How to Get Trade Leads on Checkatrade

For UK tradespeople looking to grow their business, Checkatrade is one of the most recognisable platforms around.

With its strong brand and wide consumer reach, it offers trades a way to promote their services online, gather customer reviews, and attract enquiries from local homeowners.

But while Checkatrade can be helpful for some, it may not be the right fit for every business model. Below is a breakdown of how it works, how to get the most out of it, and a look at some publicly shared experiences that may help inform your decision.

How Checkatrade Works

Checkatrade operates as a subscription-based directory. Tradespeople pay a monthly or annual fee to be listed on the platform, which includes:

• A personalised business profile
• The ability to showcase photos, services, and qualifications
• Access to online reviews and ratings from customers
• Verified checks for trust and transparency

Homeowners can then browse local professionals and make contact. Unlike some platforms, Checkatrade doesn't charge per lead — but your visibility may depend on your membership tier and profile quality.

How to Improve Your Results on Checkatrade

If you decide to use the platform, here are a few best practices:

✅ Keep Your Profile Complete & Up to Date

• Use high-quality images, clear service descriptions, and highlight any certifications or guarantees you offer.

✅ Collect and Respond to Reviews

• Actively ask for reviews after each job, and respond professionally to all feedback — this helps you build trust and boosts your ranking.

✅ Respond Promptly to Leads

• Homeowners often contact multiple trades at once. A quick, friendly response can make a big difference.

✅ Monitor Performance

• Use Checkatrade's built-in tools to track enquiries, views, and review scores. If results dip, consider updating your content or contacting support.

Considerations and External Perspectives

While many businesses find value in the platform, others have shared frustrations — particularly around costs, competition, and visibility. Here are some recent discussions from third-party sources:

💬 Fee Increases and Transparency Concerns

A post on Reddit's r/LegalAdviceUK forum shared one user's experience with automatic renewal and price hikes:

"They automatically renewed my subscription in November and it's gone from £160/month to £370/month... I'm locked in for a year and it's my fault for not questioning it at the time."

This highlights the importance of reading renewal terms carefully and regularly reviewing your account settings.

💬 Increasing Costs Pricing Out Smaller Trades

A detailed write-up in WED Magazine claimed that Checkatrade may be "alienating its core client base" by increasing costs — making it harder for smaller or newer trades to stand out.

"anger is brewing about the manner in which CheckaTrade is increasing its fees and according to some professionals, they’re getting a very poor service for this significant investment."

Should You Use Checkatrade?

It depends. Like any marketing tool, its success hinges on how well it aligns with your business goals, pricing, and bandwidth.

Some trades see great returns — especially those in busy areas with strong reputations and quick turnaround times. Others find the subscription model too rigid or the lead competition too steep.

If you're uncertain, consider testing the platform for a short period and tracking performance. At the same time, explore other channels like:

• Direct outreach (e.g. letters to new homeowners)
• Social proof on platforms like Google and Facebook
• Referral partnerships with estate agents or landlords
• Exclusive lead data tools that offer postcode targeting (such as HomebuyerLeads)

Final Thoughts

Checkatrade remains a major player in the trade marketing space, and for some, it's a core part of their lead generation strategy. But it's not the only option — and based on public feedback, it's clear that it may not suit everyone.

We recommend reading the fine print, asking other trades in your area for their experiences, and always combining platform leads with other forms of outreach to create a more reliable flow of work.