Honest Comparison
TradesBooked vs Checkatrade
Shared leads vs exclusive Google enquiries. See which delivers better ROI for UK tradespeople in 2026.
Updated March 2026
The Quick Verdict
Checkatrade gets you leads quickly, but you share every enquiry with 5-10 competitors, pay monthly forever, and build their brand rather than yours.
TradesBooked builds you a Google presence that delivers 100% exclusive leads. It takes 30-90 days to gain momentum, but you own the asset and leads are yours alone — no bidding, no sharing, no price wars.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | TradesBooked | Checkatrade |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | £297/month | £100–£500+/month |
| Lead exclusivity | 100% exclusive — only you | Shared with 5-10 tradespeople |
| Ownership | You own your website & rankings | You rent visibility on their platform |
| Long-term value | Asset grows over time | No equity — starts over if you stop |
| Time to results | 30-90 days to consistent leads | Immediate (but shared) |
| Lead quality | High — actively searching Google | Variable — price shoppers common |
| Price competition | None — you set your prices | High — competing with 5-10 others |
| Brand building | Builds YOUR brand | Builds THEIR brand |
The Problem with Checkatrade
Shared Leads = Price Wars
Every lead is sent to 5-10 tradespeople simultaneously. The customer gets bombarded with calls, and the job often goes to whoever quotes cheapest — not who is best.
Rising Costs, No Ownership
Checkatrade fees increase yearly, but you never own anything. Stop paying and your visibility disappears overnight. Years of membership = zero long-term value.
You Build Their Brand
Every review you earn, every job you do — it all strengthens Checkatrade's platform, not your business. Your reputation is trapped on their site.
The TradesBooked Advantage
100% Exclusive Leads
Every enquiry comes directly to you. No sharing, no competing, no bidding wars.
You Own the Asset
Your website, your Google rankings, your reputation. Stop paying and you still keep it.
Higher Quality Leads
Google searchers are actively looking for help. They contact you because they chose you.
Long-Term Value
Your Google presence compounds over time. The longer you rank, the more valuable it becomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Checkatrade worth it in 2026?
Checkatrade can generate leads, but every enquiry is shared with 5-10 other tradespeople who all contact the same customer. You pay monthly whether you win jobs or not. For established trades, building your own Google presence delivers better ROI because the leads are 100% exclusive to you.
How much does Checkatrade cost per month?
Checkatrade membership costs £100-£500+ per month depending on your trade, location, and how many categories you want to appear in. Prices typically increase each year, and you pay whether you get jobs or not.
Why do leads from Google convert better than Checkatrade?
When someone searches Google for "plumber near me", they are actively looking for help right now. Checkatrade leads often come from people comparing 5-10 quotes on price. Google searchers contact YOU specifically because they found YOUR website.
Can I cancel Checkatrade anytime?
Checkatrade typically requires notice periods and may have minimum terms. If you cancel, you lose all visibility immediately with nothing to show for your investment. With your own Google presence, you keep the asset forever.
Should I use both Checkatrade and Google SEO?
Many tradespeople use Checkatrade for immediate leads while building their Google presence. The smart strategy is to gradually reduce Checkatrade spend as your organic leads grow, eventually phasing it out entirely.
Ready for Exclusive Leads?
Stop sharing leads with competitors. Build a Google presence that delivers enquiries only to you.
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