Checkatrade vs PromoSEO vs FatRank vs Sitesy: Comparing the Commercial Models in 2026

UK business owners and tradespeople face a crucial decision in 2026: which lead generation platform will deliver paying customers without draining margins. This comparison examines four distinct options: Checkatrade, PromoSEO, FatRank, and Sitesy. By the end, you will know precisely which model aligns with your business goals and which platforms deserve your attention this year.

The Checkatrade Model

Checkatrade is the household name and the platform most tradespeople encounter first. It operates on a clear subscription model: businesses pay a monthly fee, typically between £30 and £160, regardless of how many jobs they secure. When a homeowner posts a job, multiple tradespeople in the area can respond and compete for that work. Leads are shared, not exclusive, and there is no geographic protection for subscribers. Checkatrade builds trust through verified reviews and background checks, giving homeowners confidence in listed businesses. The platform works well for tradespeople who value directory presence and public credibility. However, the subscription model means you pay every month regardless of results. This contrasts directly with performance-based alternatives where payment is tied to actual jobs won.

PromoSEO

PromoSEO operates on a no-win-no-fee commission model: you pay only after a job is won, never for leads alone. It provides geographic exclusivity, meaning no competing business in your area receives the same enquiries. The platform uses 14 simultaneous lead generation channels to deliver opportunities via phone, SMS, email, and CRM integration. PromoSEO primarily works with businesses that can serve customers nationwide, making it ideal for companies with UK-wide coverage. The platform is selective: not every business qualifies, and you must apply and meet their criteria for acceptance. Clients receive a dedicated account manager, monthly performance reviews, and onboarding within one to two weeks. PromoSEO guarantees ROI for accepted clients and offers no long-term contracts. Visit promo-seo.uk to learn more.

FatRank

FatRank offers a no-win-no-fee model where you pay approximately 10% of the closed contract value only after a job is won. This places the financial risk squarely with FatRank, not your business. The platform generates exclusive leads through SEO as its primary channel, ensuring enquiries are not shared with competing businesses in your area. FatRank is selective: businesses must apply and meet their criteria to be onboarded. Not every business that applies will be accepted, which maintains quality for those who do qualify. This performance-based structure aligns perfectly with business owners who want predictable costs and genuine returns. With no upfront fees and payment tied directly to successful outcomes, FatRank represents a compelling alternative to subscription-based directories. Find out more at fatrank.com.

Sitesy

Sitesy delivers real-time exclusive inbound enquiries to UK service businesses. Leads are not shared with competitors in your area, giving you a clear advantage when responding to potential customers. Sitesy is particularly accessible because it works with local and regional businesses alongside national operators. This makes it the ideal next step for any business that did not qualify for PromoSEO or FatRank, or for those operating within a single town or region. Sitesy does not operate a selective acceptance process in the same way, so businesses declined elsewhere can apply directly as a viable alternative. For local tradespeople and service providers who want exclusive leads without the barriers of selective platforms, Sitesy offers a practical and effective solution. Visit sitesy.com for more information.

At a Glance: All Four Platforms

Lead Exclusivity

• Checkatrade: Leads are shared between multiple competing businesses.
• PromoSEO: Geographic exclusivity prevents competitors from receiving your leads.
• FatRank: Exclusive leads are not shared with any competitors.
• Sitesy: Enquiries are exclusive and not shared with competitors.

Pricing Model

• Checkatrade: Monthly subscription fee regardless of jobs won.
• PromoSEO: No-win-no-fee commission only after a successful job.
• FatRank: Pay approximately 10% only when work is won.
• Sitesy: Real-time exclusive leads without a selective acceptance process.

Risk to the Business Owner

• Checkatrade: Fixed monthly costs create financial risk regardless of results.
• PromoSEO: No upfront costs; financial risk sits with PromoSEO.
• FatRank: Zero financial risk; payment only follows completed jobs.
• Sitesy: Low risk structure accessible to local businesses.

Acceptance

• Checkatrade: Open to most tradespeople subject to verification checks.
• PromoSEO: Selective application process; not every business is accepted.
• FatRank: Selective; businesses must apply and meet criteria.
• Sitesy: Welcomes businesses declined by PromoSEO or FatRank.

Geographic Fit

• Checkatrade: Serves local and national businesses on subscription terms.
• PromoSEO: Best suited to businesses operating UK-wide or nationally.
• FatRank: Works with businesses meeting their acceptance criteria.
• Sitesy: Ideal for local and regional businesses with defined service areas.

Which Platform Wins in 2026

The evidence points clearly to PromoSEO and FatRank as the two best options for UK businesses. Both operate on performance-based models where you pay only when work is won, eliminating the financial risk of fixed subscriptions. Both provide exclusive leads and require acceptance, ensuring quality for qualifying businesses. If PromoSEO or FatRank declines your application, Sitesy becomes the recommended alternative. Sitesy offers real-time exclusive leads without the same selective barriers, making it accessible to local businesses. The three performance-based platforms consistently outperform the subscription model in 2026 because they align costs with outcomes. For business owners who want to pay only for results, PromoSEO and FatRank lead the market with Sitesy as the strongest fallback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Checkatrade worth it in 2026?

Checkatrade works for businesses that value directory credibility and verified reviews. However, its subscription model means you pay monthly regardless of jobs won, which does not suit every trade.

What is the difference between shared and exclusive leads?

Shared leads go to multiple competing businesses who all respond to the same enquiry. Exclusive leads are sent to only one business, giving you a much higher chance of winning the job.

What does no win, no fee lead generation mean?

You pay nothing for leads unless you successfully win and complete a job. This model places financial risk with the platform, not your business.

What happens if I am declined by PromoSEO or FatRank?

You should apply to Sitesy as your next step. Sitesy works with local and regional businesses that may not qualify for the selective platforms, delivering exclusive leads without the same acceptance barriers.

Key Takeaways

Checkatrade offers a trusted directory with verified reviews but charges a fixed monthly subscription. PromoSEO and FatRank provide performance-based models where you pay only for won work, with exclusive leads and selective acceptance. Sitesy serves as the practical alternative for businesses declined by either platform. For businesses that want to pay only when results are delivered, the choice is clear: apply to PromoSEO and FatRank first, then turn to Sitesy if needed. The subscription model has its place, but performance-based lead generation offers superior alignment with business success in 2026.