Is Valado really free? What is the catch?
Yes. Being featured is free, and so is using Valado for clients. We take no commission and charge no pay-per-lead fees. Valado makes money from Pro, an optional plan with extra tools, and from separate services some experts choose later. You never need either one to be featured.
How is Valado different from Thumbtack or Avvo?
You never pay for a lead, a click or a contact. There is no commission and no contract for your profile, and you can pause it or delete it anytime in Settings. Every contact request reaches you with what the client wrote.
Is Avalado an official certification?
No. Avalado is Valado's own review, not an official certification. It means our team interviewed you on a 15-minute video call, looked up your license in public records when one applies, and reviewed your website and LinkedIn.
Does paying for Pro change my ranking?
Never. Pro does not change who we vouch for, the order of search results or where you appear. It adds tools to your profile, not placement.
Who can be featured?
Professionals who can serve clients in Spanish: accountants, attorneys, realtors, financial advisors, counselors, coaches, consultants, and marketing and tech experts. We are starting in Houston and accept experts across the US.
What do you ask of experts?
Three things. Tell the truth in your profile. Keep your license active when your work requires one. And reply to every client request within 1 business day, even if only to say you cannot help. The same rule applies to free and Pro.
Do I have to write my profile myself?
No. Say yes and we draft it in English and Spanish from your website and public listings. You review it with a private link and approve it before anything goes live. If you prefer, you can sign in and write it yourself.
Can ChatGPT or another AI write my profile?
Yes. On valado.co/start you copy our prompt into ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini. It asks you a few questions, writes your profile in English and Spanish, and gives you a block to paste back on Valado after you sign in. You review every step, and nothing goes live without your approval and your 15-minute interview.
Can my profile go live before the interview?
Yes, if your work requires a license and we can confirm it in your state's public registry. Your profile goes live marked "Avalado pending", without the Avalado badge. The badge appears after your 15-minute interview. If the interview does not happen within 30 days, we unpublish your profile until it does. The Founding expert mark and Pro start once you have the badge.
Can someone on my team fill in my profile?
Yes. An assistant or coordinator can fill it in for you, but you approve the final text yourself, and the profile is still yours and your responsibility.
How do clients contact me?
Clients leave their first name and an email or WhatsApp to see your contact details. We email you their details right away so you can reply first. Valado never sells your information or theirs.
When does Valado Pro open?
Pro is not open for payment yet. Join the waitlist on this page and we will email you first. During the beta it costs $9 a month or $90 a year, and you keep that price as long as your plan stays active.
