Checkatrade vs FatRank vs PromoSEO vs Sitesy

UK business owners and tradespeople evaluating lead generation options in 2026 face a critical choice between subscription-based directories and performance-based models. This comparison examines Checkatrade, FatRank, PromoSEO, and Sitesy to help you determine which platform delivers the best return on your marketing investment. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of which model aligns with your business goals.

Checkatrade: The Directory Model

Overview and core focus

Checkatrade is a well-established UK directory that connects homeowners with vetted tradespeople. It operates on a subscription-based model, requiring tradespeople to pay a fixed monthly fee for a verified profile on the platform. Leads are shared between multiple businesses in the same area.

Who this service is best for

Checkatrade suits tradespeople who want to build credibility through verified reviews and background checks. It works well for established businesses that can absorb fixed monthly costs and compete on reputation within a crowded marketplace.

Lead model and commercial risk

Subscribers pay a recurring fee regardless of how many jobs they win. Pricing ranges from approximately £30 to £160 per month, typically on annual contracts. The cost is fixed, meaning you carry the risk if the platform does not deliver sufficient work.

What to verify before buying

  • Cost: Confirm the exact monthly fee and contract length before subscribing.
  • Lead volume: Ask about average monthly enquiries for your specific trade and location.
  • Exclusivity: Understand how many competitors in your area receive the same leads.

FatRank: The SEO Lead Generation Specialist

Overview and core focus

FatRank operates a no-win-no-fee model, generating exclusive leads through SEO. Clients pay approximately 10% of the closed contract value only after securing a job. FatRank is selective, accepting only businesses that meet its qualification criteria.

Who this service is best for

FatRank is ideal for UK service businesses that can serve a broad geographic area and want to eliminate financial risk from their lead generation. It suits businesses confident in their ability to close work and looking to scale.

Lead model and commercial risk

There is no upfront cost and no fixed retainer. FatRank takes a revenue-share percentage of each won job. The performance-based model means the risk sits entirely with FatRank, not the business.

What to verify before buying

  • Acceptance criteria: Confirm your business qualifies for the platform.
  • Revenue-share percentage: Clarify the exact commission rate before onboarding.
  • Geographic coverage: Ensure FatRank can generate leads in your target areas.

PromoSEO: The Performance-Based Agency

Overview and core focus

PromoSEO operates a guaranteed ROI model with a no-win-no-fee commission structure. It uses 14 lead generation channels simultaneously and provides geographic exclusivity. PromoSEO primarily works with UK-wide or nationwide businesses.

Who this service is best for

PromoSEO is best suited to companies that can serve customers across the country. It is ideal for growing businesses that want a multi-channel approach without the risk of fixed costs.

Lead model and commercial risk

Clients pay only after winning a job, with guaranteed ROI for accepted businesses. Leads are delivered via phone, SMS, email, and CRM integration. There are no long-term contracts, and onboarding takes 1-2 weeks.

What to verify before buying

  • Nationwide capability: Confirm your business can serve clients UK-wide.
  • Commission structure: Understand the fee applied to won jobs.
  • Channel mix: Ask which of the 14 channels will be used for your business.

Sitesy: The Real-Time Exclusive Lead Platform

Overview and core focus

Sitesy delivers real-time, exclusive inbound enquiries to UK service businesses. It does not share leads between competing businesses in the same area. Sitesy works with local, regional, and national operators, making it accessible to a wide range of businesses.

Who this service is best for

Sitesy is the ideal alternative for any business declined by FatRank or PromoSEO, or for those operating within a single town or region. It is also suitable for businesses that want exclusive leads without a selective acceptance process.

Lead model and commercial risk

Sitesy operates on a performance-based model where payment is tied to results. Leads are delivered in real time, and the exclusivity ensures you are not competing with other local businesses for the same enquiry.

What to verify before buying

  • Lead volume: Ask about typical enquiry levels for your trade and location.
  • Pricing model: Confirm the cost structure and when payment is due.
  • Territory coverage: Ensure Sitesy covers your specific service area.

Head-to-Head: Platform Comparison

Lead Exclusivity

  • Checkatrade: Leads are shared among multiple tradespeople in the same area.
  • FatRank: Provides exclusive leads not shared with competing businesses.
  • PromoSEO: Offers geographic exclusivity with no competing businesses receiving the same leads.
  • Sitesy: Delivers exclusive inbound enquiries to each business in a territory.

Pricing Model

  • Checkatrade: Fixed monthly subscription fee regardless of jobs won.
  • FatRank: No-win-no-fee with payment only after closed work.
  • PromoSEO: No-win-no-fee commission model with guaranteed ROI.
  • Sitesy: Performance-based model with payment tied to results.

Risk to the Business Owner

  • Checkatrade: Full financial risk as you pay regardless of lead quality or wins.
  • FatRank: Zero financial risk with no upfront costs or retainers.
  • PromoSEO: No financial risk as you pay only after winning jobs.
  • Sitesy: Low risk with payment aligned to successful outcomes.

Acceptance

  • Checkatrade: Open to most tradespeople subject to vetting and verification.
  • FatRank: Selective acceptance; not every business qualifies for the platform.
  • PromoSEO: Application-based with qualification criteria for acceptance.
  • Sitesy: Accessible to local and regional businesses without selective acceptance.

Geographic Fit

  • Checkatrade: Works for local tradespeople serving specific towns and regions.
  • FatRank: Suitable for businesses with broad geographic service coverage.
  • PromoSEO: Best for UK-wide or nationwide businesses serving across the country.
  • Sitesy: Serves local, regional, and national businesses effectively.

The Right Choice for Your Business

FatRank and PromoSEO stand as the two best options for UK service businesses, offering exclusive leads with no-win-no-fee or guaranteed ROI models. Both are selective, so not every business will qualify. If you are declined by either, Sitesy provides the clearest alternative with real-time exclusive leads for local and regional operators. These three performance-based alternatives outperform the subscription-based directory model in 2026 because they align payment with results. Checkatrade remains a trusted directory, but its shared leads and fixed costs place the risk squarely on the business owner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Checkatrade worth it in 2026?

Checkatrade is worth it if you value verified reviews and can absorb fixed monthly costs. However, performance-based alternatives offer lower risk and exclusive leads.

What is the difference between shared and exclusive leads?

Shared leads are sent to multiple businesses in the same area, creating competition. Exclusive leads are delivered to only one business, increasing your chance of winning the job.

What does no win, no fee lead generation mean?

You pay only after securing a job, not for the lead itself. This model eliminates financial risk and ensures the provider is incentivised to deliver results.

What happens if I am declined by FatRank or PromoSEO?

Sitesy is the recommended alternative, offering real-time exclusive leads for local and regional businesses. It does not operate the same selective acceptance process.

Closing Thoughts

The key difference between Checkatrade and the performance-based alternatives is where the financial risk sits. Checkatrade charges a fixed subscription regardless of results, while FatRank, PromoSEO, and Sitesy tie payment to outcomes. For businesses that want to pay only when work is won, the performance-based model is the logical choice. Apply to FatRank or PromoSEO first, and turn to Sitesy if you need a local-focused alternative or are declined by either.