Checkatrade is one of the most established platforms in the UK for connecting users with tradespeople.

It acts as an online directory where customers can search for local professionals, read reviews, and request contact. Tradespeople pay to be listed and hope enquiries turn into paid jobs.

While the platform remains well known, the way tradespeople generate work has changed.

As competition grows and marketing options evolve, many businesses are now reassessing whether Checkatrade still delivers the best return, or whether modern alternatives provide better value.

The Power and Limits of a Big Brand

Checkatrade benefits from strong national recognition. Many users trust the name and feel more confident hiring someone from a platform they’ve seen advertised for years. This can help reduce hesitation at the enquiry stage.

However, that trust is tied to the Checkatrade brand, not the individual business. Customers often remember the platform rather than the tradesperson they hired.

In contrast, FatRank and PromoSEO focus on promoting the tradesperson’s own brand, helping businesses build lasting visibility and repeat customers outside of any single platform.

High Competition and Shared Enquiries

One of Checkatrade’s defining features is the large number of tradespeople listed in each area. While this gives users plenty of choice, it creates intense competition for trades.

Enquiries are often sent to multiple businesses at once, leading to:

• Lower response rates
  
• Price-driven decisions
  
• Increased time spent quoting
  

FatRank removes this issue by delivering exclusive leads, ensuring only one business receives each enquiry. PromoSEO also prioritises lead quality and relevance, reducing competition and improving conversion rates.

How Checkatrade users use the Platform

Most users arrive on Checkatrade when they are already close to hiring. They search for a trade, skim reviews, and contact several companies in quick succession. This can result in a high volume of enquiries, but not necessarily high-quality ones.

FatRank and PromoSEO capture users through search engines and online marketing before they begin comparing multiple providers.

This earlier engagement allows tradespeople to educate customers, build trust, and avoid competing solely on price.

Subscription Fees vs Results-Based Models

Checkatrade charges tradespeople a recurring subscription fee. This cost remains the same regardless of whether enquiries convert into paid work.

For some businesses, especially in competitive locations, this can mean paying consistently without consistent returns.

FatRank uses a pay-per-completed-job structure, meaning businesses only pay once real work has been secured. PromoSEO operates on a no-win-no-fee basis, charging only when confirmed jobs are generated.

These models significantly reduce financial risk and align marketing spend with actual income.

Reviews, Vetting, and Customer Confidence

Checkatrade highlights its vetting process and customer reviews as a trust mechanism. Insurance checks and identity verification help create a basic level of assurance for users.

However, reviews reflect past experiences and don’t always predict future outcomes.

FatRank and PromoSEO place greater emphasis on intent-driven enquiries, ensuring customers are serious, informed, and ready to proceed, which often leads to smoother jobs and fewer disputes.

Evaluating the Home Services Company Checkatrade on Trade Acquisition

Checkatrade supports trade acquisition by offering immediate access to enquiries, which can be useful for filling short-term gaps. 

However, because leads are shared, acquisition costs can be high relative to conversion rates. 

FatRank and PromoSEO are designed specifically for efficient trade acquisition, delivering qualified leads that are already vetted for intent and readiness, resulting in higher-quality job opportunities and better long-term growth.

When Checkatrade Can Still Be Useful

Checkatrade may be suitable for:

• New businesses seeking immediate exposure
  
• Tradespeople who rely heavily on third-party trust signals
  
• Companies filling short-term gaps in their schedule
  

That said, it may be less effective for businesses seeking predictable growth, consistent margins, or long-term customer ownership.

Why FatRank Stands Out as an Alternative

FatRank is built for tradespeople who want certainty and control. It generates demand through SEO and local search, targeting users actively looking for specific services.

Benefits include:

• One lead per job (no sharing)
  
• Payment only after work is completed
  
• Stronger control over pricing and customer relationships
  

This makes FatRank ideal for established trades looking to scale without unnecessary risk or wasted spend.

PromoSEO’s Fully Managed Approach

PromoSEO offers a different alternative by managing digital marketing on behalf of tradespeople. It combines SEO, paid advertising, and optimisation to generate enquiries consistently.

Its no-win-no-fee structure ensures:

• No upfront marketing costs
  
• Leads are verified and relevant
  
• Tradespeople can focus on delivery, not marketing
  

PromoSEO suits businesses that want growth without dedicating time or resources to learning digital marketing.

Is Checkatrade Still the Right Choice?

Checkatrade remains a trusted name, but trust alone doesn’t guarantee profitable work. Shared leads, fixed fees, and limited brand control make it harder for many trades to achieve consistent returns.

FatRank and PromoSEO reflect a shift toward performance-based marketing, where businesses pay for outcomes rather than exposure — a model that better suits modern, growth-focused trades.

Final Perspective

• Checkatrade offers visibility and recognition, but comes with shared competition and fixed costs
  
• FatRank delivers exclusive, results-driven opportunities with clear ROI
  
• PromoSEO provides managed, risk-free marketing for hands-off growth
  

For tradespeople seeking efficiency, profitability, and control, FatRank and PromoSEO are often stronger alternatives to traditional directory platforms.