Listing points

We now offer “listing points” as a means of bidding for placement of tutor listings in search results. Listing points are optional, and not necessary to use in order to have a listing on findAtutor.ca. However, if you want to adjust the location of your listing in search results, below are definitions of the terms related to the listing points system and explanations of how it works.

Points pool

This is where listing points are stored. Each user has one points pool where all your listing points go. When you buy listing points, they are added to your points pool. Listing points are also added to the pool with payment of new, or renewal of existing, listings.

When listing points were first introduced, anyone with an active tutor listing received free listing points based on how long their listing was active for at that time. These points were all placed in the points pool for each user.

On it's own the points pool does nothing, it's just a holding place for listing points.

Natural points

This is the number of points assigned to a tutor listing. This is what we previously call a listing's “priority rank”. Natural points are calculated the exact same way priority rank was calculated before but now we show the number value assigned to each listing. Tutors will only be able to see the natural points for their own listing(s).

We made no changes to the priority rank calculation, which is based on when the listing was activated and when it was last updated. So for tutors that have a high priority rank listing from having a listing for a long time, you now have a listing with high natural points. Just like with priority rank, the only way that natural points change is updating a listing and time. As long as a listing remains active (renewed regularly) it will maintain it's natural points level, and will slowly increase in time.

Listing points

This is a number you enter for your listing to add to your natural points to create the total points for your listing. Think of listing points as a means to bid for a higher position in the search list.

The number of listing points you enter is the number of points that will be subtracted from your points pool each day. Listing points can be changed at any time, but what ever number you enter last is what it will stay at until you change it again, or your points pool runs out.

If you have multiple listings, you enter separate listing points for each listing, but they all get subtracted from the same points pool.

Total listing points

This is the total points assigned to your listing. Total listing points is the sum of natural points plus the listing points you entered. Search results then displays listings starting with the highest total points down to the lowest.

An example of using listing points

Note that listing points can only be used on listings that are active (paid for and approved by the administrator).

To use listing points, login to your account on findAtutor.ca. Click on the tab labelled “my listings” and scroll down to look below your listing. You'll see a box titled “set listing points”. In this box you will be able to enter a value in the “listing points” box. As an example, enter “25”, click to add a check mark in the tick box and click on the “agree” button.

Now you will see your total listing points change to be the total of your natural points plus 25 (the number you just entered in the “listing points” box.) At the bottom of the box, you will see the total in your points pool. Over the course of the day, points will be subtracted from your points pool such that, after 24 hours it will decrease by 25.

So if you currently have 1000 in your points pool, and enter 25 in the “listing points” field and come back in 24 hours, your points pool will show 975. This will continue until you change the listing points you've entered, or the points pool runs out. Once your points pool runs out, your listing points will return to zero, and the total listing points will only be the natural points for your listing.

So how do I see where my listing is in search results?

After you login, do a search for tutors in the same area and subject you have a listing in. As you look through the list, you will see a number below each listing. This number is showing the total listing points for each listing.

When you get to your listing, you will see the “set listing points” box below your listing. You can change your listing points right there, and your listing will automatically move to it's new position.

Is there an easier way to see how my listing(s) rank against others?

Yes! After you login, click on the “listing assistant” tab. You'll see a table of all your active listings, and how it ranks in the area and your first subject compared to other listings that meet the same criteria. This page also shows the remaining points in your points pool, and when they will run out.

How often do I have to set listing points?

You only have to do this once, however if you want to monitor your listing's position in the search results list, you can login to check where your listing is as often as you wish. Change the listing points to “0” (zero) and go with only the natural points assigned to your listing to save your points pool for when you want to give your listing a boost in the search results.

How much do listing points cost, and where do I buy them?

Listing points are approximately a penny per point. You can buy listing points in increments of $15 up to $100, with bonuses for higher values. See the listing rates page for details.

To buy more listing points, login to your account and click on the tab labelled "my orders." Click on the "create new order" link at the bottom of the page, and look for the section for listing points. Select the amount of points you wish to purchase, then click on the "order" button at the bottom of the page. Payment options and instructions are available after you create your order.

Give it a try!

If you still are a little confused about listing points, I recommend you give them a try. Login, search for your listing and enter listing points for your listing to see what happens.

There also is more information on how listing order is determined on the frequently asked questions page.