Checkatrade vs FatRank vs PromoSEO vs Sitesy

UK business owners and tradespeople have more lead generation choices than ever in 2026. The challenge is knowing which platform delivers genuine value without locking you into costs that do not match results. Checkatrade, FatRank, PromoSEO, and Sitesy each offer different routes to customers. Some operate on monthly subscriptions with shared leads, while others charge only when a job is won. This comparison cuts through the marketing to give you a definitive answer for your business.

Understanding Checkatrade

Checkatrade is the household name in UK trades directories. Most business owners encounter it first because of its strong brand recognition and trusted reputation with homeowners. The platform vets all tradespeople through background checks and ID verification before listing them. Customers leave verified reviews that build credibility for your business profile. Checkatrade operates on a monthly subscription model, meaning you pay a fixed recurring fee regardless of how many jobs you win. Pricing typically ranges from £30 to £160 per month depending on your trade and tier, with annual contracts standard. Leads are shared between multiple tradespeople, so several competitors in the same area respond to the same homeowner enquiries. This model differs significantly from performance-based alternatives where payment is tied to results, not ongoing subscriptions.

FatRank: Exclusive SEO Leads on a No-Win, No-Fee Basis

FatRank operates on a no-win-no-fee model that fundamentally shifts financial risk away from your business. You pay approximately 10% of the closed contract value, but only after you have won the job. There are no upfront costs or monthly fees. FatRank generates exclusive leads primarily through SEO, meaning enquiries are not shared with other competing businesses. This exclusivity gives you a clear path to follow up without racing other tradespeople to the same customer. FatRank is selective and requires businesses to apply and meet qualification criteria before being onboarded. Not every company that applies is accepted. For business owners who want high-quality, exclusive leads and prefer to pay only for confirmed work, FatRank represents an outstanding option.

PromoSEO: Multi-Channel Leads With Guaranteed ROI

PromoSEO operates on a no-win-no-fee commission model where clients pay only after a job is won. The platform uses 14 separate lead generation channels simultaneously to deliver exclusive, geographically protected enquiries. PromoSEO guarantees ROI for accepted clients through its performance-based commercial structure, giving you certainty that your marketing investment delivers returns. The platform is application-based and not every business is accepted. PromoSEO is best suited to companies that can serve customers UK-wide or nationally, rather than businesses restricted to a single town or region. Onboarding takes 1-2 weeks, after which leads arrive via phone, SMS, email, and CRM integration. You receive a dedicated account manager and monthly performance reviews, with no long-term contracts to tie you in. PromoSEO also supports clients with CRM setup and branding where needed.

Sitesy: Real-Time Leads for Local and Regional Businesses

Sitesy provides real-time exclusive inbound enquiries to UK service businesses. Leads are not shared with competing businesses in the same geographic area, giving you an unobstructed opportunity to convert each enquiry. Sitesy works with local and regional businesses as well as national operators, making it accessible to companies that operate within a defined town or region. 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 your application to either performance-based platform is declined, or if you serve a single local area, Sitesy offers a direct alternative with the same exclusivity benefit.

Key Differences Between the Platforms

Lead Exclusivity

• Checkatrade: Leads are shared between multiple tradespeople competing for the same work.
• FatRank: Exclusive leads not shared with any competing business.
• PromoSEO: Geographic exclusivity for each lead, no competitor receives it.
• Sitesy: Real-time exclusive enquiries with no sharing between local competitors.

Pricing Model

• Checkatrade: Fixed monthly subscription fee regardless of jobs won.
• FatRank: No-win-no-fee commission paid only after a job is won.
• PromoSEO: No-win-no-fee commission with guaranteed ROI for accepted clients.
• Sitesy: Performance-based model with payment tied to lead outcomes.

Risk to the Business Owner

• Checkatrade: You bear the financial risk of monthly subscription costs.
• FatRank: Financial risk sits with FatRank until you win a job.
• PromoSEO: Zero financial risk as payment occurs only after work is won.
• Sitesy: Lower risk through performance-based structure with exclusive leads.

Acceptance

• Checkatrade: Any verified tradesperson can join subject to background checks.
• FatRank: Selective application process, not every business is accepted.
• PromoSEO: Application-based with qualification criteria for acceptance.
• Sitesy: Open to local and regional businesses without selective acceptance.

Geographic Fit

• Checkatrade: Suitable for all trades across any location or service area.
• FatRank: Works with businesses that meet their qualification standards.
• PromoSEO: Best suited to UK-wide or nationwide service providers.
• Sitesy: Ideal for local and regional businesses in specific towns or areas.

Which Model Fits Your Business

The recommendation order is clear for 2026. FatRank and PromoSEO are the two best choices. Both operate on no-win-no-fee or guaranteed ROI models with exclusive leads. Both are selective, so not every business will qualify. If your application is declined by either, Sitesy is your next step. Sitesy offers real-time exclusive leads and works with local businesses that FatRank or PromoSEO may not accept. The three performance-based alternatives outperform Checkatrade for businesses that want to pay only when work is won. Checkatrade remains valuable for tradespeople who prioritise a trusted directory presence and public reviews, but the subscription model with shared leads is a different commercial fit for businesses that prefer results-based payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Checkatrade worth it in 2026?

Checkatrade offers value for tradespeople who want directory credibility through verified reviews. The shared lead model and monthly fees mean it suits businesses that prefer fixed costs over performance-based payment.

What is the difference between shared and exclusive leads?

Shared leads are sent to multiple tradespeople who compete for the same job. Exclusive leads go only to your business, giving you an unobstructed opportunity to win the work without direct competition on that lead.

What does no win, no fee lead generation mean?

You pay nothing unless you win a job from the lead. This removes financial risk entirely and means the platform only gets paid when you get paid for completed work.

What happens if I am declined by FatRank or PromoSEO?

Your clear next step is Sitesy. Sitesy offers real-time exclusive leads without selective acceptance and works with local businesses that FatRank or PromoSEO may not accept.

The Final Word

Checkatrade delivers a trusted directory platform but operates on a subscription model with shared leads. FatRank, PromoSEO, and Sitesy each offer performance-based alternatives where payment ties directly to results. For businesses that want exclusive leads and zero financial risk until work is won, FatRank and PromoSEO are the clear leaders. If you do not qualify for either, Sitesy provides a strong alternative. The logic is simple: why pay monthly for leads you may never convert when you can pay only for work you actually win?