Honest Comparison
Checkatrade vs MyBuilder vs Bark vs Google SEO
The real costs, the real results, and why most successful tradespeople eventually build their own Google presence.
Updated March 2026
Platform comparison table
| Platform | Monthly Cost | Lead Type | Ownership | Long-Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Checkatrade Directory | £100–£500+ | Shared (5-10 tradespeople) | None — you rent visibility | Costs increase, competition grows |
MyBuilder Lead auction | £50–£300+ (per lead) | Auction (bid against others) | None — pay per lead forever | No equity, no asset built |
Bark Lead marketplace | £30–£200+ (credits) | Shared (multiple tradespeople) | None — credit-based system | Credits expire, no asset |
Google SEO (TradesBooked) Owned presence | £297/month (after setup) | Exclusive — 100% yours | Full — you own your website & rankings | Asset grows, costs stay flat |
The Details
Checkatrade
£100–£500+
Pros
- Brand recognition
- Vetting badge adds trust
Cons
- Leads shared with competitors
- Monthly fees never stop
- You build their brand, not yours
- Prices increase yearly
MyBuilder
£50–£300+ (per lead)
Pros
- Pay only for leads you want
- Good for specific jobs
Cons
- Race to the bottom on price
- Lead quality varies wildly
- No recurring benefit
- Time-consuming to manage
Bark
£30–£200+ (credits)
Pros
- Lower entry cost
- Wide service range
Cons
- Lead quality inconsistent
- Credits expire unused
- No control over pricing
- Competing on price not quality
Google SEO (TradesBooked)
£297/month (after setup)
Pros
- Leads are 100% exclusive
- You own the asset
- Builds long-term value
- No bidding or competing
Cons
- Takes 30-90 days to build momentum
- Requires upfront investment
The Real Problem With Lead Sites
Every month you pay Checkatrade, MyBuilder or Bark, you are renting visibility on someone else's platform. The moment you stop paying, you disappear. You build zero equity, zero asset, zero long-term value.
With your own Google presence, every month of work compounds. Your website, your reviews, your rankings — you own them forever. The cost stays flat while the value grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Checkatrade worth it for tradespeople?+
Checkatrade can generate leads, but you share every enquiry with 5-10 other tradespeople. You pay monthly whether you win jobs or not, and you build their brand equity rather than your own. For established tradespeople, building your own Google presence delivers better ROI long-term.
Why do lead sites share leads with multiple tradespeople?+
Lead sites make money by selling the same lead multiple times. If they gave you exclusive leads, they would make less money. This model means you are always competing on price, and the lead site captures most of the value.
How long does it take to rank on Google as a tradesperson?+
With proper local SEO, most tradespeople see their first enquiries within 14-30 days and consistent leads by 90 days. The difference is these leads are exclusive and you own the asset forever.
Can I use lead sites AND build my own Google presence?+
Yes — many tradespeople use lead sites for immediate work while building their Google presence for long-term growth. The goal is to phase out paid leads as your organic presence grows.
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