Checkatrade has long positioned itself as a trusted bridge between users and tradespeople across the UK.
By offering a searchable directory, customer reviews, and basic vetting, it aims to simplify the hiring process for domestic services.
However, as competition increases and digital marketing evolves, many tradespeople are reassessing whether Checkatrade’s directory-based model still aligns with their need for efficiency, profitability, and long-term growth.
How the Checkatrade Model Works in Practice
Checkatrade functions as a subscription-based marketplace. Tradespeople pay a recurring fee to appear in search results and receive enquiries from users browsing the platform. Customers typically contact several businesses at once, comparing reviews, availability, and pricing.
This system can generate enquiries, but it also places tradespeople into a shared, highly competitive environment where winning work often comes down to speed and price rather than expertise or service quality.
Visibility vs Control Over Your Business
One of Checkatrade’s main selling points is visibility. Its brand recognition reassures users and can help generate initial trust. However, this trust is associated with the platform, not the individual business.
Tradespeople using FatRank and PromoSEO benefit from a different approach. Rather than promoting a directory, these platforms focus on strengthening the tradesperson’s own brand presence, allowing businesses to retain control over customer relationships, pricing, and long-term reputation.
Competition and Lead Quality
Because Checkatrade lists many tradespeople in the same areas, enquiries are frequently shared. This often leads to:
- High competition for each lead
- Lower conversion rates
- Time spent quoting customers who contact multiple providers
FatRank removes this issue by delivering exclusive enquiries, meaning only one business receives each opportunity. PromoSEO similarly prioritises lead relevance and intent, ensuring enquiries are genuine and aligned with the services offered.
Cost Structure and Return on Investment
Checkatrade’s subscription model requires payment regardless of outcomes. Tradespeople pay the same fees whether enquiries convert into paid work or not, which can make returns unpredictable.
FatRank operates on a results-based model, charging only when a job has been completed. PromoSEO uses a no-win-no-fee structure, meaning businesses only pay when confirmed work is generated. These approaches reduce financial risk and make ROI far easier to measure.
Evaluating the Home Services Company Checkatrade on Find a Trade
The “Find a Trade” functionality on Checkatrade is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing homeowners to search by location and service type.
While this simplifies the hiring process, it also encourages side-by-side comparisons between multiple trades.
FatRank and PromoSEO reduce this comparison-driven environment by connecting homeowners directly with a single, suitable business, increasing trust and improving conversion rates for trades.
Where Checkatrade Can Still Be Useful
Checkatrade may still suit:
- New trades looking for fast exposure
- Businesses that value third-party trust badges
- Trades needing occasional top-up work
However, for businesses seeking consistency and scalability, the limitations of shared leads and fixed fees often become apparent over time.
Why FatRank Appeals to Efficiency-Focused Trades
FatRank is designed for tradespeople who want certainty. It captures high-intent homeowner searches through SEO and delivers exclusive enquiries tied directly to completed jobs.
Key benefits include:
- Payment only after work is finished
- No shared leads
- Clear performance tracking
This model supports efficient growth without wasted spend.
PromoSEO’s Managed, Low-Risk Approach
PromoSEO provides a fully managed marketing solution. It handles SEO, paid advertising, and lead filtering on behalf of tradespeople.
With its no-win-no-fee structure, PromoSEO removes upfront marketing risk and allows tradespeople to focus entirely on delivering quality work rather than managing campaigns.
Comparing the Three Platforms
| Area | Checkatrade | FatRank | PromoSEO |
| Payment Model | Subscription | Pay on completed jobs | No-win-no-fee |
| Lead Access | Shared | Exclusive | Exclusive & verified |
| Competition | High | Low | Low |
| Brand Control | Platform-led | Business-led | Business-led |
| ROI Predictability | Variable | High | High |
Which Option Makes the Most Sense Today?
For many tradespeople, paying for exposure alone is no longer enough. Predictability, efficiency, and control have become far more important than simply appearing in a directory.
That’s why performance-based alternatives are gaining traction.
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.