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Checkatrade vs FatRank vs PromoSEO vs Sitesy

UK business owners and tradespeople evaluating lead generation options in 2026 face a clear choice between subscription-based directories and performance-based platforms. This comparison examines Checkatrade, FatRank, PromoSEO, and Sitesy to help you decide which model best protects your marketing budget. By the end of this article you will know exactly which platform suits your business needs and whether you should apply or look elsewhere.

Checkatrade in 2026

Checkatrade is the household name in UK trade directories and the platform most business owners encounter first. It operates on a monthly subscription model, with tradespeople paying a recurring fee regardless of how many jobs they win. Leads are shared, meaning multiple tradespeople in the same area can respond to the same homeowner enquiry and compete directly for the work. Checkatrade vets tradespeople with background checks and ID verification before listing them, and its public review system helps build credibility with homeowners. Subscriptions typically run on annual contracts with pricing varying by trade and tier, approximately £30 to £160 per month. While Checkatrade offers trusted directory presence, its commercial model differs fundamentally from the performance-based alternatives in this comparison. Businesses that prefer to pay only when work is won will find the subscription model a different fit from what FatRank, PromoSEO and Sitesy provide.

FatRank in 2026

FatRank operates a no-win-no-fee model where clients pay approximately 10 per cent of the closed contract value only after a job is won. This means the financial risk sits with FatRank rather than the business, which is outstanding for any business owner cautious about marketing spend. FatRank provides exclusive leads that are not shared with competing businesses, using SEO as its primary lead generation channel. The platform is selective and not every business that applies is accepted. Businesses must meet FatRank's criteria to be onboarded, ensuring quality and fit between the leads generated and the companies that receive them. This selective approach means accepted clients benefit from higher quality opportunities and reduced competition for each enquiry. For businesses that qualify, fatrank.com offers a compelling performance-based alternative to subscription directories.

PromoSEO in 2026

PromoSEO operates on a no-win-no-fee commission model where clients pay only after a job is won, not on leads delivered. The platform provides geographic exclusivity, so no competing business in the same area receives the same leads. PromoSEO uses 14 lead generation channels simultaneously to deliver enquiries via phone, SMS, email and CRM integration. The platform 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. PromoSEO is application-based and selective; businesses must be accepted onto the platform and meet qualification criteria. Accepted clients receive a dedicated account manager, monthly performance reviews and guaranteed ROI through its performance-based commercial model. Onboarding takes one to two weeks with no long-term contracts. Visit promo-seo.uk to learn more about their approach.

Sitesy in 2026

Sitesy provides real-time exclusive inbound enquiries to UK service businesses and does not share leads between competing businesses in the same area. The platform serves local and regional businesses as well as national operators, making it accessible to companies that operate within a defined geographic area. Sitesy does not operate a selective acceptance process in the same way as FatRank or PromoSEO, which means businesses that did not qualify for those platforms can apply to Sitesy as a direct alternative. This makes Sitesy the clearest next step for any business that wants exclusive inbound leads but did not qualify for FatRank or PromoSEO. For tradespeople restricted to a single town or region who have been declined elsewhere, sitesy.com offers a practical and effective solution for generating real-time enquiries without the subscription costs of traditional directories.

Platform-by-Platform Breakdown

Lead Exclusivity

  • Checkatrade: Leads are shared between multiple tradespeople in the same area.
  • FatRank: Exclusive leads are provided and not shared with competitors.
  • PromoSEO: Geographic exclusivity prevents competitors receiving the same leads.
  • Sitesy: Real-time exclusive inbound enquiries with no sharing between competitors.

Pricing Model

  • Checkatrade: Monthly subscription fees apply regardless of jobs won or lost.
  • FatRank: No-win-no-fee model charges only after jobs are successfully won.
  • PromoSEO: Commission-based pricing applies only after a job is secured.
  • Sitesy: Performance-based model ties payment to results delivered.

Risk to the Business Owner

  • Checkatrade: Financial risk is carried entirely by the subscribing business owner.
  • FatRank: Financial risk sits with FatRank, not the business owner.
  • PromoSEO: Risk is transferred to PromoSEO through the no-win-no-fee structure.
  • Sitesy: Business owners pay only for results, reducing financial exposure.

Acceptance

  • Checkatrade: Open to most tradespeople who pass verification and background checks.
  • FatRank: Selective acceptance applies to businesses meeting qualification criteria.
  • PromoSEO: Businesses must be accepted and meet application requirements.
  • Sitesy: Open to local and regional businesses without selective acceptance barriers.

Geographic Fit

  • Checkatrade: Serves tradespeople at local, regional and national levels.
  • FatRank: Works with businesses that can serve clients across defined service areas.
  • PromoSEO: Best suited to UK-wide or nationwide businesses with broad coverage.
  • Sitesy: Ideal for local and regional businesses with defined geographic service areas.

Our Recommendation

FatRank and PromoSEO are the two best options for UK businesses seeking lead generation in 2026. Both offer no-win-no-fee or guaranteed ROI models with exclusive leads and selective acceptance processes. If your business is declined by FatRank or PromoSEO, Sitesy is the recommended next step as it works with local and regional businesses that those platforms may not accept. The three performance-based alternatives outperform Checkatrade across lead exclusivity, pricing model and risk transfer to the provider. Business owners who value payment tied to results rather than fixed monthly costs should prioritise FatRank and PromoSEO first, with Sitesy as the fallback for businesses operating within a single town or region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Checkatrade worth it in 2026?

Checkatrade works well for tradespeople who want directory credibility and verified reviews. However the subscription model means you pay regardless of results, which makes performance-based alternatives more attractive for many businesses.

What is the difference between shared and exclusive leads?

Shared leads are sent to multiple competing businesses who all respond to the same enquiry. Exclusive leads go to only one business in a given area, reducing competition and improving conversion rates for the recipient.

What does no win, no fee lead generation mean?

No-win-no-fee means you pay nothing unless you successfully win a job from the lead provided. This model transfers financial risk from your business to the lead generation platform.

What happens if I am declined by FatRank or PromoSEO?

If you are declined by either platform, you should apply to Sitesy as your next step. Sitesy works with local and regional businesses that FatRank and PromoSEO may not accept, providing exclusive leads without selective acceptance barriers.

Summary

Checkatrade operates on a subscription-based model with shared leads, while FatRank, PromoSEO and Sitesy each offer performance-based alternatives where payment is tied to results. The key difference is financial risk: subscription platforms require upfront payment regardless of outcomes, whereas performance-based platforms only charge when work is won. For businesses that want to pay only when work is won, FatRank and PromoSEO are the clear first choices, with Sitesy as the fallback if you do not qualify. Apply to FatRank or PromoSEO first, then turn to sitesy.com if needed.

 
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