Frequently Asked Questions

The Southern Shmooze is Georgia’s fastest-growing local business directory and community hub, connecting neighbors with trusted local professionals. With more than 14,000 members and 100+ Shmooze Certified businesses, we make it easier to discover reliable services across Atlanta and beyond.

A Shmooze Certified business has completed our application process and been evaluated on:

• Quality of work

• Reliability and consistency

• Local references and reviews

• Overall professionalism

Once approved, businesses are highlighted in our directory with a Shmooze Certified badge—a sign that they’re vetted, community-endorsed, and trustworthy.

Here is a picture of the rules or you can view the rules on the group here.

Neighbors: Free.

Businesses: Membership options vary depending on the plan you choose. Details are available on our Membership Page.

We’re proud to serve Atlanta and surrounding neighborhoods, with active members throughout Georgia. Areas include:

Grant Park, East Atlanta, Ormewood Park, Reynoldstown, Decatur, Kirkwood, Edgewood, Inman Park, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, and beyond.

👉 We’re always expanding! If you’re in Georgia, you’re welcome to join.

100%! Happy to send a small referral compensation over as a thank you as well incase they decide to sign up for our membership program!

You can cancel your business membership at any time by filling out our membership cancellation form. Once submitted, billing will stop immediately. Your directory listing can remain active or be removed—your choice.

• Neighbors and community members: Free to join, browse, and share recommendations.

• Businesses: Any local professional can apply for Shmooze Certification to be listed in our directory. We feature everyone from landscapers and contractors to salons, accountants, and restaurants.

We take quality and accountability seriously. If you’ve had an issue:

1. Email us at hello@thesouthernshmooze.com with the details (dates, photos, description).

2. We’ll connect with both you and the business to mediate and work toward a resolution.

3. If a resolution isn’t possible, we’ll note the feedback internally and advise you on review options.

This process helps us ensure that “Shmooze Certified” continues to mean trusted and reliable.

our email is hello@thesouthernshmooze.com

there is also a contact form located on the home page.

Facebook messenger also works.

No sweat! That’s what this website is for. You can still benefit from a lot of features and resources without having to be on social media.

Absolutely. Please give The Shmooze a shoutout on Google if you’re enjoying what we’re offering. If you’ve had a bad experience with someone on the group I encourage you to reach out to me first to see if I can help with the situation otherwise leaving said business a negative review could be warranted.

Our directory is intentionally broad. If a business serves the community, there’s a good chance it fits! Current categories include:

• Home services (landscaping, renovations, cleaning, repairs)

• Health and wellness (fitness, massage, nutrition, coaching)

• Creative services (photography, videography, design, marketing)

• Food and beverage (restaurants, caterers, specialty shops)

• Professional services (bookkeeping, legal, insurance, real estate)

• And many more

Businesses that are Shmooze Certified are eligible for extra exposure through:

• Our Shmooze Spotlight series

• Social media features

• Newsletter highlights

• Event promotions

Know someone (a friend or business) who might benefit from joining the Shmooze? Send them our way! If they sign up for membership, you will receive $50 as a referral bonus. Just make sure they include your name during their sign-up so we can credit you.