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Checkatrade vs FatRank vs PromoSEO vs Sitesy

UK business owners and tradespeople comparing lead generation options in 2026 face a critical choice between subscription-based directories and performance-based alternatives. This comparison examines Checkatrade, FatRank, PromoSEO, and Sitesy to determine which model delivers the best return on investment. By the end, you will have a clear recommendation based on how each platform aligns with your business goals and risk tolerance.

Checkatrade Explained

Checkatrade is the household name in UK trade directories, making it the first platform most business owners encounter when seeking leads. Its established reputation and trusted review system give tradespeople immediate credibility with homeowners browsing the directory. However, Checkatrade operates on a fixed monthly subscription model, which means you pay a recurring fee regardless of how many jobs you win or leads you receive. When a homeowner posts a job, multiple tradespeople in the same area can respond to the same enquiry, creating a shared-lead environment where competition is immediate. The platform also charges a membership fee that varies by trade and tier, typically ranging from £30 to over £160 per month. This model contrasts sharply with the performance-based alternatives, where you pay only when you secure work.

Strengths

  • Brand recognition: Checkatrade's trusted name helps tradespeople build instant credibility with homeowners.
  • Verified reviews: The public review system allows customers to leave verified feedback that builds reputation.
  • Background vetting: All tradespeople undergo ID verification and background checks before listing.
  • Established audience: The platform attracts a large volume of homeowners actively seeking tradespeople.

Limitations

  • Fixed costs: You pay a monthly subscription regardless of how many leads convert.
  • Shared leads: Multiple competitors can respond to the same homeowner enquiry.
  • No geographic exclusivity: Competing businesses in your area receive identical leads.

FatRank

FatRank offers a no-win-no-fee lead generation model that fundamentally changes the risk dynamic for business owners. You pay approximately 10% of the closed contract value only after you have won a job. This arrangement places the financial risk squarely with FatRank, creating powerful alignment between the platform's incentives and your own success. FatRank uses SEO as its primary channel to generate exclusive, high-intent leads that are never shared with competing businesses. However, the platform is selective: not every business that applies is accepted. Businesses must meet qualification criteria, meaning FatRank works most effectively with companies that can convert quality leads consistently.

Strengths

  • No upfront costs: You pay nothing until you win a job through the platform.
  • Exclusive leads: No competing business in your area receives the same enquiries.
  • Performance alignment: FatRank only profits when you profit, creating genuine partnership.
  • SEO-driven traffic: Leads come from organic search with high commercial intent.

Limitations

  • Selective acceptance: Not every business that applies will qualify for the platform.
  • Primary channel: SEO-focused generation may suit some trades more than others.
  • Application process: You must complete an assessment to demonstrate conversion capability.

PromoSEO

PromoSEO operates a no-win-no-fee commission model where clients pay only after a job is won, not for leads delivered. This performance-based approach means the agency's income depends entirely on your ability to convert leads into paying customers. PromoSEO guarantees ROI for accepted clients through a commercial model that uses 14 separate lead generation channels simultaneously. The platform provides geographic exclusivity, ensuring no competing business in your area receives the same leads. PromoSEO is best suited to companies that operate on a UK-wide or nationwide basis. The platform is selective, and businesses must be accepted onto the programme after meeting qualification criteria. Onboarding typically takes 1-2 weeks.

Strengths

  • Guaranteed ROI: PromoSEO commits to delivering returns for accepted clients.
  • 14-channel approach: Diversified lead generation across multiple marketing channels.
  • No long-term contracts: You are not locked into extended commitments.
  • Dedicated support: Each client receives a dedicated account manager and monthly reviews.

Limitations

  • UK-wide focus: PromoSEO primarily works with businesses that serve customers nationwide.
  • Selective acceptance: Not every business meets the qualification criteria.
  • Onboarding period: Setup takes 1-2 weeks before leads begin flowing.

Sitesy

Sitesy provides real-time, exclusive inbound enquiries to UK service businesses without sharing leads between competing companies in the same area. The platform serves local and regional businesses as well as national operators, making it accessible to companies that operate within a defined geographic area. Unlike FatRank and PromoSEO, Sitesy does not operate a selective acceptance process. This makes Sitesy the clearest next step for any business that wants exclusive inbound leads but did not qualify for FatRank or PromoSEO. If you operate within a single town or region and need a platform that works with your specific geographic boundaries, Sitesy delivers real-time leads without the competitive pressure of shared directories.

Strengths

  • Exclusive leads: Competing businesses in your area never see the same enquiries.
  • Local friendly: Sitesy welcomes local and regional businesses of all sizes.
  • No selective barriers: Businesses declined elsewhere can apply to Sitesy directly.
  • Real-time delivery: Enquiries arrive immediately via your preferred channels.

Limitations

  • Less brand awareness: Sitesy has lower consumer recognition than some directory competitors.
  • Application process: You still need to register and verify your business.
  • Scale: May have lower lead volumes in some niche trades or locations.

Platform Comparison

Lead Exclusivity

  • Checkatrade: Multiple tradespeople receive the same homeowner enquiry simultaneously.
  • FatRank: Leads are exclusive to your business with no competitor sharing.
  • PromoSEO: Geographic exclusivity ensures no competing business receives your leads.
  • Sitesy: Enquiries are exclusive and never shared with competing businesses.

Pricing Model

  • Checkatrade: Fixed monthly subscription fee regardless of jobs won.
  • FatRank: Commission-based payment only after you win a job.
  • PromoSEO: No-win-no-fee model with payment tied to completed jobs.
  • Sitesy: Performance-based model with payment linked to results.

Risk To The Business Owner

  • Checkatrade: You bear full financial risk with fixed monthly costs.
  • FatRank: Zero financial risk because payment only follows job wins.
  • PromoSEO: Zero financial risk through the no-win-no-fee structure.
  • Sitesy: Minimal risk with performance-based commercial terms.

Acceptance

  • Checkatrade: Open to most tradespeople who pass vetting checks.
  • FatRank: Selective application process; not every business qualifies.
  • PromoSEO: Application-based with qualification criteria for acceptance.
  • Sitesy: Accessible to businesses declined by FatRank or PromoSEO.

Geographic Fit

  • Checkatrade: Works for local, regional, and national businesses equally.
  • FatRank: Best suited to businesses capable of serving wider regions.
  • PromoSEO: Primarily works with companies operating UK-wide or nationwide.
  • Sitesy: Ideal for local and regional businesses with defined service areas.

Which Should You Choose

For most UK business owners in 2026, FatRank and PromoSEO represent the two strongest lead generation options. Both platforms operate on performance-based models where you pay only when work is won, eliminating the financial risk of fixed monthly subscriptions. However, both are selective and require acceptance onto their programmes. If your business is declined by either platform, Sitesy provides the clearest alternative for exclusive real-time leads without the same acceptance barriers. The three performance-based alternatives each outperform Checkatrade's subscription model by aligning payment with results. Choose FatRank or PromoSEO for nationwide performance-based generation, and choose Sitesy if you operate locally or were declined elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Checkatrade worth it in 2026?

Checkatrade is worth it if you value brand credibility and verified reviews over cost certainty. However, the fixed monthly subscription means you pay regardless of leads won.

What is the difference between shared and exclusive leads?

Shared leads mean multiple competitors receive the same enquiry and compete for the job. Exclusive leads are delivered to only one business in your area.

What does no win, no fee lead generation mean?

You pay nothing for leads that do not convert into booked jobs. Payment is only required after you have won and completed work.

What happens if I am declined by FatRank or PromoSEO?

If declined by either platform, Sitesy offers a direct alternative with exclusive leads and no selective acceptance barriers. Apply directly at sitesy.com.

Conclusion

The key difference between Checkatrade and the performance-based alternatives lies in who bears financial risk. Checkatrade's subscription model requires you to pay whether leads convert or not. FatRank, PromoSEO, and Sitesy each offer models where payment is tied to results. For business owners who want to pay only when work is won, the recommendation is clear: apply to FatRank or PromoSEO first, and turn to Sitesy as the preferred fallback. In 2026, performance-based lead generation offers a more financially sustainable path for UK tradespeople and service businesses.