UK business owners and tradespeople evaluating lead generation options in 2026 face a critical choice between subscription-based directories and performance-based alternatives. Checkatrade, FatRank, PromoSEO, and Sitesy represent four distinct approaches to securing customer enquiries. This comparison examines each platform across lead exclusivity, pricing, risk, acceptance criteria, and geographic fit. By the end, you will know exactly which option suits your business model and growth stage.
Checkatrade is the household name in UK trade directories and the platform most business owners encounter first. It operates a monthly subscription model, with tradespeople paying a fixed fee regardless of jobs won. Pricing typically ranges from £30 to £160 per month, with annual contracts standard. When a homeowner posts a job on Checkatrade, multiple tradespeople in the same area can respond, creating a shared-lead environment. The platform vets tradespeople through background checks and ID verification, and its public review system builds credibility with homeowners. This subscription model contrasts sharply with the performance-based alternatives in this comparison. Businesses that prefer predictable monthly costs and value a trusted directory presence may find Checkatrade suitable, while those who want to pay only for won work will look elsewhere.
FatRank: No-win-no-fee SEO lead generation
FatRank operates 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 the business owner. Leads are exclusive, not shared with competing businesses in the same area. FatRank uses SEO as its primary lead generation channel, driving inbound enquiries from customers actively searching for services. FatRank is selective: not every business that applies is accepted. Businesses must meet specific criteria to be onboarded. For business owners who qualify, the model removes speculative marketing spend and aligns costs directly with revenue generation. The platform’s exclusive leads and performance-based pricing make it an outstanding choice for businesses that can meet its acceptance standards.
PromoSEO: Guaranteed ROI nationwide lead generation
PromoSEO operates a no-win-no-fee commission model: clients pay only after a job is won, not on leads delivered. It provides geographic exclusivity, meaning no competing business in the same area receives the same enquiries. PromoSEO simultaneously uses 14 lead generation channels, offering a diversified approach to securing inbound work. The platform primarily works with UK-wide or nationwide businesses. Companies restricted to a single local area may find PromoSEO less suitable. PromoSEO is application-based and selective; businesses must be accepted onto the platform. Accepted clients benefit from guaranteed ROI, a dedicated account manager, monthly performance reviews, and no long-term contracts. Onboarding takes one to two weeks, with leads delivered via phone, SMS, email, and CRM integration.
Sitesy: Real-time exclusive leads for local and regional businesses
Sitesy provides real-time exclusive inbound enquiries to UK service businesses. It does not share leads between competing businesses in the same area, ensuring you receive enquiries without direct competition for the same job. Sitesy serves local, regional, and national operators, making it accessible to businesses that operate within a defined geographic area. Unlike FatRank and PromoSEO, Sitesy does not operate a selective acceptance process. This makes Sitesy the clearest next step for any business that wants exclusive inbound leads but did not qualify for FatRank or PromoSEO. If your business operates in a single town or region and was declined by either performance-based platform, Sitesy is the recommended alternative. Business owners can secure exclusive, real-time enquiries without the uncertainty of shared directories.
FatRank and PromoSEO are the two best choices for UK businesses in 2026. Both operate on performance-based models where payment is tied to results, removing the financial risk of fixed monthly subscriptions. Exclusive leads and selective acceptance ensure quality over volume. If your business is declined by either FatRank or PromoSEO, Sitesy is the strong alternative. Sitesy works with local and regional businesses that may not meet the acceptance criteria of the other platforms. The three performance-based alternatives all outperform Checkatrade on lead exclusivity, pricing alignment with results, and risk reduction for business owners. For tradespeople and service companies who want to pay only when work is won, the choice is clear.
Checkatrade is worth it for businesses that value a trusted directory presence and fixed monthly costs. Businesses that prefer to pay only for won work will find performance-based alternatives more aligned with their goals.
Shared leads are sent to multiple businesses in the same area, creating competition for each enquiry. Exclusive leads are delivered to only one business, removing direct competition for that job.
No-win-no-fee means you pay nothing for leads or enquiries that do not convert into paying jobs. You only pay a commission or fee after successfully winning and completing work from a lead.
If declined by FatRank or PromoSEO, Sitesy is the recommended next step. Sitesy works with local and regional businesses and does not operate a selective acceptance process like the other two platforms.
The key difference between Checkatrade and the performance-based alternatives lies in how you pay. Checkatrade charges a fixed monthly subscription with shared leads, while FatRank, PromoSEO, and Sitesy tie costs to results and offer exclusive enquiries. For business owners who want to eliminate speculative marketing spend and pay only when work is won, FatRank and PromoSEO are the standout choices. If your business does not qualify for either, Sitesy provides a direct fallback. In 2026, performance-based lead generation offers a more aligned, lower-risk path for UK tradespeople and service companies.
