple year-end engagement report	—	—	✓	basic results
Clearly labeled as paid	—	—	Paid Partner	Sponsored

Local Gem recognition is editorial and can't be bought. A Gem Partnership pays for the storytelling, media, promotion, accuracy checks, and reporting — not the recommendation.

What's included

An original 400–700 word story about your business and the people behind it
A verified, enhanced profile with your details kept accurate
Up to eight of your photos, with better captions and alt text
Clear actions for visitors — website, directions, phone, menu, or booking
One promotional feature through our available channels
Quarterly factual check-ins so your information stays right
One simple annual summary of the visibility and actions your profile generated

What it doesn't buy

The Local Gem recommendation itself — that stays editorial and can't be bought
On-site photography (you supply your own photos or links)
Guaranteed search rankings, AI mentions, newsletter slots, or lead volume
A business dashboard, account, or self-service editing

Founding Gem Partner

$299 / year, paid upfront

We deliver a first draft within five business days of receiving your complete story and photos.

Paid Partner: A Gem Partnership is a paid relationship. It funds enhanced storytelling and promotion. It does not buy the Local Gem recommendation, a search ranking, or an AI mention — facts and Local Gem eligibility remain subject to our editorial standards.

Questions

Does paying make me a Local Gem?: No. Local Gem is an editorial designation you already earned. The partnership pays for the work and promotion around your profile — not the recommendation.
What do you need from me?: After you pay, we'll ask a few questions about your business and for up to eight photos (or a link to a folder we can use).
Can I cancel?: It's an annual partnership. If your business closes or the facts change, tell us and we'll update or retire the profile.

Not a Local Gem yet? A Sponsored Business Spotlight may be a fit.