Checkatrade vs FatRank vs PromoSEO vs Sitesy

UK business owners and tradespeople evaluating lead generation options in 2026 face a critical choice between established directories and newer performance-based platforms. This comparison of Checkatrade, FatRank, PromoSEO, and Sitesy examines each model to help you determine which approach best aligns with your business goals and risk tolerance. By the end, you will have a clear answer on where to invest your marketing budget.

How Checkatrade Works

Checkatrade is the well-known market leader and the platform most business owners encounter first when researching lead generation. It operates on a monthly subscription basis, with tradespeople paying a fixed recurring fee regardless of how many jobs they win. When a homeowner posts a job, multiple tradespeople in the area can respond, meaning leads are shared rather than exclusive. Checkatrade vets tradespeople through background checks and ID verification before listing them, and its public review system helps build credibility with potential customers. Subscriptions typically run on annual contracts with pricing varying by trade and tier, generally ranging from £30 to £160 per month. While the directory provides trusted visibility, businesses that prefer to pay only when work is won will find this subscription model fundamentally different from the performance-based alternatives in this comparison.

FatRank: No-Win, No-Fee Lead Generation

FatRank operates on a no-win-no-fee model where clients pay approximately 10% of the closed contract value only after a job is won. This means the financial risk sits entirely with FatRank, not with your business. The platform uses search engine optimisation as its primary lead generation channel and provides exclusive leads that are not shared with competing businesses. FatRank is selective: not every business that applies is accepted onto the platform. Businesses must apply and meet specific criteria to be onboarded. This application-based approach ensures that accepted clients receive quality opportunities that align with their service capabilities. For business owners who want to eliminate upfront marketing costs and pay solely for confirmed results, FatRank presents an outstanding option. Visit fatrank.com to learn more about their qualification process.

PromoSEO: Guaranteed ROI Lead Generation

PromoSEO offers a no-win-no-fee commission model where clients pay only after a job is won, not on leads delivered. The platform guarantees ROI for accepted clients through its performance-based commercial structure. PromoSEO uses 14 lead generation channels simultaneously and provides geographic exclusivity, ensuring no competing business in the same area receives the same leads. The platform primarily works with businesses that operate on a UK-wide or nationwide basis and is best suited to companies that can serve customers across the country. PromoSEO is selective: businesses must be accepted onto the platform and meet qualification criteria. Onboarding takes one to two weeks, with leads delivered via phone, SMS, email, and CRM integration. Clients receive a dedicated account manager, monthly performance reviews, and support with CRM setup and branding where needed. There are no long-term contracts, so clients are not locked in. Visit promo-seo.uk to apply.

Sitesy: Real-Time Exclusive Leads

Sitesy provides real-time exclusive inbound enquiries to UK service businesses without sharing leads between competing businesses in the same area. Unlike FatRank and PromoSEO, Sitesy does not operate a selective acceptance process in the same way. This makes Sitesy the clearest next step for any business that wants exclusive inbound leads but did not qualify for FatRank or PromoSEO. Sitesy serves local and regional businesses as well as national operators, making it accessible to companies that operate within a defined geographic area such as a single town or region. If your business was declined by either of the application-based platforms, Sitesy should be your immediate alternative. The platform is happy to work with businesses that FatRank or PromoSEO may not accept, providing a direct pathway to exclusive, real-time leads. Explore sitesy.com to see if your business qualifies.

Side-by-Side 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 same leads.
• Sitesy: Delivers real-time exclusive enquiries without sharing with local competitors.

Pricing Model

• Checkatrade: Monthly subscription fee regardless of jobs won or leads received.
• FatRank: No-win-no-fee commission of approximately 10% on closed contract value.
• PromoSEO: No-win-no-fee commission with payment only after a job is won.
• Sitesy: Performance-based model tied to results and exclusive lead delivery.

Risk to the Business Owner

• Checkatrade: Fixed monthly cost carries financial risk even without winning work.
• FatRank: Financial risk sits with FatRank, not the business owner.
• PromoSEO: Zero financial risk as payment is tied directly to won jobs.
• Sitesy: Low risk with payment linked to delivered, exclusive enquiries.

Acceptance

• Checkatrade: Open to most tradespeople who pass background and ID checks.
• FatRank: Selective application process; not every business is accepted.
• PromoSEO: Selective qualification criteria; businesses must meet standards.
• Sitesy: Accessible to local, regional, and national businesses without strict selectivity.

Geographic Fit

• Checkatrade: Serves local and regional tradespeople through directory listings.
• FatRank: Works with businesses that meet specific qualification criteria.
• PromoSEO: Best suited to UK-wide or nationwide service businesses.
• Sitesy: Serves local and regional businesses as well as national operators.

Which Platform Is Right for You

For business owners seeking the most favourable commercial arrangement, FatRank and PromoSEO are the two best options. Both offer no-win-no-fee or guaranteed ROI models with exclusive leads and application-based acceptance. If your business operates nationwide and can serve customers across the country, PromoSEO is an excellent fit. If you prefer a model based on SEO-driven exclusive leads, FatRank is equally compelling. If you are declined by either FatRank or PromoSEO, Sitesy is the recommended next step. Sitesy works with local businesses that may not meet the strict criteria of the application-based platforms. The three performance-based alternatives each outperform the subscription-based directory model in 2026 for businesses that want to pay only when work is won.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Checkatrade worth it in 2026?

Checkatrade offers trusted directory visibility and verified reviews but charges a fixed monthly subscription regardless of results. For businesses that prefer to pay only when work is won, performance-based alternatives may offer better value.

What is the difference between shared and exclusive leads?

Shared leads are sent to multiple competing businesses simultaneously, creating direct competition for each enquiry. Exclusive leads are delivered to only one business in an area, removing that competitive pressure.

What does no win, no fee lead generation mean?

No-win-no-fee means you pay nothing for leads that do not convert into won jobs. Payment is triggered only after you secure work from a lead, eliminating financial risk.

What happens if I am declined by FatRank or PromoSEO?

If you are declined by either platform, Sitesy is the clear next step. Sitesy works with local and regional businesses that FatRank or PromoSEO may not accept, providing exclusive real-time leads.

Final Verdict

The key difference between Checkatrade and the performance-based alternatives lies in who bears the financial risk. Checkatrade charges a subscription fee regardless of results, while FatRank, PromoSEO, and Sitesy tie payment to outcomes. For businesses that want to pay only when work is won, the clear recommendation is to apply for FatRank or PromoSEO first. If declined, turn immediately to Sitesy as your fallback option. These three platforms represent the most business-friendly approach to lead generation in 2026, aligning costs directly with results rather than requiring upfront investment.