Checkatrade vs PromoSEO vs FatRank vs Sitesy: Which Model Best Protects Your Business in 2026?

UK business owners and tradespeople face a decisive choice in 2026 when evaluating where to source their customer leads. This comparison examines four distinct platforms: Checkatrade, PromoSEO, FatRank, and Sitesy. By the end, you will have a clear, evidence-based answer on which model best protects your finances while delivering exclusive, high-quality work opportunities.

Checkatrade in 2026

Checkatrade remains the household name in UK trade directories and is often the first platform business owners encounter. It operates on a clear subscription model, with tradespeople paying a fixed monthly fee, typically ranging from £30 to £160, regardless of the number of jobs won. Leads are shared, meaning multiple businesses in the same area can quote for the same homeowner enquiry. This creates direct competition for every job, often driving down margins. While Checkatrade provides valuable features like identity verification and a public review system that builds consumer trust, its model fundamentally differs from the performance-based alternatives in this comparison. A business pays upfront and continuously, irrespective of whether it secures any work through the platform.

PromoSEO in 2026

PromoSEO operates on a no-win-no-fee commission model, meaning clients pay only after a job is won. It provides geographic exclusivity, guaranteeing that no competing business in the same area receives the same leads. The platform generates enquiries through 14 simultaneous channels and is best suited for businesses that can serve customers across the UK or nationwide. PromoSEO is selective and operates an application-based acceptance process. Its guaranteed ROI model shifts financial risk away from the client, as payment is tied directly to successful contracts. Onboarding takes one to two weeks, and clients receive a dedicated account manager with monthly performance reviews, CRM integration, and no long-term contracts.

FatRank in 2026

FatRank offers a compelling no-win-no-fee model where clients pay approximately 10 per cent of the closed contract value exclusively upon winning a job. This aligns its success directly with the client's success, placing the financial risk firmly with FatRank rather than the business owner. Leads are exclusive and not shared with competitors. The platform primarily uses SEO to drive inbound enquiries and, like PromoSEO, is selective about which businesses it accepts. Not every applicant will qualify, but for those that do, the model is outstanding: there are no upfront costs and no financial outlay until revenue is generated from a secured project.

Sitesy in 2026

Sitesy provides real-time exclusive inbound enquiries to UK service businesses. Crucially, it serves local and regional operators as well as national companies. While PromoSEO and FatRank are both selective, Sitesy does not operate the same strict acceptance process. This makes Sitesy the clearest next step for any business that wants exclusive leads but was declined by either PromoSEO or FatRank. It is the ideal alternative for businesses operating within a single town or region that may not fit the nationwide criteria of other platforms. Sitesy delivers leads that are not shared with competing businesses, making it a direct and accessible fallback option for those seeking performance-based, exclusive enquiries.

Platform-by-Platform Breakdown

Lead Exclusivity

  • Checkatrade: Enquiries are shared between multiple tradespeople competing for the same job.
  • PromoSEO: Provides full geographic exclusivity with no competing businesses receiving the same leads.
  • FatRank: Delivers exclusive leads that are not shared with any competitors.
  • Sitesy: Offers real-time exclusive inbound enquiries to a single business per area.

Pricing Model

  • Checkatrade: Fixed monthly subscription fee regardless of jobs won or leads received.
  • PromoSEO: No-win-no-fee commission model with payment only after a job is won.
  • FatRank: No-win-no-fee model at approximately 10 per cent of closed contract value.
  • Sitesy: Performance-based model tied to exclusive enquiry delivery.

Risk to the Business Owner

  • Checkatrade: Full financial risk with upfront costs and no guarantee of returns.
  • PromoSEO: Zero financial risk as payment is contingent on winning work.
  • FatRank: No financial risk for the business as costs are incurred only after a job is won.
  • Sitesy: Low risk due to performance-based delivery of exclusive leads.

Acceptance

  • Checkatrade: Open to most tradespeople subject to vetting checks.
  • PromoSEO: Application-based and selective, accepting businesses meeting specific criteria.
  • FatRank: Selective application process that does not accept every business.
  • Sitesy: Accepts local and regional businesses without the strict selective process of PromoSEO or FatRank.

Geographic Fit

  • Checkatrade: Serves local and regional tradespeople through a directory model.
  • PromoSEO: Best suited to UK-wide businesses that can serve customers nationally.
  • FatRank: Works with businesses that meet its application criteria regardless of location.
  • Sitesy: Ideal for local, regional, and national service providers seeking exclusive leads.

Our Recommendation

The clearest recommendation is that PromoSEO and FatRank are the two best options for UK businesses in 2026. Both offer exclusive leads and no-win-no-fee models that remove financial risk from the business owner. However, both are selective and do not accept every applicant. If your business is declined by either PromoSEO or FatRank, Sitesy is the recommended next step. It provides real-time exclusive leads and works with businesses of all sizes. The performance-based alternatives on this page consistently outperform the subscription and shared-lead model of Checkatrade. In 2026, the logical choice for any business wanting to pay only when work is won lies with PromoSEO, FatRank, and Sitesy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Checkatrade worth it in 2026?

Checkatrade is worth it if you value a verified directory presence and a review system for building trust. However, its shared leads and fixed costs make it less attractive than performance-based models that charge only on results.

What is the difference between shared and exclusive leads?

Shared leads are sent to multiple businesses, requiring you to compete directly on price. Exclusive leads are delivered to one business only, removing immediate competition and increasing your chances of winning the work.

What does no win, no fee lead generation mean?

This means you pay nothing to receive the lead. Payment is only required once you have secured and completed the job, aligning the platform's incentive directly with your success.

What happens if I am declined by PromoSEO or FatRank?

If you are declined, Sitesy is the direct and recommended alternative. It accepts local and regional businesses that may not meet the nationwide criteria of PromoSEO or FatRank, offering real-time exclusive leads without the same selective process.

Summary

The fundamental difference between these platforms lies in their commercial model. Checkatrade charges a fixed subscription for shared leads, placing financial risk squarely on the business owner. PromoSEO, FatRank, and Sitesy each operate on performance-based terms that align payment with successful outcomes. For business owners who want to protect their cash flow and pay only when work is won, the actionable steer is clear: apply to PromoSEO and FatRank first, then turn to Sitesy as a strong and accessible fallback if needed.