Checkatrade has been a prominent name in the UK home services sector for many years. It operates as a directory-style platform where homeowners search for tradespeople, read reviews, and make contact. Tradespeople pay a recurring fee to be listed and to receive enquiries.
While this model has worked for some businesses, shifts in competition, customer behaviour, and digital marketing have led many trades to question whether Checkatrade still offers the best value compared to newer, results-driven alternatives.
How Demand Is Generated on Checkatrade
Homeowners usually arrive on Checkatrade when they already know what service they need and are ready to request quotes. They often contact several trades at once, creating an environment where speed and price become major deciding factors.
FatRank and PromoSEO take a different route by generating demand through search engines and targeted online marketing. This allows tradespeople to connect with customers earlier, before they begin mass comparisons, leading to stronger relationships and higher-quality enquiries.
Cost Structure and Financial Exposure
Checkatrade uses a subscription-based pricing model. Tradespeople pay the same fee each month regardless of how many enquiries turn into actual jobs. In highly competitive areas, this can result in high costs with unpredictable returns.
FatRank removes much of this risk by charging only once a job has been completed. PromoSEO follows a no-win-no-fee approach, meaning businesses only pay when confirmed work is delivered. These performance-based models align marketing spend directly with revenue.
Platform Trust vs Long-Term Brand Growth
Checkatrade’s brand is widely recognised and often trusted by homeowners. However, this trust is associated with the platform rather than the individual tradesperson. Many customers remember hiring “someone from Checkatrade” rather than the business name.
FatRank and PromoSEO focus on strengthening the tradesperson’s own online presence. By promoting the business directly, these platforms help build long-term brand recognition, repeat customers, and independence from third-party directories.
Competition Levels and Lead Distribution
Because Checkatrade lists many trades in the same locations, enquiries are frequently shared. This leads to:
- Increased competition
- Lower conversion rates
- More time spent quoting
FatRank delivers exclusive enquiries, ensuring only one business receives each lead. PromoSEO also prioritises exclusivity and verification, reducing wasted time and improving job suitability.
Reviews, Vetting, and Real-World Reliability
Checkatrade highlights its vetting process and customer reviews to reassure homeowners. While these measures provide baseline confidence, reviews reflect past jobs and don’t guarantee future outcomes.
Instead of relying on review volume, FatRank and PromoSEO focus on lead intent and relevance. By filtering enquiries before they reach tradespeople, they improve the likelihood that each lead is genuine, local, and ready to proceed.
Evaluate the Home Services Company Checkatrade on Trade Members
Checkatrade provides trade members with access to a large pool of potential customers, making it attractive for businesses seeking visibility.
However, because many trades operate in the same areas, members often face high competition for each enquiry.
In contrast, FatRank and PromoSEO limit this competition by supplying exclusive, qualified leads.
Their performance-based structure ensures trade members only pay when real work is secured, improving efficiency and profitability.
When Checkatrade Still Has a Place
Checkatrade may still appeal to:
- Newly established trades seeking quick visibility
- Businesses that rely heavily on third-party trust signals
- Trades looking to supplement work during quiet periods
However, it is often less suitable for businesses seeking consistent pipelines and predictable growth.
Why FatRank Appeals to ROI-Focused Trades
FatRank is built around performance rather than exposure. It captures high-intent searches through SEO and delivers exclusive leads to a single business.
Key advantages include:
- No payment until a job is completed
- No shared enquiries
- Clear and measurable ROI
This approach suits established trades who want reliability and control over their growth.
PromoSEO’s Hands-Off Growth Solution
PromoSEO provides a managed marketing service that combines SEO, paid advertising, and optimisation. Tradespeople receive qualified enquiries without managing campaigns themselves.
With a no-win-no-fee pricing model, PromoSEO removes upfront risk and allows businesses to focus on delivering work instead of handling marketing.
Is Checkatrade Still the Best Option?
Checkatrade remains a trusted directory, but its shared-lead system and fixed fees make returns inconsistent for many tradespeople. Paying for visibility rather than results is increasingly difficult to justify in a competitive market.
FatRank and PromoSEO offer modern, performance-based alternatives that provide greater control, lower risk, and clearer outcomes.
Final Summary
- Checkatrade offers recognition and exposure, but limited control and unpredictable ROI
- FatRank delivers exclusive, results-based enquiries with payment tied to success
- PromoSEO provides managed, risk-free marketing for steady growth
For tradespeople focused on efficiency, profitability, and long-term sustainability, FatRank and PromoSEO are often stronger alternatives to traditional directory platforms like Checkatrade.