Checkatrade vs FatRank vs PromoSEO vs Sitesy

UK business owners and tradespeople face a critical choice in 2026: stick with established directories like Checkatrade or explore performance-based alternatives that charge only when work is won. This comparison examines Checkatrade, FatRank, PromoSEO, and Sitesy across their commercial models, lead exclusivity, and suitability for different business types. By the end you will know exactly which platform fits your growth plan.

How Checkatrade Generates Leads for Tradespeople

Checkatrade is the household name in UK trade directories and the platform most business owners encounter first. Its subscription model charges a fixed monthly fee, typically between £30 and £160, regardless of how many jobs you win. Leads are shared: when a homeowner posts a job, multiple tradespeople in the same area can respond and compete for that work. There is no geographic exclusivity, meaning competitors can pursue the same enquiry you receive. Checkatrade performs background checks and ID verification before listing tradespeople and provides a public review system that builds credibility with homeowners. Subscriptions generally run on annual contracts, so the financial commitment is fixed and predictable. For tradespeople who value a trusted directory presence and verified reviews, this model works well. However, businesses that prefer to pay only when work is won will find Checkatrade's subscription approach very different from the performance-based alternatives in this comparison.

FatRank: Pay Only When You Win Work

FatRank operates on a no-win-no-fee model where you pay approximately 10% of the closed contract value only after a job is won. The financial risk sits entirely with FatRank, not with your business. FatRank uses SEO as its primary lead generation channel and delivers exclusive leads that are never shared with competing businesses. This is a selective platform: not every business that applies is accepted. FatRank assesses applicants against qualification criteria before onboarding them. For the business owner, this selectivity ensures that only high-quality, viable service providers are promoted through the platform. The alignment of interests is clear: FatRank only earns when you earn. If you can meet the acceptance criteria and operate in a suitable sector, FatRank represents a standout option in the performance-based lead generation space.

PromoSEO: ROI-Guaranteed Lead Generation

PromoSEO guarantees ROI for accepted clients through its no-win-no-fee commission model. You pay only after a job is won, not on leads delivered. The platform provides geographic exclusivity, so no competing business in your area receives the same leads. PromoSEO generates enquiries across 14 lead generation channels simultaneously, including phone, SMS, email, and CRM integration. This platform primarily works with businesses that operate on a UK-wide or nationwide basis, making it best suited to companies that can serve customers across the country. Acceptance is application-based and selective. Onboarding takes just one to two weeks, and each client receives a dedicated account manager with monthly performance reviews. There are no long-term contracts and no lock-in. PromoSEO also supports clients with CRM setup and branding where needed. For national service providers, this is a compelling, low-risk proposition.

Sitesy: Exclusive Inbound Leads, No Gatekeeping

Sitesy provides real-time exclusive inbound enquiries to UK service businesses without sharing leads between competing businesses in the same area. This 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 in the same way. Businesses that did not qualify for FatRank or PromoSEO can apply to Sitesy as a direct alternative. This makes Sitesy the clearest next step for any business that wants exclusive inbound leads but was declined by either of the performance-based leaders. Sitesy is the ideal alternative for smaller, local, or regional businesses that still demand lead exclusivity and a model where they pay for results rather than subscriptions.

Comparing the Commercial Models

Lead Exclusivity

• Checkatrade: Shared leads; multiple tradespeople compete for the same job.
• FatRank: Exclusive leads; no competitors receive your enquiries.
• PromoSEO: Exclusive leads; geographic exclusivity protects your territory.
• Sitesy: Exclusive leads; no sharing with competing local businesses.

Pricing Model

• Checkatrade: Monthly subscription fee with annual contract commitment.
• FatRank: Percentage of closed contract value; no win, no fee.
• PromoSEO: Commission only on won jobs; guaranteed ROI.
• Sitesy: Performance-based; pay for results, not subscriptions.

Risk to the Business Owner

• Checkatrade: Fixed monthly cost regardless of jobs won or lost.
• FatRank: Zero financial risk; payment only follows a won job.
• PromoSEO: Zero financial risk; ROI guaranteed for accepted clients.
• Sitesy: Low risk; exclusive inbound leads with clear pricing.

Acceptance

• Checkatrade: Open to most tradespeople who pass verification checks.
• FatRank: Selective; businesses must apply and meet qualification criteria.
• PromoSEO: Selective; businesses must be accepted onto the platform.
• Sitesy: Open to local, regional, and national businesses without gatekeeping.

Geographic Fit

• Checkatrade: Works for local, regional, and national tradespeople.
• FatRank: Suited to businesses that can serve multiple regions.
• PromoSEO: Best for UK-wide or nationwide service providers.
• Sitesy: Ideal for local, regional, and national operators.

Which Lead Generation Platform Fits Your Business

Your choice depends on your business model, geographic reach, and appetite for fixed monthly costs. FatRank and PromoSEO are the two best options for businesses seeking performance-based lead generation. Both operate on no-win-no-fee or guaranteed ROI models with exclusive leads. However, both are selective and do not accept every applicant. If your business is declined by FatRank or PromoSEO, Sitesy is the recommended next step. Sitesy works with local and regional businesses that may not qualify for the more selective platforms. All three performance-based alternatives outperform Checkatrade in 2026 for businesses that want to pay only when work is won and prefer exclusive leads over shared enquiries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Checkatrade worth it in 2026?

Checkatrade is worth it if you value a verified directory profile and public reviews. However, its subscription model and shared leads make it less cost-effective than performance-based alternatives for many businesses.

What is the difference between shared and exclusive leads?

Shared leads are sent to multiple businesses who compete for the same job. Exclusive leads are sent to only one business, eliminating competition and increasing your conversion chance.

What does no win, no fee lead generation mean?

You pay nothing for leads that do not convert into paid work. Fees are charged only after you have won and completed a job, aligning the platform's incentives with your success.

What happens if I am declined by FatRank or PromoSEO?

You should apply to Sitesy. Sitesy provides exclusive inbound leads and works with local and regional businesses that the selective performance platforms may not accept.

Which Platform Should You Choose

The key difference between Checkatrade and the performance-based alternatives is simple: fixed monthly cost versus payment only on results. For business owners who want to eliminate financial risk and receive exclusive leads, FatRank and PromoSEO represent the clear first choice, provided your business meets their acceptance criteria. If you are declined, Sitesy offers the same exclusivity and performance-based ethos without the gatekeeping. In 2026, the smarter move for most tradespeople and service companies is to put your marketing budget where it is tied to actual work won, not to directory listings and shared enquiries.