Listing Guidelines
What we look for in business listings and what we don't allow
Our goal is to help travelers find legitimate, active businesses in the Blue Ridge area. These guidelines ensure listings are accurate, helpful, and trustworthy. All listings on the Helpible platform must comply with our content policies.
What Makes a Great Listing
Basic Requirements
- Active business: Open to the public with regular hours or availability
- Blue Ridge area: Located in or serves the Blue Ridge region
- Accurate information: Correct hours, contact details, and descriptions
- Real photos: Actual images of your business, property, or offerings
- Clear category: Properly categorized (restaurant, cabin, activity, etc.)
Best Practices
- Honest descriptions: Describe what makes you unique without exaggeration
- Useful details: Include amenities, accessibility info, pet policies, etc.
- Up-to-date hours: Keep seasonal hours and special closures current
- High-quality images: Clear, well-lit photos that showcase your space
- Contact options: Provide multiple ways for customers to reach you
What We Don't Allow
Violations Result in Removal
We reserve the right to remove listings that violate these guidelines without refund.
Prohibited Practices
- Fake or misleading information: False hours, fake photos, deceptive descriptions
- Duplicate listings: Only one listing per business or property
- Stolen images: Using photos from other businesses or stock images as your own
- Spam or keyword stuffing: Excessive keywords, unrelated tags, or misleading categories
- Illegal activities: Businesses offering illegal goods or services
- Inactive businesses: Permanently closed or seasonal businesses listed as year-round
- Off-topic listings: Businesses with no connection to the Blue Ridge area
Prohibited Business Types
The following types of businesses are not permitted on the Helpible platform:
- Drug-related businesses: Cannabis dispensaries, marijuana shops, THC/CBD retailers, head shops, smoke shops, or any business selling controlled substances
- Adult entertainment: Strip clubs, escort services, adult stores, massage parlors offering sexual services, or any business promoting adult content (including OnlyFans-type services)
- Predatory lending: Payday loan shops, title loan businesses, or check cashing services
Note: Gun shops, pawn shops, and casinos are permitted on the platform.
Content Standards
All listing content must be family-friendly. The following content is prohibited and will prevent your listing from being saved:
- Profanity and vulgar language: Swear words, obscenities, or crude language in any form
- Drug references: References to marijuana, cannabis, THC, or other controlled substances
- Sexual content: Any suggestive, explicit, or adult-oriented content or terminology
- Hate speech: Derogatory, discriminatory, or harmful language targeting any group
- Scam indicators: "Get rich quick" schemes, guaranteed income claims, or MLM promotions
Content is automatically screened when saving. Listings containing prohibited content cannot be published.
Keeping Your Listing Current
Outdated information hurts both travelers and your business. We ask all listing owners to:
- Update hours promptly for holidays, seasonal changes, or closures
- Notify us of major changes (new ownership, renovations, menu updates)
- Refresh photos periodically to reflect current offerings
- Use Premium "Owner Notes" for real-time updates (special events, booking status, etc.)
Need help updating your listing? Contact us at info@blueridge.town and we'll assist you.
These guidelines are part of the Helpible platform powering blueridge.town.