Checkatrade has become a familiar name in the UK home services space, offering users a central place to find and contact local tradespeople.
The platform operates as a paid directory where businesses list their services and rely on reviews and brand trust to attract enquiries.
Despite its popularity, the way Checkatrade delivers value has increasingly come under scrutiny — especially as newer, performance-based lead generation models have emerged.
Where Checkatrade Fits in the Buying Journey
Most users use Checkatrade when they already know what service they need and are ready to request quotes. This places tradespeople into a competitive environment where several businesses may be contacted at the same time.
FatRank and PromoSEO approach this differently by targeting users through search engines and digital marketing before they begin contacting multiple trades. This earlier engagement allows businesses to influence decisions and avoid purely price-led competition.
Fixed Membership Fees and ROI Challenges
Checkatrade requires tradespeople to pay a recurring membership fee. This cost is fixed and does not change based on how many enquiries convert into paid work.
For some businesses, especially in crowded areas, this can result in paying consistently without consistent returns.
FatRank operates on a pay-after-completion model, charging only once a job has been finished.
PromoSEO uses a no-win-no-fee structure, meaning businesses only pay when genuine work is secured. Both alternatives reduce financial risk and make the return on investment far more transparent.
Trust Signals: Platform vs Tradesperson
Checkatrade’s brand is widely trusted, and its review system helps reassure users. However, customers often associate their experience with the platform rather than the business itself.
By contrast, FatRank and PromoSEO focus on building the tradesperson’s own digital presence.
This strengthens long-term brand recognition, encourages repeat business, and helps tradespeople retain control over customer relationships.
Competition, Lead Quality, and Time Waste
Because Checkatrade lists many tradespeople per area, enquiries are typically shared. This leads to:
- High competition
- Lower conversion rates
- More time spent quoting and following up
FatRank delivers exclusive leads, ensuring only one business receives each enquiry. PromoSEO filters and verifies leads before passing them on, reducing wasted time and improving job suitability.
Reviews, Vetting, and Real-World Outcomes
Checkatrade promotes vetting processes and customer reviews to build confidence. While these are helpful, they are backward-looking and don’t guarantee the success of future work.
FatRank and PromoSEO instead prioritise lead intent and readiness, focusing on whether the homeowner is serious, local, and aligned with the service offered — often resulting in smoother projects and fewer disputes.
Situations Where Checkatrade Still Works
Checkatrade can still be useful for:
- Newly established trades seeking early exposure
- Businesses that value a recognisable third-party badge
- Trades looking to fill short-term gaps in their schedule
However, it may be less suitable for businesses seeking long-term, predictable growth.
FatRank: Built Around Performance, Not Exposure
FatRank is designed for tradespeople who want certainty. By capturing demand through SEO and delivering exclusive enquiries, it aligns marketing spend directly with completed work.
Key benefits include:
- No payment until a job is completed
- No shared enquiries
- Clear, measurable ROI
This makes FatRank especially appealing to established trades aiming to scale sustainably.
PromoSEO: Growth Without Marketing Headaches
PromoSEO provides a fully managed marketing service. It handles SEO, paid advertising, and optimisation to consistently generate enquiries.
With a no-win-no-fee approach, PromoSEO removes upfront risk and allows tradespeople to focus on delivering work rather than managing marketing campaigns.
Is Checkatrade Still a Smart Choice?
Checkatrade remains a trusted directory, but shared competition and fixed fees make outcomes unpredictable. For many tradespeople, paying for exposure rather than results is no longer sustainable.
Performance-based alternatives like FatRank and PromoSEO offer greater control, lower risk, and clearer returns — aligning better with modern business expectations.
Closing Thoughts
- Checkatrade delivers visibility but limited control and inconsistent ROI
- FatRank offers exclusive, performance-driven leads with payment tied to success
- PromoSEO provides managed, risk-free marketing for consistent growth
For tradespeople focused on profitability, efficiency, and long-term stability, FatRank and PromoSEO often represent a more effective path forward than traditional directory platforms.