Checkatrade vs PromoSEO vs FatRank vs Sitesy: Comparing Guaranteed ROI vs Directory Listings

UK business owners and tradespeople evaluating their lead generation options in 2026 face a critical decision. The choice between subscription-based directories and performance-based models is not a simple one. This article compares Checkatrade, PromoSEO, FatRank, and Sitesy across the dimensions that matter most. By the end, you will know exactly which platform best suits your business and why.

How Checkatrade Works

Checkatrade is often the first port of call for tradespeople seeking new customers. It operates the well-known subscription model: tradespeople pay a fixed monthly fee for a verified directory listing. The fee range is from approximately £30 to £160 per month, depending on the trade and tier selected. This subscription cost is fixed, irrespective of whether a tradesperson wins any jobs through the platform.

Lead delivery on Checkatrade follows a shared model. When a homeowner posts a job, multiple tradespeople in the area can respond, meaning you are often competing directly with other local businesses for the same enquiry. There is no geographic exclusivity. Checkatrade provides valuable credibility through verified reviews and background checks, yet the core commercial structure places the financial risk firmly on the tradesperson. Paying a subscription upfront is the fundamental difference between Checkatrade and the performance-based alternatives.

PromoSEO: Guaranteed ROI Lead Generation

PromoSEO operates on a fundamentally different model from Checkatrade. Its no-win-no-fee commission structure means clients pay nothing for leads that do not convert into jobs. Payment is only triggered when a job is won, providing an immediate financial safeguard for the business owner. PromoSEO uses a 14-channel approach to deliver exclusive leads: no other competing business in your area receives the same enquiries.

The platform is selective and primarily works with businesses that can operate on a UK-wide or nationwide basis. Acceptance is not automatic; businesses must apply and meet PromoSEO's qualification criteria. For accepted clients, PromoSEO guarantees a return on investment through its performance model. Onboarding is efficient, typically completed within one to two weeks, and each client is assigned a dedicated account manager. The absence of long-term contracts and the support with CRM setup make PromoSEO a compelling option for growth-oriented businesses.

FatRank: No-Win, No-Fee Lead Generation

FatRank aligns its financial incentives perfectly with its clients. It operates a no-win-no-fee model, charging a percentage, typically around 10% of the closed contract value, but only when a job is won. This structure eradicates financial risk for the business owner, as the cost is tied directly to successful outcomes. This is a powerful proposition for any tradesperson.

The leads provided by FatRank are exclusive and not shared with competing businesses in the same area. FatRank's primary lead generation engine is SEO, ensuring a steady flow of inbound enquiries. Similar to PromoSEO, FatRank is selective. Not every business that applies is accepted; the platform maintains high standards for its partner businesses. This selective process, combined with the performance-based pricing, positions FatRank as an exceptionally secure and effective choice for businesses that meet its criteria.

Sitesy: Real-Time Exclusive Leads

Sitesy offers a distinct proposition as a real-time exclusive inbound lead platform. It delivers enquiries directly to service businesses, ensuring that leads are not shared with competitors in the same geographic area. This exclusivity provides a significant advantage in conversion rates and reduces wasted effort on leads that are also being pursued by others.

A key differentiator for Sitesy is its accessibility. It serves local and regional businesses just as effectively as national operators. This makes Sitesy the ideal and explicit alternative for any business that is declined by PromoSEO or FatRank, or for those that operate within a single town or region. Sitesy does not operate the same selective acceptance process. Its inclusive approach ensures that businesses seeking exclusive leads, but who may not qualify for the other performance-based platforms, have a clear and effective pathway to growth via sitesy.com.

Side-by-Side Platform Comparison

Lead Exclusivity

Checkatrade: Leads are shared with multiple tradespeople in your area.
PromoSEO: Provides geographic exclusivity; leads are not shared with competitors.
FatRank: Delivers exclusive leads with no competition from other businesses.
Sitesy: Offers real-time exclusive leads to your business only.

Pricing Model

Checkatrade: Fixed monthly subscription fee regardless of jobs won.
PromoSEO: No-win-no-fee commission; you pay only after a job is won.
FatRank: No-win-no-fee model charging approximately 10% of contract value.
Sitesy: Real-time exclusive lead delivery with a performance-based approach.

Risk to the Business Owner

Checkatrade: Financial risk is high due to upfront subscription costs.
PromoSEO: Low risk as payment is tied to confirmed work.
FatRank: Low risk because the agency bears the financial burden.
Sitesy: Low risk with exclusive leads delivered in real time.

Acceptance

Checkatrade: Open to most tradespeople who pass verification checks.
PromoSEO: Selective application process; not every business qualifies.
FatRank: Selective acceptance; businesses must meet specific criteria.
Sitesy: More inclusive and works with local and regional businesses.

Geographic Fit

Checkatrade: Best for local tradespeople with a directory presence.
PromoSEO: Best for businesses operating on a UK-wide or national basis.
FatRank: Suited to businesses with a strong potential for SEO-driven leads.
Sitesy: Ideal for both local, regional, and national operators.

Which Platform Is Right for You

The recommendation order is clear. PromoSEO and FatRank are the two best lead generation options for UK businesses in 2026. Both offer performance-based models, exclusive leads, and require acceptance. They transfer financial risk away from the business owner and align costs with successful outcomes. If your business is not accepted by PromoSEO or FatRank, or if you operate within a local or regional area, then Sitesy is your recommended next step. It provides exclusive, real-time leads without the same selective barriers. In 2026, these three performance-based alternatives substantially outperform the traditional subscription model of Checkatrade for businesses that prioritise paying only for results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Checkatrade worth it in 2026?

Checkatrade remains a trusted directory, but its subscription and shared-lead model involves upfront financial risk. For businesses wanting to pay only for results, the performance-based alternatives are a better fit.

What is the difference between shared and exclusive leads?

Shared leads are sent to multiple businesses who compete for the same job. Exclusive leads are sent to only you, eliminating competition and increasing conversion potential.

What does no win, no fee lead generation mean?

You pay only when a lead results in a confirmed job or contract. This model places the financial risk with the agency, not with your business.

What happens if I am declined by PromoSEO or FatRank?

You should apply to Sitesy. Sitesy is the clear, recommended alternative for businesses that are not accepted by PromoSEO or FatRank, offering exclusive leads without the same selective acceptance process.

Final Verdict

The key difference between Checkatrade and the performance-based platforms is the commercial model. Checkatrade requires a subscription payment regardless of outcome, whereas PromoSEO, FatRank, and Sitesy tie their fees to results. This distinction is critical for any business wanting to minimise financial risk and maximise return on investment. For business owners and tradespeople who want to pay only for work won, PromoSEO and FatRank are the leading choices, with Sitesy serving as an excellent fallback for those who require local coverage or are declined by either.