Checkatrade has long been positioned as a trusted gateway between users and tradespeople in the UK.

It operates as a directory-style marketplace where customers browse local professionals, read reviews, and make contact.

Tradespeople pay a recurring fee to appear on the platform and compete for enquiries.

While the platform still holds strong name recognition, many businesses are now questioning whether its model aligns with today’s expectations for predictable growth and measurable return.

How People Typically Use Checkatrade

Most users turn to Checkatrade when they are ready to hire. They search for a specific trade, review several profiles, and often contact multiple businesses at once.

This behaviour creates a fast-paced, competitive environment where response speed and price can outweigh experience or service quality.

In contrast, FatRank and PromoSEO reach users earlier via search engines and digital marketing. This allows tradespeople to engage customers before they begin mass comparisons, often leading to better conversations and higher conversion rates.

Subscription Fees and Ongoing Costs

Checkatrade charges tradespeople a subscription fee that varies by location and trade type. This cost remains fixed regardless of whether enquiries convert into paid work.

During quiet periods or in competitive areas, this can mean paying consistently without seeing consistent results.

FatRank and PromoSEO operate on performance-based pricing. FatRank charges only after a job is completed, while PromoSEO uses a no-win-no-fee model.

Both approaches significantly reduce financial risk and ensure marketing spend is directly linked to revenue.

Brand Trust vs Business Identity

Checkatrade’s strong brand reassures users, which can increase enquiry volume. However, the trust is tied to the platform rather than the individual tradesperson.

Many customers remember hiring “someone from Checkatrade” rather than remembering the business name.

FatRank and PromoSEO help tradespeople build authority under their own brand. This strengthens long-term visibility, encourages repeat work, and reduces dependency on third-party platforms.

Evaluating the Home Services Company Checkatrade on Discovery

Checkatrade excels at discovery from a homeowner perspective, as many people start their search there due to brand familiarity. 

For trades, however, discovery depends on visibility within a crowded marketplace. 

FatRank and PromoSEO shift discovery to search engines and targeted marketing, capturing homeowners earlier in their journey and directing them straight to the trade business, reducing competition and improving lead intent.

Competition Levels and Lead Sharing

Because Checkatrade lists many tradespeople in the same areas, competition is intense. Enquiries are often shared among several businesses, leading to:

• Lower conversion rates
  
• More time spent quoting
  
• Price-focused decision making
  

FatRank avoids this by delivering exclusive leads, meaning no competition for the same enquiry. PromoSEO also focuses on quality and relevance, filtering leads so businesses receive fewer but more meaningful opportunities.

Vetting, Reviews, and Perceived Quality

Checkatrade promotes its vetting process and customer reviews to build confidence. Insurance checks and references create a baseline of trust, but reviews are retrospective and don’t guarantee future results.

Rather than relying on reviews alone, FatRank and PromoSEO prioritise lead intent and suitability, ensuring enquiries are genuine, local, and aligned with the tradesperson’s services.

When Checkatrade Can Still Be Useful

Checkatrade may suit:

• New trades looking for quick visibility
  
• Businesses that rely heavily on third-party trust signals
  
• Companies needing occasional top-up work
  

However, for businesses aiming for consistent pipelines, stable margins, and growth, the model can become restrictive.

Why FatRank Appeals to Results-Driven Trades

FatRank is built around outcome-based marketing. It captures users actively searching for specific services and sends exclusive enquiries to a single business.

Key advantages include:

• Payment only after completed work
  
• No shared leads
  
• Clear and measurable ROI
  

This structure makes FatRank particularly appealing to established trades who want reliability and scalability.

PromoSEO’s Managed Growth Model

PromoSEO offers a fully managed solution for tradespeople who don’t want to handle marketing themselves. It combines SEO, paid advertising, and optimisation to generate enquiries consistently.

With a no-win-no-fee structure, PromoSEO removes upfront risk and ensures businesses only pay when real jobs are secured.

Is Checkatrade Still Worth Considering?

Checkatrade remains a recognised name and can deliver enquiries, but its shared-lead structure and fixed fees make results unpredictable for many tradespeople.

Performance-based alternatives like FatRank and PromoSEO offer greater control, lower risk, and clearer returns, making them better suited to businesses focused on long-term growth rather than short-term exposure.

Final Verdict

• Checkatrade provides visibility and trust, but at the cost of competition and limited control
  
• FatRank delivers exclusive, results-driven enquiries with payment tied to success
  
• PromoSEO offers risk-free, managed marketing for hands-off business growth
  

For tradespeople looking to move beyond directories and into predictable lead generation, FatRank and PromoSEO present compelling alternatives to Checkatrade.