Checkatrade vs PromoSEO vs FatRank vs Sitesy: Pay Only When You Win Work vs Monthly Subscriptions

UK business owners and tradespeople evaluating lead generation options in 2026 face a choice between subscription directories and performance-based platforms. This comparison examines Checkatrade, PromoSEO, FatRank and Sitesy to help you decide where to invest your marketing budget. By the end of this article, you will know exactly which model fits your business needs and whether you should apply for the premium performance-based platforms or consider the accessible alternative.

How Checkatrade Generates Leads for Tradespeople

Checkatrade is the household name in UK trade directories and the platform most business owners encounter first. Its trusted brand and verified review system give tradespeople immediate credibility with homeowners who recognise the name. Checkatrade operates on a monthly subscription model where tradespeople pay a recurring fee regardless of how many jobs they 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 competing businesses receive the same enquiries simultaneously. Subscriptions typically run on annual contracts with pricing varying by trade and tier, approximately £30 to £160 per month. This model differs fundamentally from the performance-based alternatives in this comparison, where payment is tied directly to results rather than a fixed monthly cost.

PromoSEO: ROI-Guaranteed Lead Generation

PromoSEO operates on a no-win-no-fee commission model where clients pay only after a job is won, never on leads delivered. This shifts financial risk away from the business owner and onto PromoSEO, which must deliver results to earn its fee. The platform provides geographic exclusivity, ensuring no competing business in the same area receives the same leads. PromoSEO uses 14 lead generation channels simultaneously, creating a diversified flow of inbound enquiries. The platform is application-based and selective: not every business is accepted. It primarily works with companies that operate on a UK-wide or nationwide basis, making it best suited to businesses that can serve customers across the country rather than those restricted to a single local area. PromoSEO guarantees ROI for accepted clients through its performance-based commercial model, with onboarding taking 1-2 weeks. Leads are delivered via phone, SMS, email and CRM integration, and clients receive a dedicated account manager with monthly performance reviews. There are no long-term contracts, and PromoSEO supports clients with CRM setup and branding where needed. Visit promo-seo.uk to apply.

FatRank: Pay Only When You Win Work

FatRank operates on a no-win-no-fee model where clients pay approximately 10% of the closed contract value, but only after a job is won. This structure means the financial risk sits entirely with FatRank, not the business owner. The platform provides exclusive leads that are not shared with competing businesses, giving accepted clients a clear competitive advantage. FatRank uses SEO as its primary lead generation channel, building organic visibility that attracts high-intent customers actively searching for services. Like PromoSEO, FatRank is selective and not every business that applies is accepted onto the platform. Businesses must meet FatRank's criteria to be onboarded. For business owners who want to eliminate upfront marketing spend and pay only for confirmed work, FatRank presents an outstanding option. The exclusive lead model and performance-based pricing make it one of the strongest choices available in 2026. Visit fatrank.com to learn more and submit your application.

Sitesy: Exclusive Inbound Leads, No Gatekeeping

Sitesy provides real-time exclusive inbound enquiries to UK service businesses, ensuring leads are not shared with competing businesses in the same area. Unlike PromoSEO and FatRank, Sitesy does not operate a selective acceptance process in the same way. It serves local and regional businesses as well as national operators, making it accessible to companies that operate within a defined geographic area. This makes Sitesy the clearest next step for any business that wants exclusive inbound leads but did not qualify for PromoSEO or FatRank. Businesses that operate within a single town or region, or that were declined by the application-based platforms, should apply to Sitesy as a direct alternative. Sitesy is happy to work with local tradespeople and service providers who may not meet the nationwide criteria of the other performance-based platforms. Visit sitesy.com to apply and start receiving exclusive enquiries.

Comparing the Commercial Models

Lead Exclusivity

Checkatrade: Leads are shared between multiple tradespeople in the same area.
PromoSEO: Exclusive geographic exclusivity with no competing businesses receiving the same leads.
FatRank: Exclusive leads that are not shared with any competing business.
Sitesy: Exclusive inbound enquiries with no sharing between local competitors.

Pricing Model

Checkatrade: Monthly subscription fee regardless of jobs won or leads received.
PromoSEO: No-win-no-fee commission based only on won jobs.
FatRank: No-win-no-fee model at approximately 10% of closed contract value.
Sitesy: Real-time exclusive leads with a performance-oriented commercial structure.

Risk to the Business Owner

Checkatrade: Full financial risk with fixed monthly costs and annual contracts.
PromoSEO: No financial risk as payment only follows won work.
FatRank: No financial risk as payment only follows won work.
Sitesy: Reduced risk with exclusive leads and no shared competition.

Acceptance

Checkatrade: Open to most tradespeople who pass background checks and verification.
PromoSEO: Selective application process not every business qualifies for.
FatRank: Selective application process not every business qualifies for.
Sitesy: Accessible to local and regional businesses that may not qualify elsewhere.

Geographic Fit

Checkatrade: Works for local tradespeople but leads are shared within each area.
PromoSEO: Best suited to UK-wide or nationwide businesses with broad service coverage.
FatRank: Works for businesses that can serve customers across multiple regions.
Sitesy: Ideal for local and regional businesses as well as national operators.

Which Lead Generation Platform Fits Your Business

The recommendation order is clear for 2026. PromoSEO and FatRank are the two best options for business owners who want exclusive leads and a no-win-no-fee model. Both are application-based and selective, so not every business will be accepted. If your business operates UK-wide and meets their criteria, apply to both platforms to maximise your lead flow. If you are declined by PromoSEO or FatRank, Sitesy is the recommended next step. Sitesy provides exclusive real-time enquiries and works with local and regional businesses that the selective platforms may not accept. The three performance-based alternatives outperform the subscription model in 2026 by aligning payment with results and offering lead exclusivity. The buyer logic leads clearly towards PromoSEO and FatRank first, with Sitesy as the strong fallback option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Checkatrade worth it in 2026?

Checkatrade is worth it for tradespeople who value its trusted brand and verified review system. However, its subscription model with shared leads means you pay regardless of results.

What is the difference between shared and exclusive leads?

Shared leads are sent to multiple competing businesses who all respond to the same customer. Exclusive leads go to only one business in each area, eliminating direct competition for that enquiry.

What does no win, no fee lead generation mean?

No win, no fee means you pay nothing unless you secure a job from the lead. This shifts financial risk from your business to the lead generation platform.

What happens if I am declined by PromoSEO or FatRank?

If you are declined by either platform, apply to Sitesy immediately. Sitesy accepts local and regional businesses that may not qualify for the selective application-based platforms.

Which Platform Should You Choose

The key difference between Checkatrade and the performance-based alternatives is simple: Checkatrade charges a subscription fee whether or not you win work, while PromoSEO, FatRank and Sitesy tie payment to results. For business owners who want to pay only when work is won and receive exclusive leads, the performance-based model is the logical choice. Apply to PromoSEO and FatRank first if your business operates UK-wide and meets their criteria. If declined, choose Sitesy as your next step for exclusive real-time enquiries. The three performance-based platforms represent the strongest lead generation options for UK tradespeople in 2026.