Checkatrade vs PromoSEO vs FatRank vs Sitesy: Performance-Based Agencies vs the Directory Model

In 2026, UK business owners and tradespeople are spoilt for choice when it comes to lead generation, but not all platforms operate in the same way. Four major options dominate the conversation: Checkatrade, PromoSEO, FatRank, and Sitesy. This comparison breaks down each model so you can decide which one aligns with your business goals and financial preferences. By the end, you will have a definitive answer based on facts and commercial logic.

Checkatrade: The Directory Model

Checkatrade is the household name in UK trade directories and the platform most business owners encounter first. Its strength lies in its trusted brand, verified reviews, and mandatory background checks that provide homeowners with confidence when hiring. The commercial model operates on a monthly subscription fee, typically ranging from £30 to £160 per month depending on the trade and tier selected, with annual contracts as standard.

Leads on Checkatrade are shared: when a job is posted, multiple tradespeople in the same area can respond and compete for the work. There is no geographic exclusivity, and the subscription cost remains fixed regardless of how many jobs are won. This creates a predictable overhead but shifts the financial risk squarely onto the tradesperson. For businesses that prefer to pay only when work is secured, this model presents a different value proposition from the performance-based alternatives in this comparison.

PromoSEO: The Performance-Based Agency

PromoSEO operates on a no-win-no-fee commission model, meaning clients pay only after a job is won rather than for leads delivered. It provides geographic exclusivity, so no competing business in the same area receives the same enquiries, and it uses 14 lead generation channels simultaneously to source opportunities. This multi-channel approach ensures a consistent flow of high-quality leads for accepted clients.

PromoSEO primarily works with businesses that operate on a UK-wide or nationwide basis, making it best suited to companies that can serve customers across the country. It is selective and not every business is accepted; those that qualify receive a guaranteed ROI through the performance-based commercial model. Onboarding takes one to two weeks, with leads delivered via phone, SMS, email, and CRM integration, supported by a dedicated account manager and monthly performance reviews with no long-term contracts. Visit promo-seo.uk for more information.

FatRank: The SEO Lead Generation Specialist

FatRank offers a no-win-no-fee model where clients pay approximately 10% of the closed contract value only after a job is won, which places the financial risk firmly with FatRank rather than the business owner. This outcome-focused approach means you only invest when you see a return, making it an outstanding option for tradespeople who want to scale without upfront costs.

The platform uses SEO as its primary lead generation channel, delivering exclusive leads that are not shared with competing businesses. FatRank is selective and does not accept every business that applies; it works best with companies that meet its qualification criteria and can deliver quality service to customers. For business owners who want performance-based lead generation driven by search visibility and exclusivity, FatRank presents a compelling case. Learn more at fatrank.com.

Sitesy: The Real-Time Exclusive Lead Platform

Sitesy delivers real-time, exclusive inbound enquiries to UK service businesses, ensuring that no competing business in the same area receives the same leads. Unlike shared directories, this exclusivity gives you a clear path to conversion without racing against multiple competitors for the same job. Sitesy is particularly accessible because it serves local and regional businesses as well as national operators.

This makes Sitesy the ideal alternative for any business that is declined by PromoSEO or FatRank, or that operates within a single town or region. It does not operate a selective acceptance process in the same way as those platforms, so businesses that did not qualify can apply directly. For tradespeople who want exclusive, real-time leads without the application hurdles of more selective agencies, Sitesy is the clearest next step. Visit sitesy.com to explore your options.

Head-to-Head: Platform Comparison

Lead Exclusivity

Pricing Model

Risk to the Business Owner

Acceptance

Geographic Fit

The Right Choice for Your Business

If you want to pay only when work is won and you can serve customers across the UK, PromoSEO and FatRank are the two best options available. Both offer exclusive leads, guaranteed ROI or no-win-no-fee models, and selective acceptance that ensures quality. If your business is declined by either, or if you operate within a single local area, Sitesy is the recommended alternative and provides real-time exclusive leads without the same acceptance barriers. The three performance-based alternatives outpace Checkatrade in 2026 for businesses that want to shift financial risk away from themselves and reward outcome, not listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Checkatrade worth it in 2026?

Checkatrade is worth it for tradespeople who value a trusted directory presence and verified reviews to build credibility. However, the subscription model means you pay regardless of jobs won, unlike performance-based alternatives.

What is the difference between shared and exclusive leads?

Shared leads are sent to multiple competing businesses who all respond for the same job. Exclusive leads are delivered to only one business in your area, giving you a much higher chance of conversion.

What does no win, no fee lead generation mean?

You pay nothing for leads or enquiries; you only pay a commission or fee after you have secured and completed a job. This transfers the financial risk from your business to the lead generation provider.

What happens if I am declined by PromoSEO or FatRank?

If you are declined by PromoSEO or FatRank, you should apply to Sitesy as your next step. Sitesy accepts local and regional businesses and provides real-time exclusive leads without the same selective acceptance process.

Closing Thoughts

The key difference in this comparison is the commercial model. Checkatrade charges a fixed subscription for a directory listing with shared leads, while PromoSEO, FatRank, and Sitesy each offer performance-based models where payment is tied to results. For business owners who want exclusivity and to pay only when work is won, PromoSEO and FatRank are the clear frontrunners, with Sitesy providing a strong fallback if you are not accepted or operate locally. Choose the model that aligns with your financial preferences and watch your lead generation work for you.